Louisiana licenses cosmetologists through the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology (LSBC). You need a Louisiana cosmetology certificate to legally perform hair, skin, and nail services for compensation anywhere in Louisiana.
Louisiana requires 1,500 hours of approved training plus NIC written and practical exams with a 75% passing score. Louisiana was the first state to mandate textured hair training in cosmetology exams (effective 2022). The total state fees are approximately $85 — among the lowest initial costs nationally. No apprenticeship pathway is available. Here is exactly how to do it.
Recent Legislation Affecting Louisiana Cosmetology Licensing
Textured Hair Training Mandate (2022): LSBC mandated textured hair training for all cosmetology licensing exams. Louisiana was the first state to require this. The NIC practical exam now includes cutting textured (wavy, curly, and coily) hair.
HB 930 (2024): Proposed creating a new “hair design only” license at 1,000 hours. Passed the House 60-39 but died in the Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and International Affairs on June 3, 2024. The 1,500-hour requirement remains.
Louisiana Cosmetology License Requirements at a Glance
| Governing Agency | Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology (LSBC) |
| Training Hours Required | 1,500 hours at a board-approved school (minimum 36 weeks) |
| Apprenticeship Available? | No |
| Minimum Age | 16 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | Completion of at least 10th grade (or equivalent) |
| Exam Required | NIC Theory + Practical exams |
| Passing Score | 75% on both exams |
| Exam Fees | Theory: $25 | Practical: $25 | Total: $50 |
| Certificate Fee | $35 |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$85 (excluding tuition) |
| Renewal Cycle | Annual (birthday-based) |
| Renewal Fee | $35 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | LSBC Application |
| Board Website | lsbc.louisiana.gov |
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
- Age: At least 16 years old
- Education: Completion of the 10th grade or equivalent secondary education (RS 37:582)
Step 2: Complete Your Training Requirements
You must complete 1,500 hours at a board-approved cosmetology school, completed across at least 36 weeks. Full-time programs typically take 10 to 14 months. The curriculum covers hairdressing, esthetic practices, and manicuring services.
No Apprenticeship Available: Louisiana does not offer an apprenticeship pathway for cosmetology licensure.
Step 3: Pass the NIC Exams
Louisiana uses NIC (National Interstate Council) examinations for all cosmetology licenses.
Theory Exam: 110 multiple-choice questions (100 scored), 90 minutes. Passing score: 75%.
Practical Exam: Hands-on demonstration, approximately 2-3 hours. Candidates must bring a minimum of 4 mannequin heads. Passing score: 75%. The practical exam includes cutting textured hair as part of Louisiana’s 2022 mandate.
Exam Fees: $25 per exam ($50 total). Retake fee: $25 per exam.
Step 4: Receive Your Certificate
After passing both exams, pay the $35 certificate fee to LSBC. Louisiana uses the term “certificate of registration” rather than “license.”
Louisiana Cosmetology License Fees Summary
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Theory Exam | $25 | LSBC |
| Practical Exam | $25 | LSBC |
| Certificate of Registration | $35 | LSBC |
| Total Initial Cost | $85 | |
| Annual Renewal | $35 | LSBC |
| Reciprocity | $50 | LSBC |
License Renewal
Louisiana cosmetology certificates expire annually, 30 days after the licensee’s birthday. The renewal fee is $35. No continuing education is required (CE is only required for instructors).
Late Renewal: A fee equal to twice the applicable fee for each year expired, not to exceed $300 total (RS 37:599). Certificates must be restored within 3 years; otherwise, re-examination may be required.
Transferring Your License to Louisiana (Reciprocity)
Louisiana recognizes cosmetology licenses from all other states. Reciprocity fee: $50. Requirements:
- Must hold a current, valid cosmetology license from another state
- May need to pass NIC theory exam, state theory exam, and/or practical exam depending on your originating state
- Applicants who obtained their license via apprenticeship are NOT eligible for reciprocity
- If your originating state did not require a practical exam, you must take Louisiana’s practical exam
Military Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses
Under RS 37:3651 and RS 37:3652, Louisiana provides:
- Temporary practice permit for military spouses licensed in another jurisdiction
- Licensure by endorsement for military members, DoD civilian employees assigned to Louisiana, and their spouses/dependents
- Renewal fee waiver for active duty service members deployed outside the U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a cosmetology license in Louisiana?
Most people complete the process in 10 to 14 months. The 1,500-hour training program must be completed over at least 36 weeks. Exam scheduling adds another 2 to 4 weeks.
How much does it cost to get a cosmetology license in Louisiana?
State fees total approximately $85: $50 in exam fees ($25 each for theory and practical) and $35 for the certificate, all paid to LSBC. This is among the lowest initial licensing costs nationally.
Does Louisiana require continuing education for cosmetologists?
No. Continuing education is only required for cosmetology instructors (16 hours every two years). Licensed cosmetologists have no CE requirement.
Can I transfer my out-of-state cosmetology license to Louisiana?
Yes. Louisiana recognizes cosmetology licenses from all other states through reciprocity. You may need to pass certain NIC exams depending on your originating state. Those licensed via apprenticeship are not eligible.
Does Louisiana require textured hair training?
Yes. Since 2022, Louisiana was the first state to mandate textured hair training in cosmetology exams. The NIC practical exam now includes cutting wavy, curly, and coily hair.
For a comparison of cosmetology licensing requirements across all states, see our complete cosmetology license guide.
Official Resources
- Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology (official website)
- License Application
- Reciprocity Application
- NIC Exam Information
- Fee Schedule (RS 37:599)
- Board Contact: (225) 756-3404 | steve.young@la.gov
- Board Address: 11622 Sunbelt Court, Baton Rouge, LA 70809