The infographics below illustrate the current state of hairdresser, hairstylist, and cosmetologist careers in the United States. In summary, the industry is remarkably strong, continues to grow, and demand for talented professionals is expected to continue to grow.
Cosmetologists are legally required to be state licensed, yet the number of required educational training hours differs from state to state. Currently, the national average number of educational training hours for cosmetologists is 1,503 hours, which is 12% more than the average number of hours required for barbers (1,348). Training typically takes between eight and 15 months to complete. Some states require as little as 1,000 training hours, yet other states such as Iowa require 2,100 hours.
Links to State Cosmetology and Barber Boards:
Cosmetology and barber boards are generally comprised of licensed barbers or cosmetologists, instructors, school owners, and members of the public. Boards are responsible for managing examination and licensure requirements for barbers and cosmetologists, and for investigating and resolving any consumer complaints. Currently, 29 states regulate their cosmetology and barber licenses under one combined state board. Links are provided below for more information:
- Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering
- Alaska Board of Barbers and Hairdressers
- Arizona Board of Cosmetology | Arizona State Board of Barbers
- Arkansas Department of Health | Arkansas State Board of Barber Examiners
- California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
- Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure
- Connecticut Examining Board for Barbers, Hairdressers and Cosmeticians
- Delaware Board of Cosmetology and Barbering
- District of Columbia Barber and Cosmetology Board
- Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulations | Florida Board of Barbering
- Georgia Professional Licensing Boards Division
- Hawaii DCCA-PVL Barbering and Cosmetology
- Idaho Board of Cosmetology
- Illinois Department of Professional Regulation: Cosmetology | Illinois Department of Professional Regulation: Barber
- Indiana IPLA- State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners | Indiana IPLA- State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
- Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences | Iowa Board of Barbering
- Kansas State Board of Cosmetology | Kansas State Board of Barbering
- Kentucky Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists | Kentucky Board of Barbering
- Louisiana Board of Cosmetology | Louisiana Board of Barber Examiners
- Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation
- Maryland Board of Cosmetologists | Maryland Board of Barbers
- Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure
- Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs – Cosmetology | Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs – Barber Examiners
- Minnesota Board of Cosmetology Examiners | Minnesota Board of Barber Examiners
- Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology | Mississippi Board of Barber Examiners
- Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
- Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
- Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services | Nebraska Board of Barber Examiners
- Nevada State Board of Cosmetology | Nevada State Barbers’ Health and Sanitation Board
- New Hampshire Board of Barbering , Cosmetology, and Esthetics
- New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hair Styling
- The New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
- New York NYS Department of State Board: Division of Licensing Services – Cosmetology | New York NYS Department of State Board: Division of Licensing Services – Barbering
- North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners | North Carolina Board of Barber Examiners
- North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology | North Dakota Board of Barber Examiners
- Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board
- Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering
- Oregon Health Licensing Agency
- Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology | Pennsylvania State Board of Barber Examiners
- Rhode Island Department of Health
- South Carolina State Board of Cosmetology | South Carolina Board of Barber Examiners
- South Dakota Cosmetology Commission | South Dakota Board of Barber Examiners
- Tennessee Board of Cosmetology
- Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation | Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
- Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
- Vermont Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
- Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
- Washington State Department of Licensing – Cosmetology
- West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
- Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services – Cosmetology Examining Board | Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services – Barbering
- Wyoming Board of Cosmetology | Wyoming Board of Barber Examiners