Louisiana Cosmetology License: Requirements, Exams, Fees & Renewal
To become a Louisiana cosmetologist through the school route, you generally need to meet the age and education qualifications, complete a Board-approved cosmetology course of at least 1,500 hours, satisfy the examination requirements, pay the current licensing fees and receive the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology credential before practicing.
Board-of-Cosmetology.org is an independent information website. The Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology, current Louisiana law and the Board’s official records control licensing decisions.
Fast Answer: What Louisiana Requires for a Cosmetology License
Louisiana law requires a cosmetology applicant to be at least 16, satisfy the applicable education requirement, complete the approved cosmetology course, pass the required Board examinations and pay the current fee. The statutory school requirement for the basic cosmetology course is at least 1,500 hours over at least nine consecutive months.
Louisiana’s current fee statute lists $35 for an initial cosmetologist certificate. Theory and practical examinations are listed at $25 each, with a $25 fee for a retake of an examination. Older Board rules and forms may still display the former $25 initial-license figure, so use the current statute and the amount shown by the Board at the time you apply.
Which Louisiana Licensing Route Fits You?
This helper does not send information to the Board. It only points you to the section of this guide that matches your situation.
Louisiana Cosmetology License Requirements
For a standard cosmetologist certificate, Louisiana Revised Statutes R.S. 37:582 sets the main qualification framework. The applicant must be at least 16, meet the applicable education condition, complete and pass the cosmetology course at a school registered or licensed and approved by the Board, pass the required examination and pay the applicable fee.
Age
You must be at least 16 years old.
General education
The statute requires the equivalent training contemplated by satisfactory completion of the tenth grade at the time the required schooling is completed, with an additional provision for the equivalent of a high-school diploma from a nonpublic school not seeking state approval.
Approved cosmetology course
The basic cosmetology route requires completion of a course at a registered or licensed cosmetology school approved by the Louisiana Board.
Current authority to practice
Finishing school or passing an examination is not the same as holding an active license. Do not begin regulated practice until the required Louisiana certificate has been issued and is current.
Official qualification law: Louisiana R.S. 37:582.
Louisiana Cosmetology School Hours and What the Course Covers
R.S. 37:595 requires the basic cosmetology course to include at least 1,500 hours and extend over at least nine consecutive months. The current administrative rules describe a curriculum that includes scientific concepts, infection control, OSHA-related material, human physiology, chemical principles, hair and scalp, nails, hair-removal methods, physical services, chemical services, hair designing and styling, and Louisiana cosmetology law and rules.
| Louisiana course | Minimum hours | What to understand |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetology | 1,500 | Broad cosmetology credential; this is the main subject of this page. |
| Esthetics | 750 | Separate specialty credential with its own curriculum. |
| Manicuring | 500 | Separate specialty credential focused on nail services. |
| Instructor training | 500 | Separate teacher route with additional experience and CE rules. |
Official school-hour law: R.S. 37:595. Current compiled rules: Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 46, Part XXXI.
When Can You Take the Louisiana Cosmetology Exams?
The current administrative rules create an important distinction between exam eligibility and course completion. A cosmetology student who has completed 1,000 hours may be eligible for the written examination, while a student who has completed 1,400 hours may be eligible for the practical examination, after receiving the required school and Board clearances. The underlying cosmetology course still requires at least 1,500 hours for the school-route credential.
1,000 hours
Current rules allow qualifying cosmetology students to reach written-exam eligibility at this point.
1,400 hours
Current rules allow qualifying cosmetology students to reach practical-exam eligibility at this point.
1,500 hours
The statutory minimum for completing the basic cosmetology course.
What the exam application package may require
The current rules state that examination applications are accompanied by the student registration certificate, cumulative hours report, a color photograph, the applicable initial-license amount and examination fees. They also state that contractual fees owed to the cosmetology school must generally be paid before the applicant applies for an exam or license, with an exception when the school cannot issue certification because of closure or loss of records.
Official exam statute: R.S. 37:586.
What to Prepare Before Applying
The exact package depends on your route, but first-time school applicants should make sure their school and Board records can support eligibility before sending money or assuming an exam date. Keep your legal name consistent across school, examination and Board records.
- Legal name and identifying information used in your school and Board record.
- Student registration certificate when required by the Board process.
- Cumulative-hours report or other Board-accepted school documentation.
- Color photograph when required by the examination application.
- Proof that required school obligations are resolved when applicable.
- Applicable examination fees and current initial-certificate fee.
- For reciprocity, prior license information and supporting documents requested by LSBC.
