Cosmetology professionals like hairdressers, manicurists and aestheticians offer a range of services including haircuts, styling, manicures, and skincare treatments. Electrologists use electricity to remove hair by applying it with a needle to the hair follicle. Barbers offer a range of services including haircuts, styling, shaving, perming, coloring, and facial treatments.
All three professions work closely with the public and are regulated by the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering.
Complete a school program
To become licensed you will need to complete a program in a board-approved school and then pass a written theory exam. Minimum school programs for each profession are:
- Cosmetologist
- Complete a 1,000-hour course in a licensed school
- Barber
- Complete a 1,000-hour course in a licensed school
- Manicurist
- Complete a 100-hour course in an approved program
- Aesthetician
- Complete a 600-hour course in an approved program
- Electrologist
- Complete a 1,100-hour course in an approved program
Apply and take the exam
Once you’ve completed your education, you will need to apply for your license, pay the application fee, and pass a written theory exam.
The board uses PSI to administer exams. You will need exam approval from PSI before you can schedule your exam.
You can find the application form and instructions on the PSI website. Application fees are:
- Cosmetologist $68
- Aesthetician $68
- Manicurist $68
- Barber $20
- Electrology $97
Fill out the application and email the completed application to MACOSprocessing@psionline.com.
Once your application is processed you will receive an email from PSI to schedule your exam.
Incomplete applications will be held open for 180 days from the date of application receipt in order to allow applicants to provide the missing information or documentation. After 180 days have elapsed, the incomplete application will be considered abandoned, and applicants will need to submit a new application and payment.
Get your license
If you pass the exam, your license will be mailed to you.