How to get a cosmetology license

So, what is cosmetology, and is it the right path for you? A cosmetologist is a professional who specializes in providing beauty and aesthetic services, primarily in the areas of hair, skin, and nails. They are trained and skilled in performing various tasks such as cutting, styling, and coloring hair, providing facials and skincare treatments, and performing nail treatments like manicures and pedicures. Cosmetologists are often found in salons, spas, and beauty clinics, where they help clients enhance their appearance and boost their self-confidence through various beauty treatments.

If you aspire to enter the cosmetology field, either as a hairstylist, makeup artist, esthetician, or other related field, you will need a cosmetology license to legally practice these services.

Specifics regarding education at an esthetician school, exams, and licensing for cosmetologists differ from state to state, but here are the general requirements to get you started and help you obtain a license so you can begin your career.

📌 Interested in starting your own cosmetology business? Check out these sisters who started a nail salon together.

Basic requirements to getting a cosmetology license

You must be at least sixteen years of age and have a high school diploma or GED to be eligible for a cosmetology license. However, there could be other basic requirements depending on what state you live in, so make sure to research your state’s specific cosmetology license requirements.

📢 Related: Do you need a business license?

Educational requirements to getting a cosmetology license

In order to obtain a cosmetology license, you need to pass a state board exam and meet certain educational requirements. The specifics of your cosmetology education will vary by state, school, and specialization. In most states, you will have to enroll in an accredited cosmetology school to qualify to take the cosmetology license exam. You can look up exactly how many educational hours your state requires you to complete, but plan on devoting between 1,000 to 2,100 hours.

In some states, like Alaska, you can complete 2,000 hours of an apprenticeship under a licensed cosmetologist instead of enrolling in a cosmetology school.  
If you want to know how to become an esthetician or a nail technician, for example, the educational requirements will most likely be different. You may be able to complete fewer course hours if you choose a specialty.

If you do not choose a specialty, the curriculum typically includes courses in hair cutting, hair styling, facials, manicures, and makeup artistry - to name a few.  

Contents of the cosmetology state board exam

The contents of the exam to obtain a cosmetology license vary by state. Some states only require a written exam, while others require a written and practical exam. In the written exam, there are typically questions on cosmetology terms, safety practices, state-specific laws, and cosmetology theory, such as how to cut hair based on the correct theory.

If your state requires you to take a practical exam, you could be asked to demonstrate your knowledge of hair care and cutting (such as hair relaxers and dyes), how to do waxing and tweezing, massage techniques, as well as sanitation and safety procedures.

Insurance for cosmetologists

📌 Those who enter the cosmetology field often find themselves as solopreneurs – serving clients in salons, at their clients’ homes, or at their own home. In this case, it is important that you protect your cosmetology business with the proper insurance.

Here are some common reasons that cosmologists get sued and how insurance can help.

1. Lost wages 💰
A hairstylist dyes a client's hair and leaves the treatment on for too long, which results in scalp burns and damage to the hair itself. The client sues for emotional distress, bodily injury from the burns, and loss of wages because she could not return to work for several weeks.  Professional liability insurance could protect you if such a claim is made.

2. Treatment gone wrong ⚠️
A beautician waxes a customer’s eyebrows, and their skin gets severely irritated. The customer has to cancel a modeling job and go to the doctor to get treatment, so they sue the cosmetologist. This is another situation where a professional liability policy could protect you.

3. Personal injury 🗣
A make-up artist went to a bar after work with some friends. After a few drinks, she began talking loudly about a client. The comments were overheard by friends of the client, so word got back to the client, who sued the make-up artist for slander. General liability insurance may protect make-up artists against third-party claims of defamation and slander.

4. Bodily injury 🩹
A customer cuts their foot on a piece of glass from a nail polish bottle that had fallen off the counter and broken in your shop earlier that day. The customer’s foot gets infected, and they end up in the hospital for treatment. The subsequent claim and related medical expenses could be covered by a general liability insurance policy.

5. Damage to client property 🔥
A hairdresser is asked to perform on-site services for the bridal party of a wedding at her client's home. While there, her equipment malfunctions and starts a small fire. The client sues for damages to her home and mental distress. General liability insurance may protect the hairdresser against third-party claims for property damage, bodily injury and related medical costs, up to the policy’s limits.

Unlock the beauty of peace of mind with cosmetology business insurance from Hiscox. See how we can help safeguard your dreams, get a quote today.