How to Get a Cosmetologist License in Ohio (2026)

16 years old

16

Is at least sixteen years of age;

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Equivalent of an Ohio public school tenth-grade education.

Equivalent of an Ohio public school tenth-grade education.

Has the equivalent of an Ohio public school tenth grade education;

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

1,500 board-approved school hours; applicants already licensed as Ohio barbers need 1,000 hours.

1,500 board-approved school hours; applicants already licensed as Ohio barbers need 1,000 hours.

(7) In the case of an applicant for an initial cosmetologist license, has successfully completed at least one thousand five hundred hours of board-approved cosmetology training in a school, except that only one thousand hours of board-approved cosmetology training in a school is required of an individual licensed as a barber under Chapter 4709. of the Revised Code;

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Pass the examination under Ohio Revised Code 4713.24(A) for the branch sought.

Pass the examination under Ohio Revised Code 4713.24(A) for the branch sought.

(5) Passes an examination conducted under division (A) of section 4713.24 of the Revised Code for the branch of cosmetology the applicant seeks to practice;

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Initial licensees are exempt from CE until the following renewal licensing period, except required human-trafficking training.

Initial licensees are exempt from CE until the following renewal licensing period, except required human-trafficking training.

(A) Licensees or boutique services registration holders under Chapter 4713. of the Revised Code and Chapter 4709. of the Revised Code shall be exempt from all continuing education requirements, other than required training on human trafficking, until the renewal licensing period commencing after their initial licensure.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board

Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board

the state cosmetology and barber board shall issue a practicing license

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Open the official agency page

https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4713.28

Section 4713.28 | License qualifications.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Out-of-state licenses and qualifying experience or certifications from states without licensure are considered under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4796.

Out-of-state licenses and qualifying experience or certifications from states without licensure are considered under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4796.

(C) The board shall issue a practicing license in a branch of cosmetology in accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code to an applicant if either of the following applies: (1) The applicant holds a license in that branch of cosmetology in another state. (2) The applicant has satisfactory work experience, a government certification, or a private certification as described in that chapter in that branch of cosmetology in a state that does not issue that license.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Per biennial period: one hour of Ohio laws/rules and three hours of safety and infection control. Cosmetology CE is due by January 15 of odd-numbered years.

Per biennial period: one hour of Ohio laws/rules and three hours of safety and infection control. Cosmetology CE is due by January 15 of odd-numbered years.

Continuing education for a license to practice cosmetology or a branch of cosmetology, advanced license, instructor license, or boutique registration shall be completed on or before the fifteenth of January of every odd-numbered year. Continuing education for a barber or barber instructor license shall be completed on or before the fifteenth of August of every even-numbered year. (1) A licensee shall complete continuing education in the following manner: (a) An individual that holds a license to practice cosmetology or a branch of cosmetology, advanced license, or instructor license, or a barber or barber teacher license, shall complete the following hours of continuing education for each license held: (i) One hour of continuing education concerning updates of Ohio laws or rules regulating the practice of the branches of cosmetology and/or barbering, as applicable; and (ii) Three hours of continuing education concerning safety and infection control.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Valid through the last day of January in the odd-numbered year after issue or renewal, unless revoked or suspended sooner.

A license or registration issued by the state cosmetology and barber board pursuant to this chapter is valid until the last day of January of the odd-numbered year following its original issuance or renewal, unless the license is revoked or suspended prior to that date. Applies to: Cosmetologist license renewal

A license or registration issued by the state cosmetology and barber board pursuant to this chapter is valid until the last day of January of the odd-numbered year following its original issuance or renewal, unless the license is revoked or suspended prior to that date.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026