Do not mail or upload a document simply because an old form mentions it. Use the current LSBC instructions for the exact application you are filing.
How to Get a Louisiana Cosmetology License
Confirm the cosmetologist credential fits your planned work
Louisiana also regulates esthetics, manicuring, instructors, salons, booth rental and several special permits. Choose the credential that actually covers the services you intend to perform.
Enroll in an LSBC-approved cosmetology program
Before committing tuition, verify the school and program through the Board and confirm that the program leads to Louisiana cosmetologist eligibility.
Complete the required training
The basic cosmetology course requires at least 1,500 hours. Keep your school records accurate because the Board process relies on documented hours and school clearance.
Use the exam eligibility milestones correctly
The current rules allow written-exam eligibility at 1,000 cosmetology hours and practical-exam eligibility at 1,400 hours when the required clearances are in place.
Submit the required examination and licensing materials
Follow the current LSBC application instructions. Do not rely on a school handout or an old fee sheet if it conflicts with current law or the Board’s current process.
Pass the required examinations
Louisiana law requires successful examination before the certificate is issued. Exam schedules and testing arrangements can change, so use the current Board instructions for your assigned test.
Confirm the Louisiana license has actually been issued
School completion, exam passage and payment are milestones, not substitutes for the credential itself. Verify the resulting Board record before beginning work that requires a current license.
Louisiana Cosmetology Fees in 2026
Louisiana’s fee statute was amended in 2025. For a standard cosmetologist, the current statutory initial-certificate and annual-renewal fee is $35. Older materials may still show $25 for the initial license, so current law and the amount required by LSBC for your transaction should control.
| Fee item | Current statutory amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist initial certificate | $35 | Same statutory category also covers annual renewal. |
| Theory examination | $25 | R.S. 37:599 exam fee. |
| Practical examination | $25 | R.S. 37:599 exam fee. |
| Retake of an examination | $25 | Listed per retake in the statute. |
| Duplicate license | $25 | Replacement service; it does not renew an expired credential. |
| Official certification of records | $15 | Useful when another authority requests formal certification. |
Current fee law: Louisiana R.S. 37:599.
Moving to Louisiana With an Out-of-State Cosmetology License
Louisiana has a reciprocity route, but an active license from another jurisdiction is not an automatic Louisiana practice authorization. The current rules say an applicant with an active cosmetologist, esthetician, manicurist or instructor license from another U.S. state or territory may be eligible by reciprocity after submitting the reciprocity application, supporting documents, applicable fees and evidence of passing required examinations.
The rules also state that if a reciprocity applicant has not passed the national examination administered by the Board or a practical examination administered by the transferring jurisdiction, the applicant may need to pass the applicable national and/or practical examination through Louisiana.
Before you move or accept a Louisiana job
- Ask the issuing board for any official verification or certification Louisiana requires.
- Keep your prior-school transcript or training evidence available.
- Identify which written, national, state or practical examinations you previously passed.
- Do not assume equal training hours automatically waive Louisiana requirements.
- Wait for the Louisiana credential before treating reciprocity as complete.
Louisiana Cosmetology License Renewal and Expiration
A Louisiana cosmetologist who continues actively practicing renews annually on or before the licensee’s birthday. If the certificate is not renewed, R.S. 37:590 says it expires 30 days after the birthday. The normal deadline is the birthday; the later date is the statutory expiration point for an unrenewed credential.
Normal renewal
On or before your birthday.
If not renewed
The certificate expires 30 days after the birthday.
Current renewal fee
$35 for the ordinary cosmetologist certificate under current law.
For a detailed renewal, restoration and late-license workflow, use the site’s Louisiana Cosmetology License Renewal guide.
Official renewal law: R.S. 37:590.
Your Personal License Does Not Replace a Salon or Booth Credential
Louisiana separates the professional credential from several business-side credentials. A beauty shop or salon must have its own Board certificate. A practitioner operating under the booth-rental structure may also need a Board-issued booth rental permit in addition to the underlying professional credential.
Opening a salon
R.S. 37:591 requires a Board certificate for a beauty shop or salon and includes separate application, facility and licensing requirements.
Renting a booth
R.S. 37:593 provides for a separate booth rental permit and requires a written agreement, applicable fees and an approved inspection report.
How to Verify a Louisiana Cosmetology License
Use the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology’s official website and public license-search resources rather than relying on a wall certificate, social-media profile or third-party directory. Search using the strongest identifier you have, preferably the exact license number, then compare the name, credential type and current status with the person who will perform the service.
When the person works independently in a salon or booth, check whether a separate establishment or booth credential is relevant. A personal cosmetology license and a business-side permit do not prove the same thing.
