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Are you dreaming of launching a beauty career in the heart of Texas? You’re at the right spot! Start on your journey to become a licensed cosmetologist in Texas with this detailed guide that walks you through every necessary step, from finding the right beauty school to passing your state board exams. Let’s turn those dreams of hair styling into dazzling reality!
Cosmetology Licensing Requirements in Texas
Everything’s bigger in Texas, including the beauty industry! From bustling urban salons in Austin and Dallas to trendy boutique parlors along the Gulf Coast, becoming a cosmetologist opens doors to endless opportunities. Whether you dream of transforming clients’ looks or starting your own beauty empire, the Lone Star State is a hotspot for creativity and innovation in cosmetology.
Hairstylists in Texas are considered cosmetologists, which means they must meet the same licensing requirements to practice professionally. Protect your hairstylist career and creativity with hairstylist liability insurance from Elite Beauty Society.
To practice cosmetology in Texas, individuals must obtain a cosmetology operator’s license by meeting the following qualifications:
Applicants must be at least 17 years old.
A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
Completion of training at a Board-approved school with the prescribed number of instructional hours is mandatory.
Applicants must pass both a written and practical examination.
A completed application, along with required documents, must be submitted.
All applicable fees must be paid.
Examination Eligibility and Requirements
To take the cosmetology licensure exams, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:
Complete 1,500 hours of instruction at a licensed beauty culture school, OR
Complete 1,000 hours of beauty culture instruction and 500 hours of career-related courses in a public high school vocational program, OR
Complete 300 hours of training through an approved beauty culture school program and hold an active Class A barber certificate.
Additional exam details include:
Candidates must pass the written test before taking the practical exam.
A minimum passing score of 70 is required for both tests.
After passing both exams, candidates must pay the licensing fee to receive their operator’s license.
Continuing Education Requirements
Texas cosmetologists must renew their license every two years. To qualify for renewal, licensees must complete four hours of continuing education from department-approved courses, which must include:
1 hour focused on sanitation topics
3 hours on any other approved subjects
Apprenticeship Programs
Texas does not accept cosmetology training or work experience gained through apprenticeship programs.
License Reciprocity
Professionals licensed in other states or territories may qualify for a Texas cosmetology license if their state’s education and exam requirements are comparable to those in Texas. Work experience may also count toward meeting equivalency standards.
States with Substantially Equivalent Requirements:Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Guam, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
States Requiring One Year of Experience:Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virgin Islands
States Requiring Two Years of Experience:Florida, New York
Applicants from eligible states must also provide a Certified Transcript of Hours to verify non-apprenticeship training.
Instructor Licensing Requirements
To become a licensed cosmetology instructor in Texas, applicants must meet these qualifications:
Be at least 18 years old.
Hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
Possess an active cosmetology operator license.
Fulfill one of the following education or experience requirements:
Complete 750 hours of instructor training, OR
Have one year of work experience as a licensed operator, plus either 500 hours of training in an approved program or 15 semester hours in education courses completed in the last 10 years, OR
Earn a degree in education from an accredited college or university.
Pass both a written and practical exam.
Submit the required application and fees.
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Licensing Requirements for Estheticians in Texas
Texans know how to shine, and as an esthetician, you’ll be the secret weapon behind glowing complexions across the state. As an esthetician, you’ll help clients feel confident in their skin while staying on the pulse of the latest trends in self-care. Texas offers endless possibilities for growth and success in a career that’s all about making people feel their absolute best.
To practice as an esthetician in Texas, individuals must obtain a state-issued license by meeting the following qualifications:
Be at least 17 years old.
Possess a high school diploma or equivalent or pass a valid exam from a certified testing agency demonstrating readiness for training.
Complete the required training hours at a Board-approved school.
Successfully pass both a written and practical examination.
Submit a completed application with supporting documents.
Pay all applicable fees.
Examination Requirements
To be eligible for the licensing exams, candidates must:
Complete 750 hours of training at a licensed beauty culture school.
Pass the written exam before becoming eligible for the practical exam.
Score at least 70% or higher on both exams.
Pay the licensing fee after passing both exams.
Continuing Education Requirements
Estheticians in Texas are required to renew their licenses every two years. Renewal requires the completion of 4 hours of continuing education through department-approved courses, including:
1 hour on sanitation topics
3 hours on other approved subjects
License Reciprocity
Estheticians licensed in other states or territories may qualify for a Texas license if their state’s education and exam standards are comparable to those in Texas. Relevant work experience may also help meet equivalency requirements. Proof of non-apprenticeship training, such as a Certified Transcript of Hours, is required for reciprocity.
States with Substantially Equivalent Requirements:Alabama, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Nevada, Tennessee, Utah (Master Esthetician).
States Requiring One Year of Experience:Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Utah (Barber).
States Requiring Two Years of Experience:Florida, New York.
Instructor Licensing Requirements
To become a licensed esthetics instructor in Texas, applicants must meet these criteria:
Be at least 18 years old.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Hold an active license as an esthetician, manicurist, or esthetician/manicurist.
Fulfill one of the following education or experience requirements:
Complete 750 hours of instructor training, OR
Have one year of licensed work experience in the specialty being taught, along with either:
500 hours of training in an approved program, OR
15 semester hours in education courses completed in the last 10 years, OR
A degree in education from an accredited college or university.
