Louisiana Cosmetology License

Last checked: 2026-10-21

Louisiana cosmetology license: what it takes

In Louisiana, the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology (LSBC) regulates schooling, exams, licensing, renewals, salon/establishment approvals, inspections, and discipline. Core requirements come from the Louisiana Cosmetology Act (La. R.S. 37:561–607) and the Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 46, Part XXXI (Cosmetologists). Key topics, official forms, and steps are below with direct citations.

At-a-glance: hours, fees, exams

License	School hours	Exams given by LSBC	Key fees (statutory)
Cosmetologist	1,500 hours	Practical; Louisiana State Theory; National Theory (NIC content)	$25 theory + $25 practical exam each; $35 initial license/renewal
Esthetician	750 hours	Practical; theory	$25 per exam attempt; $35 initial license/renewal
Manicurist	500 hours	Practical; theory	$25 per exam attempt; $35 initial license/renewal
Instructor (Teacher)	500 hours teacher training (minimum)	Teacher exam(s)	$25 per exam attempt; $35 initial license/renewal
Salon/Shop (incl. mobile)	—	—	$55 shop license; $50 initial inspection

Hours: LAC Title 46, Part XXXI (e.g., §301 cosmetology curriculum 1,500 hrs; exam eligibility in §309 lists 750 hrs esthetics and 500 hrs manicuring). Fees: La. R.S. 37:599 (updated through Acts 2025). Exams: La. R.S. 37:586. ([law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/louisiana/La-Admin-Code-tit-46-SS-XXXI-301?utm_source=openai))

Forms you’ll use (official names)

• Student Enrollment Application (for all new, transfer, or additional training students) — includes $10 student registration and document checklist. Submit via your school to LSBC. ([dcc.edu](https://www.dcc.edu/documents/academics/technical/lsbc-application.pdf?utm_source=openai))
• Examination Application (filed after your school certifies hours; scheduled by LSBC at least twice monthly). ([legis.la.gov](https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=94337&utm_source=openai))
• Retake & No-Show Exam form (if you miss or fail; $25 per retake per exam). ([legis.la.gov](https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=94349))
• Initial Salon/Shop Application + Initial Inspection (required before opening; $55 license + $50 inspection). ([legis.la.gov](https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=94341&utm_source=openai))
• Booth Rental Permit Application ($50). ([legis.la.gov](https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=94349))
• Temporary or Special Permit applications (limited scenarios such as shows/demonstrations or alternative hair design). ([law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/louisiana/La-Admin-Code-tit-46-SS-XXXI-1113?utm_source=openai))

Step-by-step: getting a Louisiana cosmetology license

1) Enroll and register as a student

• Choose an LSBC-approved school. Your school files the Student Enrollment Application with LSBC; you must provide ID, proof of education (10th grade or equivalent), Social Security card, photos, and the $10 registration. ([dcc.edu](https://www.dcc.edu/documents/academics/technical/lsbc-application.pdf?utm_source=openai))
• Schools must report hours monthly; missing documents after 30 days can halt credited attendance. ([law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/louisiana/La-Admin-Code-tit-46-SS-XXXI-311?utm_source=openai))

2) Complete required hours

• Cosmetology: 1,500 hours (curriculum in LAC §301). Esthetics: 750 hours. Manicuring: 500 hours. ([law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/louisiana/La-Admin-Code-tit-46-SS-XXXI-301?utm_source=openai))

3) Apply for exams

• Eligibility: cosmetology students may sit the written at 1,000 hours and the practical at 1,400 hours; esthetics 750; manicuring 500. ([law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/louisiana/La-Admin-Code-tit-46-SS-XXXI-309?utm_source=openai))
• LSBC conducts practical, Louisiana state theory, and national theory (NIC) examinations at least twice monthly; dates are set annually. ([legis.la.gov](https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=94337&utm_source=openai))
• Exam fees (each attempt): $25 theory; $25 practical; $25 per retake. ([legis.la.gov](https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=94349))
• NIC content outlines for the national theory are available from NIC. ([nicprep.com](https://nicprep.com/states/louisiana.html?utm_source=openai))

