The Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology lets individuals apply for cosmetologist, manicurist, or esthetician licenses.
With a duty to consistently improve and increase productivity, communication, consistency, and general standards in the cosmetology industry of that state.
As such, cosmetologists and their facilities must have the required licenses that the board mandates.
By extension, graduates of schools pursuing such careers, must be qualified by the board’s standards at the time of their graduation.
There are numerous rules and regulations to be adhered to. These are necessary for both practitioners and their clients.
By following them, not only is the general standard of services provided maintained, but health and safety measures are observed.
For example, the board has strict requirements as it relates to cosmetology-focused facilities operating under proper sanitary conditions.
So what exactly do you need to legally work in this field in Louisiana?
Here are some of the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology requirements.
Cosmetologists
Living your dream often means putting yourself out there and getting things done. This will be the case if you’re pursuing a career in cosmetology in Louisiana.
If you’re starting from scratch and have never held a cosmetologist, esthetician, or manicurist license, there are a few things that you’ll need.
Luckily, there isn’t too much red tape or many hoops to jump through in order to get your license.
How to get a Cosmetology License in Louisiana:
Students are taught both theory and practical skills. This applies for all academia related to this field.
If you’re a little nervous about the exams you’ll face, don’t be. Get all the testing information needed to be full-prepared.
Estheticians
Want to wax and thread your way to the top? Or maybe you’re more interested in body treatments and facials?
Whatever your esthetician-related fancy, you can get there with a license from the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology.
There are some things to consider and get under your belt first though. However, much like a cosmetology license, it may be simpler than you think.
How to get an Esthetician License in Louisiana:
Though it’s half the hours as you need for a cosmetology license, this doesn’t mean you can coast.
The State Board requires all its graduates to have reached the highest level of competency before issuing licenses.
Manicurists
Talented nail artists are sought after across the country. This is no different in Louisiana.
Taking your dream of doing amazing fingernail beauty treatments, will buy you a ticket to licensing town.
Though that town doesn’t actually exist, the requirements to get a manicurist license in Louisiana do.
With less school hours needed than both cosmetologists and estheticians, this could be your quick way into a beauty-based career.
How to get a Manicurist License in Louisiana:
How Do I Renew My License?
A running theme with this particular State Board is simple and straightforward. This is the same for renewing your license.
The board has made the process easy by having the required form available online. You can also pay online, which makes it convenient for anyone on-the-go.
This also works if you’re out of the country, or unable to make it in physically. That way, you don’t have to worry about your license expiring before you can renew it.
How Do I Renew An Expired License?
Maybe you’ve already been doing this for a little while. You’re well past the getting a license stage, and are actually holding an expired one.
Think you’re going to have to go through all the same channels again? Think again.
The Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology makes renewing an expired license a pretty painless process. No, really.
In most cases, you just have to pay a fee and be on your merry way.
If your license has expired by 1 year, you pay a $25 license fee and a $25 late fee. Just $50 to get your career back on track.
If it’s been 2 years, that’s double the fee, bringing your renewal cost to $100.
Here’s where things get just a little more technical. If your license has expired for 36 months (3 years) or more, you have to take a restoration exam before you can get it back. You will also need to pay the associated fees.
I’m Moving States, Now What?
Moving to another state doesn’t mean the end of your career. It also doesn’t mean you’ll have to go through all the steps you previously did to attain a license.
The Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology will need to send certification of licensure to the State Board where you’re moving.
Here’s what you need for a smooth transition:
These forms are necessary so the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology can send your certification of hours info over to your new state of residence.
I’m Licensed In Another State Or Country
The Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology website has forms to fit your every need.
If you are from another state, your options include Reciprocity Applications for easy transitions. There are also options for those in States that don’t require license certification.
If you’re a nail specialist, full specialist, or facial specialist from Florida, there are a few more regulations in place. As these niches are considered permit or specialty registration.
Basically this makes practitioners ineligible for a reciprocity transfer. Instead, Florida makes sure the hours are earned so that transfers are possible.
Here’s what’s required:
On the other hand, if you’re transferring to Louisiana from another country, you must fill out the Foreign Reciprocity Application.
I Want To Open A Salon/Shop
It can be exciting starting your own business. As a practicing member of the beauty industry, it’s often a dream to own your own shop.
The Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology makes this possible with the New Shop Salon Application.
When you’re ready to open your new salon or shop, you will be required to complete this application before moving forward.
As mentioned earlier, the State Board is keen on maintaining health and safety standards. In January 1997, it decided on another safety requirement that still stands.
As there is a shortage of blood spill kits for all schools and salons, the Board allowed for other options.
Blood spill kits must include:
Otherwise, salon owners can use OSHA-approved Blood Spill Kits. This brand’s products can be purchased at office supply stores, medical supply businesses, and of course, beauty supply outlets.
I’m Interested In Opening A School
Opening a cosmetology or related school in Louisiana is nothing to sneeze at. The State Board requires prospective owners to prove their worth, for obvious reasons.
Before gaining approval, there are various requirements to be observed. These ensure the legitimacy and good standing of the proposed institution.
The right channels have to be taken and protocol observed, so you don’t have any issues getting your institution open.
Here’s what you need to open a school:
When this is all done in the right way, it won’t be long before you’re taking in Louisiana cosmetology students by the droves.
For more information about opening your new school, check out the State Board’s New School Information Packet.
The Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology makes it simple to begin your career, transfer, open a shop or school, and any other related need you may have.
They are dedicated to only the best cosmetology, esthetician, and manicurist options, and welcome all who wish to apply.