Cosmetologist
Louisiana
Cosmetologist License Requirements
1,500 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
2 years (biennial)
Renewal Cycle
$158
Gov. Fees
How to Get Licensed
VerifiedBe 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
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
16 years old
Education Level
10th grade completion from an approved high school
Residency
No residency requirement
Background Check
Not required
Training Requirements
Total Training Hours
1,500 hours
Cosmetology school (Louisiana Board-approved)
Apprenticeship Alternative
Not availableOnline Hours Allowed
Not specified; training must be at a board-approved school
Curriculum Includes
Scope of Practice
Mostly verifiedCosmetologists 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.
Examination
Written Exam
Louisiana Cosmetology Written Exam (National + State sections)
- Administered by
- Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology
- Passing Score
- 70%
- Fee
- $108
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.
Practical Exam
Louisiana Cosmetology Practical Exam
- Administered by
- Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology
- Passing Score
- 70%
- Fee
- $25
Hands-on practical exam administered by the state board on scheduled testing dates.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Initial license fee | $25 |
Exam Fee National test ($83) + State test ($25) + Practical exam ($25) | $133 |
License Fee Initial license fee | $25 |
Total Government Fees Initial license ($25) + National test ($83) + State test ($25) + Practical exam ($25). Excludes education costs. | $158 |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $5,000-$15,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Louisiana cosmetology school tuition estimates.
License & Renewal
Initial License Term
2 years
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial)
Renewal Fee
$25
Continuing Education
Not required
Late Renewal Fee
$25
Reciprocity & Endorsement
VerifiedLouisiana 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
Related Licenses in Louisiana
Esthetician
Separate LicenseSkin care, facials, and related services
Nail Technician
Separate LicenseManicures, pedicures, and nail services
Barber
Separate LicenseHair cutting, shaving, and barbering services
Special Notes
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).
Sources
Official state board website
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1,500 hours across 36 weeks minimum
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Initial cosmetology license costs $25
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Find Cosmetology Schools in Louisiana
Louisiana requires 1,500 hours of cosmetology training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
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