4) Pass exams and apply for your initial license

• Initial license (certificate of registration): $35 after passing required exams. ([legis.la.gov](https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=94349))

What to bring to the practical exam (quick checklist)

• Government-issued photo ID and LSBC exam admission documents.
• Kit supplies per NIC/LSBC task list (mannequin(s), disinfectants, labeled implements, sanitation materials). Follow current LSBC/NIC instructions exactly. ([law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/louisiana/title-46/part-XXXI?utm_source=openai))

Reciprocity (coming from another state or country)

LSBC may issue the appropriate Louisiana certificate to applicants already licensed as a cosmetologist, esthetician, or manicurist elsewhere who: (1) completed and passed the appropriate course of study there; (2) pass any LSBC-required exam(s) not already passed (e.g., national theory and/or practical); and (3) pay required fees. If a transferring jurisdiction lacks equivalent requirements, Louisiana may require additional training or examination. ([legis.la.gov](https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=94333&utm_source=openai))

Renewals, late restorations, and CE

• When to renew: Active practitioners renew on or before their date of birth; a certificate expires 30 days after the birthday if not renewed. Expired certificates not timely renewed lapse March 1 and require restoration fees. ([legis.la.gov](https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=94340&utm_source=openai))
• Renewal fee: $35 for individual licenses (cosmetologist, esthetician, manicurist, teacher/instructor). Restoration within 3 years: twice the applicable fee for each lapsed year, up to $300. ([legis.la.gov](https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=94349))
• Continuing education (CE): Louisiana law/rules do not impose CE for rank-and-file practitioners; instructors have CE obligations established by rule (e.g., 16 hours in approved training; master instructor pathway). Always verify current LSBC notices. ([law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/louisiana/La-Admin-Code-tit-46-SS-XXXI-505?utm_source=openai))

Instructor and specialty credentials

• Teacher/Instructor: Minimum 500 hours of teacher training under a licensed teacher, or qualifying out-of-state instructor license, plus passing the teacher exam(s). License and renewal at $35. Instructor CE applies. ([legis.la.gov](https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=94334&utm_source=openai))
• Alternative Hair Design and make-up special permits: governed under Chapter 11 of LAC Title 46, Part XXXI; certain legacy permits remain renewable. ([law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/louisiana/La-Admin-Code-tit-46-SS-XXXI-1105?utm_source=openai))
• Temporary permits: limited, short-term permissions (e.g., shows, pageants). Apply at least 30 days in advance; practice under supervision in licensed facilities. Fee $50. ([law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/louisiana/La-Admin-Code-tit-46-SS-XXXI-1113?utm_source=openai))

Student permits and apprenticeship

• Louisiana does not license apprentices for salon work. Students may not perform professional work for the public without appropriate licensure; they are trained and clinic-floor supervised within schools under LSBC rules. ([regulations.justia.com](https://regulations.justia.com/states/louisiana/title-46/part-xxxi/chapter-3/section-xxxi-315/?utm_source=openai))

Salon/establishment licensing and inspections

• Operating any beauty shop/salon (including mobile salons) requires a certificate of registration and initial inspection before opening. Fees: $55 license; $50 initial inspection. ([legis.la.gov](https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=94341&utm_source=openai))
• LSBC inspectors may enter licensed facilities and schools during hours of operation to enforce the Act and sanitation rules. ([legis.la.gov](https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=94328&utm_source=openai))
• Sanitation standards (disinfection, equipment, prohibited services) are in LAC Title 46, Part XXXI, Chapter 7; note specific disinfection requirements and that body art/microblading are not authorized under LSBC licenses. ([law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/louisiana/La-Admin-Code-tit-46-SS-XXXI-701?utm_source=openai))

