As a beautician, helping your customers look and feel their very best is a true skill. But if you’ve been to a salon yourself for a haircut or other appointment, you know it also relies on trust. Your customers depend on you to uphold the highest standards of health, safety, and research so they can sit back, relax, and enjoy their treatment — whether that’s a leg wax, a manicure, or a facial — without concern.
Through my work as a beauty journalist and years of experience working in the industry, I’ve personally visited many salons and tried a wide variety of hair and beauty treatments. I’ve also gotten to know salon owners and learned more about what it takes to create a successful beauty business. Without question, the salons, hair stylists and aestheticians that beauty editors rave about are the ones that work to the highest standards of professionalism.
Establishing trust and a reputation like this involves showcasing your qualifications, including your cosmetology license. This legal requirement demonstrates you have the knowledge and training to provide safe and effective beauty treatments. In fact, it’s one of the first things I check if I’m invited in for a press treatment or simply want to try out a new salon or procedure. I’d never even consider recommending a salon that didn’t have one.
But how easy is it to get a cosmetology license, what does it tell consumers about your business, and what benefits can you expect it to bring to your business?
Read on to find out everything you need to know.
How to Get Your Cosmetology License
Ready to move forward? Follow these four steps to get your license.
1. Research your state’s cosmetology requirements.
The amount of training required to gain your cosmetology license depends on your state. In Alabama, for instance, you must complete 1,500 hours or 3,000 apprenticeship hours, while in Colorado, the requirements are 60 semester hours.
2. Enroll in cosmetology school.
Once you know what your state requires, you can start training at an accredited cosmetology school. Training usually includes practical hands-on experience and classroom-based learning. Remember, your state’s board of cosmetology must recognize the school you choose to ensure the training meets the required standards. Also, make sure the program aligns with your goals, especially if you want to specialize in a particular area, like skin treatments or hair color.
3. Register for — and pass — your state’s licensing exams.
Once you’ve finished training, register to take the associated exams. The American Association of Cosmetology Schools site can help you find the exam requirements in your state.
Before you can schedule your exam, you may need authorization from the test sponsor. You can then book the required tests, sometimes up to four to six weeks in advance. Licensing fees can vary by state and exam type, and the exams typically include both written and practical components.
4. Apply for your cosmetology license.
After you pass the exam, apply for your cosmetology license through your state. And once you’ve received that license, take a moment to celebrate and get ready to turn your passion into a thriving career.
Benefits of a Cosmetology License
A cosmetology license is one of the best investments you can make for your career and your business. For instance, Sharin Shafer, the Co-Founder of Apothecary IV, a medical micronutrient infusion company, says that a cosmetology license has been integral to the setup of her business in the US.
“The US aesthetics and wellness space is very regulated, which I personally feel provides a level of safety for the clients,” she says. “We are going through the process of registering our longevity products with the FDA. Regulations do vary by state, but are quite similar across the US. In any state in the US, you cannot do business without a valid license.”
Sharin goes on to explain that to create medical grade IV drips, the individual ingredients must be dispensed through licensed facilities, and administered through a regulated facility with the appropriate licenses, which vary by state. “Our formulas all meet the strict regulatory requirements of each state,” she adds.
Here are some of the additional benefits you can gain from obtaining a cosmetology license.
Increased job opportunities.
Top salons with good working practices will require you to hold a cosmetology license, so see it as an investment in your career. And if you want to open your own business, a license gives you credibility and can help attract and retain clients.
Higher earning potential and professional credibility.
If you’ve ever visited a clinic or professional and seen training certificates proudly displayed on the wall, you’ve probably felt reassured that you’re in the right place. Consumers are more savvy than ever, so when researching a salon or treatment, they’ll be looking for your training and experience — especially if you charge higher rates. Displaying your credentials on your business website can inspire more trust and increase your earning potential over time.
Ability to get insured against accidents.
No matter how skilled you are, beauty treatments involve some risks, and you could be held responsible for clients’ injuries and accidents if they happen during a service. It’s in these instances when you’ll want cosmetology insurance, and companies will only insure you if you have an up-to-date cosmetology license. Beauty services may seem low-risk, but accidents can still happen. Washing someone’s hair in a basin, for instance, can lead to neck injury in rare cases, or a client may have an allergic reaction to an eyelash treatment or facial.
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Maintaining Your Cosmetology License
Once you have your cosmetology license, you’re done right? Not exactly. You’ll need to stay up to date on beauty trends and keep your cosmetology license active throughout your career. By being proactive in the following areas, you can keep your skills sharp and help your business thrive.
Continue learning.
Advance your training throughout your career to ensure you’re up to date. Research and information changes all the time, so understand new legislation and cosmetology safety procedures.
Keep up with beauty trends.
From brow lamination to Hydrafacials and Morpheus8, there’s always a new beauty treatment consumers are excited about. By staying in the know and advancing your training, you can maintain your customers’ interest and attract new ones, too.
Emma Coleman, a Dermatology Nurse Practitioner and owner of Emma Coleman skin clinics, says that it’s important to stay abreast of the latest trends and also the newest clinical trials so that she can advise clients on how to get the best possible results for their skin concerns.
“Clients will come in and ask me about new treatments and if I don’t know what they are talking about they may question my professionalism,” she explains. “In the past 12 months we have added Morpheus 8 and Dermalux LED light to our offerings because we found that there was a gap in our offerings and the types of treatments our clients are looking for. We want to offer a wide range of different options to suit all skin types, concerns and budgets. We recently tried Sofwave, which we are considering at the moment as this slots in nicely alongside Microneedling and Radiofrequency.”
“When we purchase new machines the company generally comes in and helps us with on-site training,” Emma adds. “They also provide ongoing support, marketing materials etc. Most will have a medical hotline we can call just in case something unusual happens or if we have a question about a specific issuer.”
Know the license renewal process.
While it varies by state, most licenses last two to four years. Your cosmetology license will have an expiration date printed on it. So, make a note on your calendar. You can usually renew your license online three months before it expires.
Help Your Business Shine
Getting and maintaining a cosmetology license isn’t just a legal obligation; it’s a vital step in building trust with your clients. By demonstrating your accreditation, you reassure customers that you possess the expertise needed to deliver high-quality, safe beauty treatments. This not only enhances your credibility but also fosters lasting relationships with your clients, ultimately helping your cosmetology business grow. Invest in yourself and your career — get your license and secure your future business success.
References:
(1) Learn more at beautyschoolprograms.com/cosmetology-licensing-requirements/
(2) Learn more at myaacs.org/licensing/
(3) Learn more at myaacs.org/licensing/