New Hampshire Cosmetology State Requirements

Step-by-Step New Hampshire Cosmetology Licensing Requirements

New Hampshire's cosmetology licensing process reflects the state's strong emphasis on professionalism, hands-on training, and high educational standards. Whether you're studying in a licensed cosmetology school or pursuing an approved apprenticeship, the Granite State offers multiple pathways to become a New Hampshire licensed cosmetologist.

Unlike some states, New Hampshire does not require continuing education for cosmetologists to renew their license, although instructors must meet education requirements regularly. The state also has detailed guidelines for license reciprocity, apprenticeships, and instructor certification to provide quality across the beauty industry.

This guide breaks down each step to help you meet the New Hampshire cosmetology state requirements, understand the training and exams involved, and prepare for a successful career in the beauty industry across the charming towns and vibrant communities of the Granite State.

New Hampshire Cosmetology Licensing Pathway: Age, Education, and Training Essentials

In New Hampshire, earning a cosmetology license follows a well-defined path that assures every New Hampshire licensed cosmetologist is fully qualified to serve clients professionally and safely. The New Hampshire Board of Barbering, Cosmetology, and Esthetics oversees licensing to maintain high standards across the state’s beauty industry. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required to obtain your New Hampshire cosmetology license:

Licensing Criteria

To legally practice as a licensed cosmetologist in New Hampshire, applicants must meet the following requirements under NH state law:

• Be of good professional character.
• Be at least 16 years of age.
• Have completed high school or its equivalent.
• Graduate from a Board-approved cosmetology school or complete approved apprentice training.
• Complete a minimum of 1,500 hours of cosmetology training at a licensed school or 3,000 apprenticeship hours over at least 18 months.
• Pass the required licensing exam conducted by the New Hampshire Board.
• New Hampshire uses the National Interstate Council (NIC) examinations for all license categories, including cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, and instructor licenses.
• Submit an application with all official documentation and pay the required licensing fee.

New Hampshire’s licensing structure offers flexibility through its school and apprenticeship pathways, allowing future cosmetologists to choose the training route that fits their needs.

Examination Requirements

To become a New Hampshire licensed cosmetologist, candidates must:

• Complete either 1,500 hours of approved school training or 3,000 hours of supervised apprentice training.
• Pass both the written and practical licensing exam set by the New Hampshire State Board of Barbering, Cosmetology, and Esthetics.
• Meet the board’s passing score criteria.
• Submit the exam application form along with the examination fee.
• Wait for notification from the board, which provides at least 10 days’ notice of exam dates, times, and locations.

Continuing Education

There are no continuing education requirements for New Hampshire cosmetologists to renew their license. However, cosmetology instructors must complete 28 hours of continuing education each renewal cycle.

Apprenticeship Programs

If choosing the apprenticeship route, applicants must:

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Provide official proof of age and good professional character.
• Submit the required apprentice application to the board.
• Pay all applicable fees established by the board.

License Reciprocity

The New Hampshire Board offers license reciprocity for applicants licensed in other states if:

• To become a cosmetology instructor in New Hampshire, applicants must:
• Hold a valid New Hampshire cosmetology license.
• Complete one of the following:
  • 800 hours of instructor training at a board-approved school.
  • 500 hours of instructor training with at least 12 months of shop employment.
  • At least 8 years of documented employment as a licensed cosmetologist.
• Submit supporting documents, including work history, hours completed, and proof of licensure.
• Pass both a written and a practical instructor licensing exam.

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Estheticians

Licensing Criteria

Individuals who wish to provide skincare services in New Hampshire must get a New Hampshire esthetician license. To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements set by the New Hampshire Board of Barbering, Cosmetology, and Esthetics:

• Be of good professional character.
• Be at least 16 years of age.
• Have completed high school or its equivalent.
• Graduate from a Board-approved esthetics program.
• Complete a minimum of 600 hours of esthetician training at a licensed school.
• Pass both the written and practical licensing exams administered by the New Hampshire State Board.
• Submit a completed application with all required official documentation and pay the application fee.

Examination Requirements

To receive a New Hampshire esthetician license, candidates must:

• Complete 600 hours of approved esthetician training.
• Pass both written and practical exams based on the board’s standards.
• Receive notification of exam details at least 10 days before the scheduled date.
• Pay all required examination and licensing fees upon successful completion.

Apprenticeship Programs

For those interested in esthetics apprentice training, applicants must:

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Submit proof of age and good professional character to the board.
• Pay all apprenticeship application and registration fees.
• Meet the board’s requirements for approved apprentice training under a licensed esthetician.

