North Carolina Cosmetology State Requirements

Guide To North Carolina Cosmetology Licensing Requirements

North Carolina, known for its scenic Blue Ridge Mountains and vibrant coastal shores, is a place where natural beauty thrives—and so does the art of cosmetology. Just as the state’s landscapes are shaped with care and precision, North Carolina’s cosmetologists bring dedication and artistry to their craft, enhancing beauty with skillful hands and creative vision.

For those dreaming of a career in cosmetology, North Carolina offers a structured path to licensure, ensuring that every professional is well-trained and ready to succeed. Whether you aspire to be a hairstylist, esthetician, or nail technician, the state’s licensing process equips you with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel in this dynamic industry.

This guide will walk you through the steps to becoming a licensed beauty professional in North Carolina, helping you turn your passion into a thriving career.

North Carolina Cosmetology Licensing Requirements

North Carolina requires cosmetologists to complete formal training, pass state exams, and meet continuing education requirements to maintain their license. Those seeking licensure can choose between a 1,500-hour cosmetology program or a 1,200-hour apprentice curriculum with additional performance requirements.

Licensing & Exam Requirements

To become a licensed cosmetologist in North Carolina, applicants must:

• Complete 1,500 hours at an approved cosmetology school or 1,200 hours in an apprentice program.
• Pass the state board exam with a minimum score of 75% (70% for apprentice license).
• Submit the appropriate fees and application.

Exam applications can be completed online at www.DLRoope.com or submitted by mail. Schools must approve online applications before submission.

Continuing Education Requirements

• Cosmetologists must complete 8 hours of continuing education (CE) per year, totaling 24 hours every three years before renewal.
• Those with 10+ years of experience and aged 60 or older are exempt from CE.
• Cosmetologists with 20+ consecutive years of experience do not need CE but must report any courses taken.

Apprenticeship Program

• Apprentices must work under a licensed North Carolina cosmetologist in a licensed salon.
• The program requires at least 1,040 hours, with full-time apprenticeships (38–40 hours/week) completed in 6 months.
• Apprenticeships cannot be completed in a barber shop or under a barber’s supervision.
• Multiple salons may be used, but each requires a separate affidavit.

License Reciprocity

To transfer a cosmetology license to North Carolina, applicants must:

• Hold an active license in good standing from a state that offers reciprocity.
• Meet all North Carolina Board requirements.

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North Carolina Esthetician Licensing Requirements

Estheticians in North Carolina follow many of the same licensing procedures as cosmetologists, including exams, fees, and continuing education requirements. However, esthetician training focuses solely on skincare, requiring fewer hours than cosmetology programs. Unlike cosmetologists, estheticians cannot obtain a license through an apprenticeship and must complete formal schooling.

Licensing & Exam Requirements

To become a licensed esthetician in North Carolina, applicants must:

• Complete 600 hours at an approved esthetics program.
• Pass the state board exam with a qualifying score.
• Submit the required fees and application.

Exam applications can be completed online at www.DLRoope.com or submitted by mail with payment.

Continuing Education Requirements

• Estheticians must complete 8 hours of Board-approved continuing education (CE) per year, totaling 24 hours every three years for license renewal.
• Licensees must provide written documentation proving CE completion.
• Those with 10+ years of experience and aged 60 or older are exempt from CE.
• Estheticians with 20+ consecutive years of experience do not need CE but must report any courses completed.

These requirements apply to all licensed beauty professionals in North Carolina, including cosmetologists, nail technicians, and natural hair care specialists.

License Reciprocity

North Carolina grants esthetician licenses through reciprocity for out-of-state professionals except for those licensed in Texas, Mississippi, or South Carolina. All other applicants must:

• Hold an active license in good standing from a state that offers reciprocity to North Carolina.
• Meet all North Carolina Board requirements.

