How to Get a Cosmetologist License in Colorado (2026)
Quick answer
A state license is required before engaging or attempting to engage in cosmetology, subject to statutory exemptions.
Exam
Pass the licensing examination, meet qualifications and pay the required fees.
Minimum age
16 years old
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
How do I get this license?
Check the licensing authority
Board
Office of Barber & Cosmetology Licensure
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
The Office of Barber & Cosmetology Licensure regulates individuals who practice in the State of Colorado as barbers, cosmetologists, hairstylists, estheticians, and nail technicians.
Official sourceOfficial agency page
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
Welcome to the Barber & Cosmetology Homepage
Official sourceCheck your qualifications
Age
16 years old
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
An applicant for any license provided in this article 105 or for examination shall be at least sixteen years of age.
Official sourceEducation
Graduate from an approved barber or beauty school and meet the director’s education requirements; out-of-state education must be substantially equivalent.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
An applicant for examination shall furnish proof of graduation from a barber school or beauty school The applicant shall also furnish proof that the applicant has successfully completed educational requirements equal to those set by the director. If the applicant has graduated from a school located outside Colorado, the applicant shall furnish proof that the applicant has successfully completed educational requirements substantially equal to those set by the director.
Official sourceExam
Pass the licensing examination, meet qualifications and pay the required fees.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
The director shall issue a license to applicants who successfully pass the examination and who qualify upon the payment of the required fee.
Official sourcePrepare your application
Reciprocity
Licensure by endorsement is available to applicants satisfying the occupational credential portability program.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
The director shall issue a license by endorsement to engage in the practice of barbering, cosmetology, hairstyling, manicuring, or esthetician services in this state to an applicant who satisfies the requirements of the occupational credential portability program.
Official sourceConfirm your next step with the agency
Review the official instructions for your situation before applying.
Open the official agency page
What else should I know?
Agency guidance
A state license is required before engaging or attempting to engage in cosmetology, subject to statutory exemptions.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
It is unlawful for any person to engage in, or attempt to engage in, the occupation of barbering, hairstyling, or cosmetology or to provide esthetician or nail technician services in this state unless the person first obtains a license as provided in this article 105.Official source
When do I renew, and is CE required?
Have a license or permit? Use the expiration date printed on it to set up your calendar and reminders.
What does it cost?
Confirm the charges and conditions for your application with the official agency.
Which official sources support this guide?
Official sources and verification (7)
Last verified Oct 25, 2026. Each quotation supports the corresponding published value.
Office of Barber & Cosmetology Licensure
Office of Barber & Cosmetology Licensure
The Office of Barber & Cosmetology Licensure regulates individuals who practice in the State of Colorado as barbers, cosmetologists, hairstylists, estheticians, and nail technicians.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
https://dpo.colorado.gov/BarberCosmetology
Welcome to the Barber & Cosmetology HomepageOfficial source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
16 years old
16
An applicant for any license provided in this article 105 or for examination shall be at least sixteen years of age.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Graduate from an approved barber or beauty school and meet the director’s education requirements; out-of-state education must be substantially equivalent.
Graduate from an approved barber or beauty school and meet the director’s education requirements; out-of-state education must be substantially equivalent.
An applicant for examination shall furnish proof of graduation from a barber school or beauty school The applicant shall also furnish proof that the applicant has successfully completed educational requirements equal to those set by the director. If the applicant has graduated from a school located outside Colorado, the applicant shall furnish proof that the applicant has successfully completed educational requirements substantially equal to those set by the director.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Pass the licensing examination, meet qualifications and pay the required fees.
Pass the licensing examination, meet qualifications and pay the required fees.
The director shall issue a license to applicants who successfully pass the examination and who qualify upon the payment of the required fee.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Licensure by endorsement is available to applicants satisfying the occupational credential portability program.
Licensure by endorsement is available to applicants satisfying the occupational credential portability program.
The director shall issue a license by endorsement to engage in the practice of barbering, cosmetology, hairstyling, manicuring, or esthetician services in this state to an applicant who satisfies the requirements of the occupational credential portability program.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
A state license is required before engaging or attempting to engage in cosmetology, subject to statutory exemptions.
A state license is required before engaging or attempting to engage in cosmetology, subject to statutory exemptions.
It is unlawful for any person to engage in, or attempt to engage in, the occupation of barbering, hairstyling, or cosmetology or to provide esthetician or nail technician services in this state unless the person first obtains a license as provided in this article 105.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Not yet verified: license fee, required hours, renewal, continuing education — see the official agency.
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Following: How to Get a Cosmetologist License in Colorado (2026)
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What should I explore next?
Cosmetologist in neighboring states
Neighboring states use Census adjacency data, including water and point boundaries.
Related licenses in Colorado
Last verified Oct 25, 2026.
Official sources (2)
Not legal or tax advice. Confirm with the official agency before filing.