Michigan licenses cosmetologists through the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) under the Michigan Board of Cosmetology. You need a Michigan cosmetology license to legally perform hair care, skin care, and nail services for compensation anywhere in Michigan.
Michigan requires 1,500 hours of approved training (or a 2-year apprenticeship) plus written and practical exams administered through PSI Services. The total cost including exams and license is approximately $225. Most people complete the full process in 10 to 14 months. Here is exactly how to do it.
Recent Legislation Affecting Michigan Cosmetology Licensing
Michigan enacted several important changes to cosmetology licensing in recent years:
2024 Act 78 (Effective July 8, 2024): Increased training hours for specialty licenses. Manicurist requirements increased from 400 to 600 hours, and esthetician requirements increased from 400 to 750 hours for individuals who begin training on or after July 1, 2024. Cosmetology instructor training increased from 500 to 600 hours. The 1,500-hour cosmetology requirement remains unchanged.
2024 Act 160 (Effective April 2, 2025): Updated definitions in the Occupational Code, including clarified language around cosmetology establishments, mobile salons, and cosmetology suites.
2021 Administrative Rules (Effective November 4, 2021): Michigan adopted the National Barber Cosmetology Program (NBCP) examination administered by PSI Services, replacing previous state examinations. Other changes include distance education allowance for theory hours, updated curriculum requirements, and clarified requirements for barber-to-cosmetology crossover training.
Michigan Cosmetology License Requirements at a Glance
| Governing Agency | Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) |
| Board | Michigan Board of Cosmetology |
| Minimum Age | 17 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | 9th grade completion or equivalent |
| Training Hours Required | 1,500 hours at a LARA-licensed school OR 2-year apprenticeship (1,920 hours) |
| State Board Exam | NBCP written + practical exam (administered by PSI) |
| Passing Score | 75% |
| Exam Fee | $161 ($91 written + $70 practical, paid to PSI) |
| License Application Fee | $63 (includes 2-year license) |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$225 (excluding tuition) |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years (August 31 expiration) |
| Renewal Fee | $48 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | michigan.gov/miplus |
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
To pursue a cosmetology license in Michigan, you must be at least 17 years old, have completed a 9th-grade education or equivalent, and be of good moral character.
The good moral character requirement does not automatically disqualify applicants with criminal history. If you have had a judgment of guilt in a criminal proceeding or civil action, you may still qualify if you can demonstrate rehabilitation or if the offense is not reasonably related to the cosmetology profession.
Step 2: Complete Your Training Requirements
Michigan offers two pathways to meet the training requirement:
Option 1: Cosmetology School (1,500 hours)
Complete a 1,500-hour course of study at a LARA-licensed school of cosmetology. Full-time programs typically take 9 to 12 months. The curriculum covers hair care services (cutting, styling, coloring, chemical treatments), skin care services (facials, makeup, waxing), manicuring services (manicures, pedicures, artificial nails), natural hair cultivation, sanitation and infection control, and Michigan laws and regulations.
Option 2: Apprenticeship (2 Years / 1,920 hours)
Serve as an apprentice for not less than 2 years in a licensed cosmetology establishment where hair care services, skin care services, and manicuring services are all offered. Apprenticeship requirements include minimum 1,920 hours of training over 2 years, monthly timesheet reporting to LARA by the supervising practitioner, maximum 40 hours per week in attendance, and supervision by a licensed cosmetologist who has held their license for at least 3 years.
Crossover from Barbering: Licensed Michigan barbers may substitute up to 1,000 hours of substantially similar instruction obtained from a Michigan-licensed barber college for cosmetology school hours.
Michigan’s 1,500-hour requirement is at the national average. See how all states compare in our cosmetology license requirements by state guide.
Step 3: Pass the Written and Practical Exams
After completing your training, you must pass both the written (theory) exam and practical exam. Michigan uses the National Barber Cosmetology Program (NBCP) examination administered by PSI Services.
To register for exams, your school will complete a portion of the Examination Registration Form and submit it to LARA. Once LARA confirms your eligibility, you will receive an Exam Registration Form (ERF) to mail or fax to PSI. After PSI processes your registration, you will receive an eligibility notice by email with your candidate ID number to schedule your exams.