Esthetics Instructor Licensing

To get an esthetics teacher license, applicants must:

• Hold a valid North Carolina esthetician or cosmetology license.
• Have three years of full-time industry experience or complete a 650-hour instructor training program.
• Pass the state instructor exam.

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North Carolina Natural Hair Stylist Licensing Requirements

North Carolina requires natural hair stylists to complete a shorter training program than cosmetologists, focusing exclusively on hair care techniques like braiding, twisting, and locking. Unlike other beauty professionals, natural hair stylists do not have continuing education requirements for license renewal.

Licensing & Exam Requirements

To become a licensed natural hair stylist in North Carolina, applicants must:

• Complete 300 hours of training at an approved cosmetic art school.
• Pass the state board exam with a qualifying score.
• Submit the required fees and application.

Exam applications can be completed online at www.DLRoope.com or submitted by mail with payment.

Continuing Education

Natural hair stylists do not need continuing education to renew their licenses.

License Reciprocity

North Carolina grants natural hair stylist licenses through reciprocity for out-of-state professionals except for those licensed in Texas, Mississippi, South Carolina, or Florida. All other applicants must:

• Hold an active license in good standing from a state that offers reciprocity to North Carolina.
• Meet all North Carolina Board requirements.

Natural Hair Stylist Instructor Licensing

To become a licensed instructor, applicants must:

• Hold a valid North Carolina natural hair stylist license.
• Have two years of full-time experience or complete a 320-hour instructor training program.
• Pass the state instructor exam.

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North Carolina Nail Technician Licensing Requirements

Nail technicians in North Carolina follow similar licensing procedures as other beauty professionals but require fewer training hours and have no apprenticeship option.

Licensing & Exam Requirements

To become a licensed nail technician in North Carolina, applicants must:

• Complete 300 hours of training at an approved cosmetic art school.
• Pass the state board exam with a qualifying score.
• Submit the required fees and application.

Exam applications can be completed online at www.DLRoope.com or submitted by mail with payment.

License Reciprocity

North Carolina grants nail technician licenses through reciprocity for out-of-state professionals except for those licensed in Texas, Mississippi, or South Carolina. All other applicants must:

• Hold an active license in good standing from a state that offers reciprocity to North Carolina.
• Meet all North Carolina Board requirements.

Nail Technician Instructor Licensing

To become a licensed nail instructor, applicants must:

• Hold a valid North Carolina nail technician or cosmetology license.
• Have two years of full-time experience or complete a 320-hour instructor training program.
• Pass the state instructor exam.

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North Carolina Barber Licensing Requirements

Barbering and hairstyling in North Carolina share some licensing similarities, including training at an approved school, passing state board exams, and license reciprocity options. However, barbers must complete more training hours, undergo an apprenticeship, and follow different renewal requirements compared to hairstylists.

Key Differences Between Barbers and Hairstylists

• Training Hours: Barbers must complete 1,528 hours at a Board-approved barber school, compared to 300 hours for hairstylists specializing in natural hair care.
• Apprenticeship Requirement: Barbers must complete a 12-month apprenticeship under a licensed barber after formal education. Hairstylists do not have an apprenticeship option.
• Exam Requirement: Barbers must pass a clinical examination to demonstrate hands-on proficiency in barbering techniques.
• License Renewal & Continuing Education: Barbers do not need continuing education (CE) for renewal. However, they must renew annually by May 31 and provide any required health certifications. Hairstylists also do not have CE requirements.
• Instructor Licensing: Barber instructors must pass an instructor’s exam based on the Textbook of Barber Styling and renew their certificate yearly.

All other licensing procedures, including application submission, fees, and reciprocity requirements, follow similar guidelines to hairstylists.

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North Carolina Makeup Artist Licensing Requirements

North Carolina does not offer a separate license for makeup artists. To work professionally, individuals must hold an esthetician license, which covers skincare and cosmetic application.

Even without a dedicated makeup artist license, liability insurance is essential to protect against potential risks, such as allergic reactions or client disputes.

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