Criminal background and licensing

Louisiana law bars denying, revoking, or refusing a professional license solely or partly due to a prior criminal record unless the conviction directly relates to the occupation. LSBC’s rules adopt this standard and require written reasons if a conviction is used to deny licensure. A pre-application eligibility review is available under statewide law. ([legis.la.gov](https://legis.la.gov/legis/LawPrint.aspx?d=93875&utm_source=openai))

Exam results, retakes, and pass rates

• Retakes: allowed; $25 per exam attempt. Cheating triggers a minimum three-month disqualification. ([legis.la.gov](https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=94349))
• Pass/fail rates: As of October 2026, LSBC does not publish statewide pass-rate statistics. Independent reviews of state board sites report no official Louisiana pass-rate data. ([boardreadyapp.com](https://boardreadyapp.com/cosmetology-exam-pass-rates?utm_source=openai))

Documents to gather for your application

• Government-issued photo ID and Social Security card
• Proof of education (10th grade or equivalent)
• Two 2x2 photos (if your school/LSBC still requires)
• School certification of hours and transcript
• Applicable fees (see fee schedule)

See the Student Enrollment Application for the baseline document list and fee. ([dcc.edu](https://www.dcc.edu/documents/academics/technical/lsbc-application.pdf?utm_source=openai))

Where to get help (official)

• Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology, 11622 Sunbelt Court, Baton Rouge, LA 70809; Phone: (225) 756-3404; Email: lsbc@la.gov. ([legis.la.gov](https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BoardMembersPrint.aspx?b=34&utm_source=openai))
• Statutory fee schedule (current law): La. R.S. 37:599. ([legis.la.gov](https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=94349))
• Sanitation and operations rules: LAC Title 46, Part XXXI. ([doa.la.gov](https://www.doa.la.gov/doa/osr/louisiana-administrative-code/?utm_source=openai))
• NIC exam content and bulletin (national theory): NIC. ([nicprep.com](https://nicprep.com/states/louisiana.html?utm_source=openai))

FAQ

How long does it take to get a Louisiana cosmetology license?

Full-time students often complete 1,500 hours in ~9–12 months, then sit LSBC exams (given at least twice monthly). Issuance after passing depends on LSBC processing, which can vary. Plan for several weeks after final requirements are met. ([law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/louisiana/La-Admin-Code-tit-46-SS-XXXI-301?utm_source=openai))

Can I work while I’m in school?

No. Louisiana does not license apprentices for salon work; students train within schools and may not perform professional cosmetology work without proper licensure. ([regulations.justia.com](https://regulations.justia.com/states/louisiana/title-46/part-xxxi/chapter-3/section-xxxi-315/?utm_source=openai))

Will my license transfer to other states?

Portability is state-by-state. Louisiana accepts out-of-state licensees via reciprocity with proof of education and passing required exams; many other states offer similar endorsement but may require additional hours or exams. Check the receiving state’s board. ([legis.la.gov](https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=94333&utm_source=openai))

Compliance tips and timeline

• Month 0: Enroll; school submits Student Enrollment Application to LSBC. ([dcc.edu](https://www.dcc.edu/documents/academics/technical/lsbc-application.pdf?utm_source=openai))
• Months 1–9+: Log hours; your school reports hours monthly to LSBC. ([law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/louisiana/La-Admin-Code-tit-46-SS-XXXI-311?utm_source=openai))
• At 1,000 hrs (cosmetology): take written; at 1,400 hrs: take practical. Esthetics and manicuring test at program completion. ([law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/louisiana/La-Admin-Code-tit-46-SS-XXXI-309?utm_source=openai))
• After passing: apply/pay $35 for initial license; verify your renewal due date is tied to your birthday. ([legis.la.gov](https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=94349))

Related resources

• Compare regional rules: see our North Carolina guide for differences in hours/exams. North Carolina Cosmetology License

Call to action

Download our Louisiana application checklist (free) or contact LSBC at (225) 756-3404 for the latest scheduling and form versions before you apply. ([legis.la.gov](https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BoardMembersPrint.aspx?b=34&utm_source=openai))