Common Louisiana Licensing Problems and What to Do
| Problem | Why it may happen | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Old paperwork says the initial license is $25 | The administrative rules predate the 2025 statutory fee increase. | Use current R.S. 37:599 and the amount LSBC requires for the live transaction. |
| School says you can test but Board clearance is missing | Exam eligibility requires the applicable school and Board clearance. | Ask the school and LSBC which record or clearance is still outstanding. |
| You passed an exam but no active license appears | Exam passage is not the same as final license issuance. | Confirm that all fees, school records and licensing requirements are complete. |
| You moved from another state | Louisiana reciprocity still requires an application and may require examinations. | Use the reciprocity route rather than filing as though your former license automatically transfers. |
| Your Louisiana credential expired | Ordinary renewal may no longer be the correct transaction. | Use the restoration guidance and contact LSBC for the exact current route. |
| A caller says an inspector needs payment by phone | LSBC currently warns about scammers posing as State Board inspectors. | Do not pay by phone; end the call and contact LSBC independently. |
Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology Contact Information
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Official Louisiana Sources
Use these government sources when a licensing decision, fee, exam requirement or current status matters.
- Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology — current Board notices, licensing resources and online services.
- R.S. 37:582 — cosmetologist qualifications.
- R.S. 37:586 — examinations of applicants.
- R.S. 37:595 — school and course requirements.
- R.S. 37:599 — current statutory fees.
- R.S. 37:590 — renewal and expiration.
- Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 46, Part XXXI — detailed cosmetology rules.
Louisiana Cosmetology License FAQs
How many hours do you need for a Louisiana cosmetology license?
The basic Louisiana cosmetology course requires at least 1,500 hours of instruction and a period of at least nine consecutive months.
How old do you have to be for a Louisiana cosmetology license?
R.S. 37:582 requires an applicant to be at least 16 years old, along with the other education, school, examination and fee requirements.
When can a Louisiana cosmetology student take the written exam?
Current administrative rules state that a cosmetology student who has completed 1,000 hours may take the written examination after receiving the required clearances.
When can a Louisiana cosmetology student take the practical exam?
Current administrative rules state that a cosmetology student who has completed 1,400 hours may take the practical examination after the required clearances.
How much is the Louisiana cosmetology license fee in 2026?
Current R.S. 37:599 lists $35 for the initial cosmetologist certificate and annual renewal. The statute lists $25 for the theory examination, $25 for the practical examination and $25 for an examination retake.
Why do some Louisiana cosmetology documents still say $25 for the license?
Some administrative-rule language predates the 2025 fee amendment. The current fee statute lists $35 for the cosmetologist initial certificate and annual renewal, so use current law and the amount required by LSBC for your transaction.
Does a Louisiana cosmetology license transfer automatically from another state?
No. Louisiana uses a reciprocity process. Current rules call for a reciprocity application, supporting documents, fees and evidence of required examinations, with additional testing when the applicant has not already passed certain national or practical examinations.
When does a Louisiana cosmetology license renew?
An actively practicing cosmetologist renews annually on or before the individual’s birthday. If it is not renewed, the certificate expires 30 days after the birthday.
Does an ordinary Louisiana cosmetologist need the instructor 16-hour CE seminar?
The specific 16-hour continuing-education requirement in R.S. 37:583 applies to registered teachers. It should not be presented as a general 16-hour CE rule for every ordinary cosmetologist.
What is the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology phone number?
The Board lists 225-756-3404 as its local number and 866-257-7901 as its toll-free number. The published email is lsbc@la.gov.
Louisiana Cosmetology License Checklist
- Confirm that cosmetologist is the right Louisiana credential for your planned services.
- Verify the school and program with LSBC before committing tuition.
- Complete the required 1,500-hour cosmetology course.
- Use the 1,000-hour written and 1,400-hour practical milestones only as exam-eligibility rules, not as substitutes for course completion.
- Prepare the current Board-required school, identification, photograph and fee materials.
- Use the current $35 initial-certificate amount rather than relying on an older $25 reference.
- Pass the required examinations and confirm the license is actually issued.
- If moving from another jurisdiction, use the reciprocity process rather than assuming automatic transfer.
- Renew an active cosmetologist certificate on or before your birthday.
- Verify separate salon or booth credentials when your work arrangement requires them.
- Never pay someone claiming to be an LSBC inspector by phone.
For broader U.S. context, see the Cosmetology License guide. For Louisiana renewal-specific help, use the Louisiana Cosmetology License Renewal guide.