Exam fees (paid to PSI): $91 for written exam plus $70 for practical exam ($161 total). Schedule your exams at psiexams.com or call 855-579-4635.
The written exam is computer-based with approximately 100 multiple-choice questions. The practical exam evaluates your hands-on skills—you must bring your own supplies and mannequin head. The practical exam lasts approximately 3 hours.
A passing score of 75% is required on both exams. Passing scores are valid for 1 year from the date earned.
Same-Day Licensing: If you meet all licensure eligibility requirements and pass both exams, you may receive your license at the PSI testing center on the same day and can begin working immediately. You will receive a durable, wallet-size pocket card license containing your photo, signature, and license information. LARA will mail a standard wall license separately.
Step 4: Apply for Your License
Apply for your cosmetology license online through the MiPLUS portal. The application fee is $63 (includes 2-year license fee). You must provide a Social Security Number (or SSN affidavit if exempt).
Note: Michigan no longer accepts paper applications for cosmetology licenses. All applications must be submitted online.
License Renewal
Michigan cosmetology licenses expire biennially on August 31st. Renewal notices are mailed approximately 60 days before expiration. The renewal fee is $48, payable online only through the MiPLUS portal.
Michigan does not require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal. You simply complete the online renewal attestation certifying you have met all requirements.
Relicensure (Lapsed License): If your license has lapsed for less than 3 years, you can apply for relicensure ($83 fee) without retaking exams if you have held an active cosmetology license in good standing in another state within the 3 years preceding your application. If lapsed more than 3 years, you must either pass the exams within 1 year preceding your application or establish that you held an active license in good standing elsewhere within the preceding 3 years.
Transferring an Out-of-State Cosmetology License to Michigan
Michigan offers license reciprocity (endorsement) for cosmetologists licensed in other states. To qualify, you must hold an active cosmetology license in good standing from another U.S. state, and your original state’s training requirements must be substantially equivalent to Michigan’s 1,500-hour standard.
You must provide verification of licensure sent directly to LARA from your current state’s licensing agency (email to bpldata@michigan.gov or mail to Bureau of Professional Licensing, PO Box 30670, Lansing, MI 48909).
Work Experience Credit: If your previous state has lower hour requirements, Michigan credits 100 hours of training for every 6 months of licensed work experience. Complete the Verification of Work Experience form if applicable.
If your original state’s requirements are not substantially equivalent to Michigan’s, you may be required to take and pass the practical and/or theory exam.
Military Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses
Michigan provides comprehensive licensing accommodations for military-connected applicants through legislation signed by Governor Whitmer on June 9, 2021 (SB 157, SB 312, HB 4376, HB 4377):
License Without Examination: LARA must issue a cosmetology license without examination to individuals who are members of the Armed Forces, uniformed services, veterans, or dependents of any of these, and who hold a valid license in that occupation from another state. This creates a true reciprocity pathway for military families.
Temporary 6-Month Licenses for Military Spouses: Military spouses stationed in Michigan can receive a temporary 6-month license if they hold an out-of-state license in good standing and provide proof of their spouse’s active duty assignment to Michigan. The temporary license may be renewed for one additional 6-month term.
Fee Waivers: Michigan waives the initial license and application processing fees for veterans (with DD214/DD215), active servicemembers, and their dependents.
Expedited Processing: LARA commits to processing completed licensing applications from military families within 48 hours.
Renewal Exemptions for Deployed Personnel: Licensed cosmetologists who are mobilized for military duty are temporarily exempt from renewal fees, continuing education requirements, and any other related requirements during their deployment.
For more information, visit LARA’s Active Duty Military Personnel, Veterans & Military Spouse Information page.
What Can You Do with a Michigan Cosmetology License?
A Michigan cosmetology license authorizes you to perform hair care services (cutting, coloring, styling, permanent waving, relaxing, extensions, cleansing), skin care services (facials, makeup application, waxing, lash extensions), natural hair cultivation (braiding, locking, twisting without chemicals), and manicuring services (manicures, pedicures, artificial nails).
Cosmetologists in Michigan must work in a licensed establishment. If you want to open your own salon, you will need a separate establishment license from LARA.
