Louisiana Cosmetology State Requirement for Licensure

Step-by-Step Louisiana Cosmetology Licensing Requirements

Louisiana’s licensing requirements for cosmetologists are rooted in structure, state standards, and local pride. Whether you’re perfecting hair removal techniques in a bustling Baton Rouge beauty shop or mastering manicuring in the heart of New Orleans, licensure in this state starts with solid training and ends with a board-approved certificate.

The Louisiana Board of Cosmetology enforces regulations that include minimum age, secondary education, completion of required hours at an approved school, and successful completion of the state board examinations. Unlike some states, Louisiana does not currently mandate continuing education for general license renewal, but it does for instructors and educators.

This guide will take you step by step through the process of earning your Louisiana cosmetology license, from your first day in school to passing the practical exam, submitting the appropriate fee, and avoiding scammers posing as state board officials (who may never request phone payments). Get ready to meet every cosmetology state requirement with confidence.

Cosmetology Licensing Pathway: Age, Education, and Training Essentials

In Louisiana, earning your cosmetology license requires following a structured pathway set by the Louisiana Board of Cosmetology. From secondary education to formal training and passing exams, each step assures you’re qualified to safely and professionally provide cosmetology services across the state, whether in a Lafayette salon or a Lake Charles mobile beauty unit.

Licensing Criteria

To legally practice cosmetology in Louisiana, you must meet the following state board requirements:

• Be at least 16 years old.

• Show proof of completion of the 10th grade or equivalent elementary and secondary education from an approved high school.

• Graduate from a Louisiana Board-approved cosmetology school after completing 1,500 training hours across at least 36 weeks.

• Successfully pass both the written and practical exams prescribed by the board of cosmetology.

• Submit a completed application with all required documents.

• Pay the appropriate fee.

If you’re interested in hair styling only, Louisiana offers a separate permit for Alternative Hair Design, but for most beauty careers, including hair removal, esthetics, and manicuring, you’ll need to have a full cosmetology license.

Examination Requirements

To take the required state board examinations, applicants must:

• Complete the full 1,500-hour program at a registered school.

• Submit an exam application with a student registration certificate, photo ID, and the initial license fee.

• Pass both the written and practical exams administered by the Louisiana board.

The exam is only available in English, and the board warns all applicants to stay aware of scammers posing as state board officials. State board inspectors never request phone payments.

Continuing Education

Louisiana does not require continuing education for licensed cosmetologists. However, licensed instructors must attend a continuing education seminar every two years, approved by the board office, and complete at least 16 hours of teacher's training in their certified discipline.

Apprenticeship Programs

Louisiana does not offer apprenticeship pathways toward initial cosmetology licensure. All applicants must complete the full curriculum through a board-approved school to meet the cosmetology certificate qualifications.

License Reciprocity

Out-of-state professionals may qualify for a Louisiana cosmetology license through reciprocity if:

• Even if they have taken the NIC (National Interstate Council) exam are also willing to take and pass the Louisiana state exam (offered only in English).

• They submit a reciprocity application and pay the state exam fee.

• They must complete the Louisiana exams.

Louisiana will only issue a certificate after confirming your previous license is valid, your training matches or exceeds Louisiana’s curriculum, and all requirements are met.

Instructor Licensing

To become an instructor, applicants must:

• Hold a valid cosmetology certificate.

• Complete 500 hours of teacher's training at a registered school under the supervision of a licensed teacher.

• Pass the examination prescribed by the Louisiana Board of Cosmetology.

Instructors who have held their license for 5 years and completed 16 hours of continuing education each year earn the prestigious title of Master Cosmetology Instructor. 

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Estheticians

Licensing Criteria

Anyone wishing to perform skin care services in Louisiana must receive an esthetician license through the Louisiana Board of Cosmetology. The licensure process confirms that professionals meet statewide qualifications in both education and hands-on skills. Requirements include:

• Being at least 16 years old. Completion of the 10th grade or equivalent elementary and secondary education.

• Successful graduation from a board-approved esthetics program that includes the full 750-hour curriculum.

• Passing both written and practical examinations administered by the board.

• Submitting an application along with required documents and paying the appropriate fee.

This cosmetology state requirement is enforced to assure high-quality skin care and hair removal services throughout Louisiana, from bustling Baton Rouge spas to intimate Shreveport beauty shops.

Examination Requirements

To sit for the required state board examinations, candidates must:

• Complete 750 hours of training at a licensed esthetics school approved by the Louisiana Board of Cosmetology.

• Pass both the written and practical exams based on the board’s current standards.

• Submit a fully completed application, certified under oath, with all supporting documents and fees.

• Examinations are conducted at least four times annually and include oral, written, and hands-on demonstrations.

License Reciprocity

The board of cosmetology may issue an esthetician certificate of registration to qualified professionals from another state or country who meet the following criteria:

• Hold a valid license or cosmetology certificate in good standing from their original licensing authority.

• Have completed the required coursework and successfully passed appropriate examinations.

• Submit a reciprocity application with all required documents and pay the certification fee.

Applicants must still pass Louisiana’s own state exam to get licensure. Currently, this exam is only administered in English.

