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 the Board before you can schedule your exam.
Application fees are:
- Cosmetologist $68
- Aesthetician $68
- Manicurist $68
- Barber $20
- Electrology $97
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.
How to apply
- When you create your MyMassGov account to access eLIPSE the first time, eLIPSE will ask you to enter information to help it locate your license and link it to your MyMassGov account.
- Please read the Linking Your License guide before creating your account to ensure it is linked correctly.
- Applications, renewals, and reinstatements must be submitted online through the eLIPSE platform.
- You will be asked to submit all required documents via the eLIPSE platform, including a DOL CORI form. Once submitted, you will be notified of any required next steps.
- Payment will also be made via the eLIPSE platform.
- For general instructions on managing your licenses and permits, view the DOL eLIPSE How-to-Guides.
- 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.