License Reciprocity

The New Hampshire Board allows license reciprocity for estheticians who:

• Hold an active, unrestricted esthetician license from another state.
• Meet licensing standards that are substantially equivalent to or higher than those required in New Hampshire.
• Have a license in good standing, without disciplinary actions or unresolved issues.
• May be required to meet additional board requirements or complete the NH state law exam if needed.

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Hairstylists/Barbers

Licensing Criteria

In New Hampshire, hairstylists are licensed under the Master Barbering category through the New Hampshire Board of Barbering, Cosmetology, and Esthetics. To legally perform barbering or hairstyling services, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be of good professional character.
• Be at least 16 years of age.
• Have completed high school or its equivalent.
• Complete an approved barbering program or apprentice training.
• Fulfill one of the following training options:
  • 1,500 hours of training at a board-approved school for master barbering.
  • 3,000 apprenticeship hours completed over at least 18 months under a licensed barber with two years of in-state experience.
  • 8 years of documented shop employment.
• Pass the state barbering examination.
• Submit a complete application along with required official documentation and fees.

Licensed cosmetologists in New Hampshire may take additional board-approved training to pursue a barber license.

Examination Requirements

Barbering candidates must:

• Complete either 1,500 school hours, 3,000 apprenticeship hours, or meet shop employment criteria.
• Pass both written and practical examinations administered by the New Hampshire State Board.
• Achieve a passing score based on the board’s established guidelines.
• Receive exam notifications at least 10 days prior to testing.
• Pay all exam and licensing fees upon passing.

Apprenticeship Programs

Applicants pursuing the apprentice pathway must:

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Submit proof of age and good professional character.
• Complete the apprentice application process through the board.
• Pay the applicable apprentice registration and training fees.

License Reciprocity

Barbers licensed in other states may apply for a New Hampshire barber license through reciprocity if:

• Their out-of-state license is active, unrestricted, and in good standing.
• The other states’ licensing standards are substantially equivalent to or higher than those in New Hampshire.
• Additional board requirements may apply, including the NH state law exam, depending on credential evaluation.

Instructor Licensing

To become a barbering instructor in New Hampshire, applicants must:

• Hold a current New Hampshire barber license.
• Complete one of the following pathways:
  • 700 hours of instructor training at a board-approved school.
  • 400 instructor training hours with at least 12 months of shop employment.
  • 8 years of documented shop employment.
• Submit all required supporting documentation, including proof of licensure, work experience, and training hours.
• Pass both the written and practical instructor examinations.

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Nail Technicians/Manicurists

Licensing Criteria

To legally perform nail care services as a nail technician in New Hampshire, applicants must meet the following licensing requirements established by the New Hampshire Board of Barbering, Cosmetology, and Esthetics:

• Be of good professional character.
• Be at least 16 years of age.
• Have completed high school or its equivalent.
• Graduate from a Board-approved manicuring program.
• Complete 300 hours of nail technology training at a licensed school.
• Pass both the written and practical licensing examinations administered by the board.
• Submit a complete application with all required official documentation and pay the applicable fees.

Examination Requirements

In order to sit for the New Hampshire licensing exam, applicants must:

• Complete 300 hours of professional nail technology training from a board-approved school.
• Pass both the written and practical portions of the licensing exam according to board standards.
• Receive notification from the board at least 10 days prior to the scheduled exam date.
• Pay all required examination and licensing fees upon successful completion.

Apprenticeship Programs

To enter a New Hampshire nail technician apprenticeship program, individuals must:

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Submit proof of age and good professional character.
• Complete the apprentice registration process through the board.
• Pay any fees established by the New Hampshire Board.

License Reciprocity

Nail technicians licensed in other states may apply for a New Hampshire nail technician license through reciprocity if:

• The applicant holds an active, unrestricted license in good standing.
• The licensing standards of the other state are substantially equivalent to or exceed those of New Hampshire.
• Additional board requirements may apply, including the NH state law exam, depending on credential review.

Instructor Licensing

To become a nail technician instructor in New Hampshire, applicants must:

• Hold a valid New Hampshire nail technician license.
• Complete one of the following options:
  • 550 hours of instructor training from a board-approved manicuring school.
  • 250 hours of instructor training plus 12 months of shop employment.
  • 8 years of documented shop employment as a licensed nail technician.
• Submit all required supporting documents, including licensure verification, proof of training, and employment history.
• Pass both the written and practical instructor examinations.

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Makeup Artists

In New Hampshire, makeup artists are licensed under the broader categories of esthetics or cosmetology, depending on the type of services provided. Anyone performing makeup application, skincare, or related beauty services must obtain either a New Hampshire cosmetology license or a New Hampshire esthetician license, following the state’s specific training, examination, and licensing requirements for each field.

For detailed guidance on licensing options, applicants should contact the New Hampshire Board of Barbering, Cosmetology, and Esthetics for the most current regulations and requirements.

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