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Louisiana cosmetology license — 1,500 training hours, written and practical exams, fees ($158), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-04-03. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Cosmetologist
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57% of data points are verified against official sources. 9 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
Renewal Cycle
Gov. Fees
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Get My Free RoadmapApplication Fee
$25
Initial license fee
Exam Fee
$133
National test ($83) + State test ($25) + Practical exam ($25)
License Fee
$25
Initial license fee
Education / Training Cost
$5,000-$15,000
Tuition ranges are estimates and vary by school. Contact individual schools for current pricing.
Renewal Fee
$25
Every 2 years (biennial)
CE Required
Not required
No continuing education needed for renewal
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial)
Renewal Fee
$25
Be at least 16 years old with 10th grade education completion
Complete 1,500 hours at a Louisiana Board-approved cosmetology school (minimum 36 weeks)
Submit exam application with student registration certificate, photo ID, and initial license fee
Pass the National Written Test ($83)
Pass the State Written Test ($25)
Pass the Practical Exam ($25)
Receive your Louisiana cosmetologist license
Minimum Age
16 years old
Education Level
10th grade completion from an approved high school
Residency
No residency requirement
Background Check
Not required
Not sure if you need a cosmetology license? Check whether your state requires one.
Total Training Hours
1,500 hours
Cosmetology school (Louisiana Board-approved)
Apprenticeship Alternative
3,000 hours required
Louisiana does not offer an apprenticeship pathway. All 1,500 hours must be completed at a Louisiana Board-approved cosmetology school across at least 36 weeks.
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified; training must be at a board-approved school
Curriculum Includes
You can also compare approved cosmetology schools in Louisiana or see our picks for the best cosmetology programs in Louisiana.
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Cosmetologists in Louisiana are licensed to perform hair cutting, styling, coloring, perming, chemical treatments, shampooing, conditioning, esthetic services (facials, makeup, superficial chemical peels, dermaplaning, microdermabrasion, nano-needling), and manicuring/nail services. Esthetic services are limited to the epidermis; no procedures that penetrate the dermis are permitted. Louisiana also offers a separate Alternative Hair Design permit for hair-only services.
Louisiana Cosmetology Written Exam (National + State sections)
The written exam consists of a national test ($83) and a state test ($25). Exams are administered by the LSBC directly (not PSI/Prometric) on scheduled testing dates, usually Monday or Tuesday between 9:30am and 1pm. The exam is only available in English.
Louisiana Cosmetology Practical Exam
Hands-on practical exam administered by the state board on scheduled testing dates.
Ready to pass the Cosmetology State Board Exam?
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Didn't pass on your first try? Read our guide on what to do if you fail the cosmetology state board exam.
Overall licensing difficulty: 37/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
Cosmetology State Board Exam
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Initial license fee | |
Exam Fee National test ($83) + State test ($25) + Practical exam ($25) | |
License Fee Initial license fee | |
Total Government Fees Initial license ($25) + National test ($83) + State test ($25) + Practical exam ($25). Excludes education costs. |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $5,000-$15,000
Tuition ranges are estimates and vary by school. Contact individual schools for current pricing.
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Initial License Term
2 years
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial)
Renewal Fee
$25
Continuing Education
Not required
Late Renewal Fee
$25
Regulatory Board
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our cosmetology license renewal guide.
Louisiana recognizes cosmetology, esthetician, and manicurist licenses from all other states. Out-of-state applicants must submit a reciprocity application. Foreign applicants must submit a separate foreign reciprocity form.
Additional Requirements: Submit reciprocity application with proof of licensure from another state
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Skin care, facials, and related services
Manicures, pedicures, and nail services
Hair cutting, shaving, and barbering services
Louisiana is unusual in administering its own exams directly rather than using a third-party testing provider like PSI or Prometric. The state also has a minimum 36-week training duration requirement in addition to the 1,500-hour requirement. A separate Alternative Hair Design permit exists for those who only want to do hair services.
Louisiana administers its own exams directly through the LSBC rather than through PSI or Prometric.
The exam is only available in English.
Training must span at least 36 weeks in addition to the 1,500-hour requirement.
Louisiana offers a separate Alternative Hair Design permit for hair-only services.
If license expires 3+ years, a 25-question multiple-choice restoration exam is required.
Scope of practice rules finalized in December 2023 explicitly list permitted and prohibited esthetic services.
No services that penetrate the dermis are permitted (no tattooing, microblading, body piercing).
Cosmetologist Schools in Louisiana
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Cosmetologist requirements in nearby states
See how Louisiana compares: Cosmetologist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Study guides and practice tests for the cosmetology licensing exam.
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Other professional licenses in Louisiana
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Louisiana.
Accessed 2026-02-24
Moving to Louisiana? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Cosmetologist license to Louisiana →
Transfer your Cosmetologist license from Louisiana to: Arkansas → | Mississippi → | Texas →