
How to Become a Dual Beauty Pro
The Ins and Outs of Double Licenses
Being a beauty pro comes with its share of perks. Not only do you get to embrace your passion and help your clients live their best lives, but you also can opt to continually build your skillset and diversify your business.
The beauty industry is an umbrella that includes many specific specialties. From hair to nails (and beyond), you can become licensed in multiple unique branches of cosmetology and barbering. This comes with a host of benefits that range from increasing your customer base to exploring new expressions of your passion.
If you’re interested in becoming licensed in two (or more) branches of the beauty biz, we have good news; the path to multiple licenses is pretty straightforward. With the tips below as your guide, you’ll be a dual-licensed cosmetologist in no time.
How to Obtain a Dual License as a Beauty Pro
Chances are that your state requires proper licensing in order for you to provide your services to the public. Because of this, you should do your due diligence and ensure you are properly qualified before you begin offering new skincare treatments, barbering services, and so on.
Thankfully, becoming licensed in more than one branch of beauty care is an obtainable goal, making it simple to expand your skillset and your business.
Get Familiar with Your State
The requirements for beauty pros vary from state to state, making it essential to research your state’s particular rules. For example, most states require a high school diploma, but the specific educational requirements beyond that can be vastly different.
If you’re on the hunt for information, your state’s website is a great place to start. It should contain the requirements you need to meet to obtain a second license, as well as other valuable knowledge that can help you along the way.
Find a Program You Love
The program you choose for your education and training can shape the experience you have and the outcome you enjoy. Some schools are better than others, and certain states may have particular requirements in place that must be met.

Before choosing a program, ensure that it meets state requirements (such as accreditation) and that the curriculum covers everything you hope to learn. Some programs even offer dual-license options that help you prepare for multiple specialties at once, which can save you time and money.
As long as the state’s requirements are met by the program you choose, your decision should come down to which route is right for you.
Complete Your Training
Accompanying the educational side of your learning is training. This aspect of licensing is (again) dictated by state requirements. Some states set exact training conditions—typically in the form of the number of hours needed to meet a predetermined standard—while others might not specify an exact amount of training time.
The program you choose for your education and training should have the information you need and be able to guide you through the process, making the entire experience simple and streamlined. Still, it’s a good idea to check your state’s website and do a little research on your own to ensure that you’re not overlooking any training requirements needed for certification and licensing.
Apply for a License and Get Approved
With your educational and training requirements completed, you’ll have one last hurdle to overcome before you can reap the rewards of being a dual-certified cosmetologist—passing the licensing exam.
Of course, before you can take the exam (and ace it), you’ll have to apply for it. Your application will be processed, and with approval, you will be authorized to take the next board-approved exam.
Sometimes, you are able to apply for and receive a temporary license while you wait for your opportunity to take the exam. If you do secure a temporary license, you have the opportunity to practice your new craft under the guidance and watchful eye of a professional who is already licensed.
Once you have completed and passed the exam—which typically includes both practical and written sections—you will officially be licensed in your new beauty pro specialty. Keep in mind that some states require you to submit certain documents on the day of the exam, so double-check that information before you arrive!
Get Insured ( And Don't Wait!)
A new expertise may require a change in your insurance. Before you start practicing your newly licensed specialty, be sure to evaluate your current beauty pro liability insurance policy and make any changes necessary to cover your new services. If you need help determining whether your current insurance is adequate, don’t hesitate to ask an expert.
From increasing your earning potential to keeping your career fresh and interesting, choosing to become a dual-licensed beauty pro can be exciting and extremely advantageous. Whether you want to be an esthetician and massage therapist, a barber and nail technician, or a stylist and makeup artist, dual licensing is your ticket to success.
For more beauty pro insights, don’t forget to subscribe to Elite Beauty Society. We also recommend regularly checking out our blog for the latest cosmetology news and valuable guides to all things related to the beauty biz!