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Hairstylists / Barbers

Licensing Criteria

In Louisiana, hairstylists and barbers are regulated under separate boards, but both professions require licensure to perform services legally. Hairstylists are licensed through the Louisiana Board of Cosmetology, while the Board of Barber Examiners oversees barbers. To practice, individuals must meet the following licensing requirements:

• Be at least 17 years old.

• Possess a high school diploma or its equivalent.

• Complete the required curriculum at a board-approved school, 1,500 hours for barbers, or hold a Louisiana cosmetology license for hairstylists.

• Successfully pass both written and practical exams administered by the appropriate state board.

• Submit the required application, photographs, and fee.

Note: Louisiana also offers a special Alternative Hair Design permit through the board of cosmetology. All other hair-related services require a full cosmetology license or barber license.

Examination Requirements

To qualify for licensure through the Board of Barber Examiners, applicants must:

• Complete 1,500 hours of instruction within 9 months, with no more than 8 hours of instruction per day.

• Submit signed photographs and the appropriate exam and license fees.

• Pass both a written and practical demonstration, following board qualifications and guidelines.

• Applications must be submitted using board-issued forms.

For hairstylists under the cosmetology track, requirements fall under the Louisiana Board of Cosmetology, as outlined in previous sections.

Continuing Education

Barbers must attend 16 hours of continuing education annually. Eight hours must be completed through the Barber Board education workshop, and the remaining hours may be taken through other board-approved programs.

Hairstylists under cosmetology licensure do not have continuing education requirements for renewal, but instructors must comply with board-mandated training every two years.

Apprenticeship Programs

Louisiana allows barber apprenticeships but not for cosmetology or hairstyling licensure. To qualify for a barber apprenticeship, individuals must:

• Be at least 17 years old.

• Possess a high school diploma or GED.

• Pay a non-refundable registration fee.

• Train under a licensed barber in a licensed barber shop.

• Complete 400 practical hours and 288 theory hours over two years.

• Pass the state board examination to receive full licensure.

Instructor Licensing

To become a barber instructor in Louisiana, applicants must:

• Hold a valid barber license and have actively practiced for at least two years.

• Be of good moral character and temperate habits.

• Submit the board-approved application with the required fee.

• Provide a high school diploma or equivalent as approved by the Department of Education.

• Graduate from a barber college and pass an instructor’s exam conducted by the board.

Hairstyling instructor or registered teacher fall under the teacher's training requirements of the Louisiana Board of Cosmetology and must complete 500 hours of supervised training and pass the examination prescribed by the board.

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Nail Technicians / Manicurists

Licensing Criteria

To legally offer nail care services in Louisiana, individuals must obtain a manicurist certificate of registration issued by the Louisiana Board of Cosmetology. The following licensing requirements must be met:

• Be at least 16 years old.

• Have completed the 10th grade or equivalent secondary education from an approved high school.

• Complete a 500-hour manicuring course at a licensed cosmetology school approved by the board.

• Successfully pass both the written and practical exams administered by the board.

• Submit a completed application with all necessary documentation and pay the appropriate fee.

This pathway confirms that every nail technician in Louisiana meets the state board qualifications to safely and professionally perform manicures, pedicures, and other nail care services across salons and mobile units.

Examination Requirements

To be eligible for the required state board examinations, applicants must:

• Complete 500 hours of training in a licensed Louisiana cosmetology school.

• Demonstrate competency during a practical exam and pass both oral and written tests.

• Submit proof of qualifications through a signed application certified under oath.

• Pay the examination and registration fees as determined by the board office.

License Reciprocity

The Louisiana Board of Cosmetology allows out-of-state or international nail technicians to apply for licensure through reciprocity, provided they:

• Hold a current manicuring or cosmetology certificate from a state or country with equivalent education and state board exam requirements.

• Have successfully passed a written and practical examination.

• Submit a reciprocity application and pay the required certification fee.

Applicants must still take and pass the Louisiana state exam, which is currently only available in English.

Instructor Licensing

To become a manicuring instructor in Louisiana, applicants must:

• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent approved by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

• Complete at least 500 hours of teacher's training under a licensed teacher in no fewer than three months

• Possess a license as a manicuring instructor issued by another state possess a license as a manicuring instructor issued by another state.

• Hold a valid manicuring or cosmetology certificate and have been actively engaged in nail services for at least 12 months prior to beginning the training.

• Successfully pass the examination prescribed by the board for instructor certification.

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Makeup Artists

In Louisiana, makeup artists must receive a cosmetology certificate or esthetician license, depending on the scope of services they provide. Individuals offering makeup application, cosmetic skin care, or hair removal services must meet the Louisiana cosmetology state requirement for the appropriate license type.

The Louisiana Board of Cosmetology issues a special permit to individuals who have completed 40 hours of training in makeup application at a board-approved Louisiana cosmetology school. This permit authorizes the practice of applying cosmetic preparations for events, photography, and theatrical purposes.

For more advanced or full-service offerings, such as facials or waxings, practitioners must get a full esthetician or cosmetology license and meet all relevant training, exam, and certification requirements.

For the most up-to-date licensing information or to confirm whether your services fall under esthetics or general cosmetology, contact the Louisiana Board of Cosmetology directly.

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