Pass both a written and practical exam.
Submit the required application and fees.
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State Requirements for Nail Technicians in Texas
In the Lone Star State, where everything from a handshake to a high-five carries weight, well-groomed nails are more than just a luxury—they’re part of making a lasting impression. Nail technicians help Texans put their best hand forward, making this a rewarding career in a state that values beauty, hospitality, and individuality.
To practice as a nail technician in Texas, individuals must meet the following qualifications to obtain their license:
Be at least 17 years old.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent, OR pass a valid examination demonstrating readiness for training.
Graduate from a Board-approved nail technician program and complete the required instructional hours.
Successfully pass both written and practical exams.
Submit the application with all required documentation.
Pay the applicable licensing fees.
Examination Requirements
To qualify for the nail technician exams, candidates must:
Complete 600 hours of instruction at a licensed beauty school.
Pass the written exam before taking the practical exam.
Achieve a minimum passing score of 70% on each exam.
Pay the licensing fee upon successfully passing both exams.
Continuing Education Requirements
Nail technicians must renew their licenses every two years. To qualify for renewal, license holders are required to complete four hours of continuing education, including:
1 hour focused on sanitation training
3 hours covering any other approved topics
License Reciprocity
Nail technicians licensed in other states may qualify for a Texas license if their state’s education and examination requirements are comparable. Work experience may also count toward meeting equivalency in certain cases. A Certified Transcript of Hours must be submitted to verify non-apprenticeship training for reciprocity eligibility.
States with Substantially Equivalent Requirements:Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Kentucky, Nevada, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Washington
States Requiring One Year of Experience:Alaska, California, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
States Requiring Two Years of Experience:Florida, New York
Instructor Licensing Requirements
To become a licensed nail technician instructor in Texas, applicants must meet these qualifications:
Be at least 18 years old.
Hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
Possess an active nail technician, esthetician, or esthetician/nail technician license.
Fulfill one of the following educational requirements:
750 hours of instructor training, OR
One year of licensed work experience, plus either 500 hours of approved training or 15 semester hours in education courses completed within the past 10 years, OR
A degree in education from an accredited college or university.
Pass both written and practical instructor exams.
Submit the application and pay the required fees.
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Texas Barbers Licensing Requirements
With a booming population and a fashion-forward culture, there’s never been a better time to step into the barbering industry. Fades, trims, and precision cuts are in high demand, fueled by social media trends and a renewed focus on self-care. Whether cutting for professionals, influencers, or anyone looking to stand out, Texas offers a golden opportunity for barbers to build loyal client bases and grow their businesses.
To become a licensed barber in Texas, individuals must obtain a Class A barber license by fulfilling these requirements:
Be at least 16 years old.
Have completed at least the seventh grade or its equivalent.
Graduate from a Board-approved barbering program and complete the required hours of instruction.
Pass both written and practical licensing exams.
Submit the application with all necessary documentation.
Pay the applicable licensing fees.
Examination Requirements
To sit for the barber licensing exams, applicants must:
Complete 1,500 hours of training at a certified barber school.
Pass both the written and practical exams.
Pay the required fee upon successfully passing the exams to receive the license.
License Reciprocity
Barbers licensed in other states or territories may qualify for a Texas license if their state’s education and examination requirements are comparable. Applicants must submit a Certified Transcript of Hours as proof of non-apprenticeship training for reciprocity eligibility.
States with Substantially Equivalent Requirements:Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Guam, Idaho (Master Barber), Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire (Master Barber), North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah (Barber/Cosmetologist), Virginia
States Requiring One Year of Experience:Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Utah (Barber), Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin
States Requiring Two Years of Experience:Connecticut, Florida, Idaho (Barber), Massachusetts, New Hampshire (Barber), Oregon, Utah (Barber), Vermont, Wyoming
Instructor Licensing Requirements
To teach barbering in Texas, applicants must meet the following qualifications:
Be at least 18 years old.
Hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
Possess an active Class A Barber certificate.
Fulfill one of the following educational requirements:
750 hours of instructor training, OR
One year of licensed experience, plus either 500 hours of training in an approved program or 15 semester hours in education courses completed within the past 10 years, OR
A degree in education from an accredited institution.
Pass both the written and practical instructor exams.
Submit the application and pay the required fees.
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A Hands-On Career Path for High School Students
Why wait to start your career? High school cosmetology programs in Texas offer a head start for students eager to break into the beauty industry. With 1,000 hours of beauty culture training and 500 hours of related coursework, you can graduate with a skillset that opens doors to exciting opportunities right after high school.
Other Licensed Professions to Consider
Texas also offers licenses for these growing industries:
Body Piercing
Eyelash Extensions
Hair Weaving
Nail Technician/Esthetician
Massage Therapy
Tattooing
Wig Specialty
Start Safeguarding Your Future
Students can access liability insurance for just $49/year through Elite Beauty Society. Whether you're learning the ropes or perfecting your craft, protect your journey in beauty from the start.
Getting ready for a career in the beauty industry can be exciting! With a bit of preparation and an understanding of Texas cosmetology state requirements, you'll make your journey both vibrant and fulfilling. Whether you're just beginning or you're an experienced professional wanting to grow your skills in Texas, these friendly guidelines will help you stay compliant and thrive in your cosmetology career. Let's work together towards your success!
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