Quick answer
Required hours: At least 1,200 hours in an approved school, or 3,000 hours over at least 18 months under a cosmetologist licensed and practicing in New Hampshire for at least two years; Education: High school or equivalent; Exam: Pass an examination.
$55
License fee
Barber, cosmetologist, esthetician, manicurist, or master barber personal license application processing and licensing: Initial, renewal, or reinstatement after expiration of license 2 years $55
Official sourceVerified Oct 25, 2026 · 2 official sources
What are the New Hampshire cosmetology license requirements?
Education
High school or equivalent.
(b) Have completed high school or its equivalent;
Official sourceRequired hours
At least 1,200 hours in an approved school, or 3,000 hours over at least 18 months under a cosmetologist licensed and practicing in New Hampshire for at least two years.
(1) A minimum of 1,200 hours of training in a school of cosmetology approved by the board; or (2) A minimum of 3,000 hours distributed over a period of at least 18 months under a licensed cosmetologist who has engaged in the practice of cosmetology within the state for at least 2 years;
Official sourceLicensing agency and application
Board
New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification
In order to be issued a cosmetologist's license by the office of professional licensure and certification
Official sourceVerified Oct 25, 2026 · 1 official source
What else should I know?
Agency guidance
A license is required to practice regulated services for remuneration.
It shall be a class A misdemeanor for any natural person, and a felony for any other person, to engage for remuneration in any practice regulated by this chapter without the appropriate license.
Official sourceAgency guidance
Applicants may petition for an exemption from the education and training conditions; the office may grant exemptions under board rules.
II. An applicant not meeting the conditions of RSA 313-A:11, I(b) through (c) may petition the office of professional licensure and certification for exemption. The office, following criteria established in rules adopted under RSA 313-A:8, XII, may grant the exemption.
Official sourceAgency guidance
The $55 fee combines application processing and licensing for initial issuance, renewal or reinstatement after expiration.
Barber, cosmetologist, esthetician, manicurist, or master barber personal license application processing and licensing: Initial, renewal, or reinstatement after expiration of license 2 years $55
Official sourceVerified Oct 25, 2026 · 2 official sources
How do I renew my cosmetology license in New Hampshire?
License term in years
2 years
Barber, cosmetologist, esthetician, manicurist, or master barber personal license application processing and licensing: Initial, renewal, or reinstatement after expiration of license 2 years $55
Official sourceVerified Oct 25, 2026 · 1 official source
Have a license or permit? Use the expiration date printed on it to set up your calendar and reminders.
How much does a cosmetology license cost in New Hampshire?
License fee
$55
Barber, cosmetologist, esthetician, manicurist, or master barber personal license application processing and licensing: Initial, renewal, or reinstatement after expiration of license 2 years $55
Official sourceVerified Oct 25, 2026 · 1 official source
Confirm the charges and conditions for your application with the official agency.
What are the common questions?
What is the cosmetologist license fee in New Hampshire?
$55
Barber, cosmetologist, esthetician, manicurist, or master barber personal license application processing and licensing: Initial, renewal, or reinstatement after expiration of license 2 years $55
Official sourceVerified Oct 25, 2026 · 1 official source
Which official sources support this guide?
Verified Oct 25, 2026 · 2 official sources
Official sources and verification (10)
Last verified Oct 25, 2026. Each quotation supports the corresponding published value.
Qualifications / EducationHigh school or equivalent.
High school or equivalent.
(b) Have completed high school or its equivalent;
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Qualifications / Required hoursAt least 1,200 hours in an approved school, or 3,000 hours over at least 18 months under a cosmetologist licensed and practicing in New Hampshire for at least two years.
At least 1,200 hours in an approved school, or 3,000 hours over at least 18 months under a cosmetologist licensed and practicing in New Hampshire for at least two years.
(1) A minimum of 1,200 hours of training in a school of cosmetology approved by the board; or (2) A minimum of 3,000 hours distributed over a period of at least 18 months under a licensed cosmetologist who has engaged in the practice of cosmetology within the state for at least 2 years;
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Qualifications / ExamPass an examination.
Pass an examination.
(d) Pass an examination;
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Fees / License$55
55
Barber, cosmetologist, esthetician, manicurist, or master barber personal license application processing and licensing: Initial, renewal, or reinstatement after expiration of license 2 years $55
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Agency guidanceA license is required to practice regulated services for remuneration.
A license is required to practice regulated services for remuneration.
It shall be a class A misdemeanor for any natural person, and a felony for any other person, to engage for remuneration in any practice regulated by this chapter without the appropriate license.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Agency guidanceApplicants may petition for an exemption from the education and training conditions; the office may grant exemptions under board rules.
Applicants may petition for an exemption from the education and training conditions; the office may grant exemptions under board rules.
II. An applicant not meeting the conditions of RSA 313-A:11, I(b) through (c) may petition the office of professional licensure and certification for exemption. The office, following criteria established in rules adopted under RSA 313-A:8, XII, may grant the exemption.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Agency guidanceThe $55 fee combines application processing and licensing for initial issuance, renewal or reinstatement after expiration.
The $55 fee combines application processing and licensing for initial issuance, renewal or reinstatement after expiration.
Barber, cosmetologist, esthetician, manicurist, or master barber personal license application processing and licensing: Initial, renewal, or reinstatement after expiration of license 2 years $55
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
BoardNew Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification
New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification
In order to be issued a cosmetologist's license by the office of professional licensure and certification
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
License term in years2 years
2
Barber, cosmetologist, esthetician, manicurist, or master barber personal license application processing and licensing: Initial, renewal, or reinstatement after expiration of license 2 years $55
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Not yet verified: renewal, continuing education — see the official agency.