Lash Extensions: In Michigan, you must hold either a cosmetology license or esthetician license to perform eyelash extension services. There is no separate lash technician registration.
Scope of Practice Limitations:
- Electrology: Cosmetologists cannot perform electrology (permanent hair removal by electricity) without a separate electrologist license.
- Microdermabrasion: Per LARA guidance, microdermabrasion is limited to the direct supervision and control of a licensed physician. Cosmetologists performing microdermabrasion may be practicing outside their licensed scope.
- Dermaplaning: LARA considers this a “gray area” — contact the department for current interpretation.
Student Shampoo Services: Cosmetology students currently enrolled in school may perform shampoo services (shampooing, blow-drying) in licensed establishments if the salon has written verification from the school. Students may continue these services for up to 30 days after their scheduled graduation date.
Natural Hair Cultivation: Michigan offers a separate Natural Hair Culturist license (400 hours) for those who only want to perform natural hair services like braiding, locking, weaving, and extensions without chemicals. Note: Natural hair culturists cannot cleanse/shampoo hair under current law — this is considered a “hair care service” requiring a cosmetology license.
Mobile Salons: Michigan permits mobile salons, defined as either a self-contained vehicle with installed equipment or a business that transports equipment to temporary locations. Mobile salons must have a permanent physical business address on file.
Michigan Cosmetology Salary
According to BLS data, cosmetologists in Michigan earn a median annual salary of approximately $28,000 to $35,000, with top earners exceeding $45,000. Earnings vary significantly based on location (Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor tend to pay higher), experience, specialization, and whether you work as an employee or independent contractor. Tips can add 15% to 25% to base compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a cosmetology license in Michigan?
Most people complete the process in 10 to 14 months. A full-time 1,500-hour training program typically takes 9 to 12 months. After graduation, exam scheduling and license processing add another 2 to 4 weeks. Alternatively, the apprenticeship pathway takes a minimum of 2 years.
How much does it cost to get a cosmetology license in Michigan?
The total licensing cost (excluding school tuition) is approximately $225: $161 in exam fees paid to PSI and $63 application fee paid to LARA (includes 2-year license). Tuition at Michigan cosmetology schools typically ranges from $12,000 to $20,000.
Does Michigan require continuing education to renew a cosmetology license?
No. Michigan does not require any continuing education hours for cosmetology license renewal. You simply pay the $48 renewal fee and complete the online attestation every two years by August 31st.
Can I transfer my out-of-state cosmetology license to Michigan?
Yes, through reciprocity. Your original state must have substantially equivalent requirements to Michigan’s 1,500-hour standard. If your state had fewer hours, Michigan credits 100 hours of training for every 6 months of licensed work experience. If requirements are not equivalent, you may need to pass Michigan’s exams.
Does Michigan offer an apprenticeship pathway for cosmetology?
Yes. Michigan offers a 2-year (minimum 1,920 hours) apprenticeship in a licensed cosmetology establishment that offers hair care, skin care, and manicuring services. The supervising practitioner must submit monthly timesheets to LARA. After completion, you must still pass the state board exams.
Can I get my license the same day I pass my exams?
Yes. If you meet all licensure requirements and pass both exams, you can receive your license at the PSI testing center on the same day. You will receive a wallet-size pocket card license and can begin working immediately.
What is the passing score for Michigan cosmetology exams?
You need a score of 75% or higher on both the written exam and the practical exam. Passing scores are valid for 1 year.
How do I verify a Michigan cosmetology license?
Use the LARA license verification portal at michigan.gov/lara to search for licensed professionals and establishments. You can verify license status and check for any disciplinary actions on record.
For a comparison of cosmetology licensing requirements across all states, see our complete cosmetology license guide.
Official Resources
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
Bureau of Professional Licensing
PO Box 30670
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: (517) 241-0199
Email: bpldata@michigan.gov
Website: michigan.gov/lara
Apply for a License (MiPLUS Portal):
michigan.gov/miplus
Cosmetology Licensing Guide:
Michigan Cosmetologist Licensing Guide (PDF)
Exam Registration (PSI):
PSI Exams
Phone: 855-579-4635
License Verification:
LARA License Verification Portal