How to Become a Cosmetologist: License Steps

To become a cosmetologist, you complete a state-approved cosmetology program at a beauty school, community college or high school career program, then pass your state board’s written and practical exams to earn a license. Required training hours vary widely by state, and some states also allow an apprenticeship under a licensed cosmetologist. You need a state license to work on paying clients.

Behind the chair

The services: cutting, coloring, chemical treatments, styling and, depending on your license, basic skin and nail care.
The setting: salons, spas, barbershops that hire cosmetologists, film and theater, and salon suites you rent yourself.
The physical side: standing for hours, repetitive hand and shoulder movement and working with chemicals.
The business side: building a book of regular clients, booking, rebooking, taking photos of your work and promoting yourself online.

Pay models differ: commission, hourly pay, booth or suite rental, or owning a salon. Ask how a salon works before you join.

Training routes

Cosmetology school: full-time programs often take around a year, and part-time takes longer. Your state sets the minimum hours.
High school career programs: some let you earn hours toward your license before graduation.
Community college: some offer cosmetology programs that may qualify for financial aid.
Apprenticeship: in some states you can train in a salon under a licensed professional instead of attending school.
Narrower licenses: esthetics, nail technology and barbering are separate licenses with their own training, sometimes shorter.

Comparing trades in general? Our guides on how to choose a trade and trade school vs college can help.

The state board exam and your license

After training, you take a written exam covering theory, sanitation, safety and state law, and a practical exam where you perform services, often on a mannequin, while an examiner watches. Many states use national exams written by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC). Licenses must be renewed, sometimes with continuing education, and moving to another state may mean meeting its rules. Requirements vary by state, so check your state board of cosmetology before choosing a school.

Step by step from high school

Practice on yourself, friends and mannequins, and follow working stylists to learn techniques.
Ask whether your high school or district offers a cosmetology program that counts toward state hours.
Tour several state-approved schools and ask about pass rates on the state exam, total cost and how much time you spend working on real clients.
Finish your required hours, then schedule your written and practical exams.
Get licensed and start as an assistant or junior stylist to build speed and a client base.
Keep taking advanced classes in color, cutting or a specialty that interests you.

Test the fit first

Shadow a stylist for a full day, including the slow hours and the cleanup.
Work as a salon receptionist to see how the business runs.
Ask stylists for informational interviews about income in the first two years and how they built a clientele.

Who thrives, and why some switch out

Cosmetologists who do well are creative, social, steady with their hands and comfortable running a small business of their own. The common reasons people leave are wear on the back, feet and wrists, chemical exposure and income that is uneven while you build a clientele. Many experienced cosmetologists move into teaching, product education, salon management or owning a salon.

Starting cosmetology as an adult

Part-time and evening programs make cosmetology possible while you work another job. Customer service, retail and art experience all help. If you hope to run your own chair or salon someday, our guide to mentoring for young entrepreneurs is worth a look, along with our advice on building a career without a degree. For current pay and outlook, check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Where a mentor helps

A mentor helps a student or young adult explore whether cosmetology fits, compare schools, stay accountable to logging hours and studying for the state board, and plan the first job and client base. Mentors are not credentialed career counselors, admissions counselors or licensing experts; the state board sets the rules. See our career and education mentoring and mentoring for high school students.

Common questions

How long does cosmetology school take?

Full-time programs often take around a year, though it depends on your state’s required hours and your schedule. Part-time programs take longer.

Can you become a cosmetologist through an apprenticeship?

In some states, yes. You train in a salon under a licensed professional instead of attending school, but the hour requirements are often higher.

What is on the cosmetology state board exam?

Most states give a written exam on theory, sanitation and state law and a practical exam where you perform services in front of an examiner.

Can I move my license to another state?

Often, but each state has its own rules, which may require extra hours or an exam. Check the new state’s board of cosmetology before you move.

Get started

Thinking about cosmetology and want a plan from school to your first clients? Call (888) 305 5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or start with a short assessment. A member of our team reviews every assessment personally and sets up a free intro call.

How to Become a Cosmetologist: School, State Board and Steps