Texas licenses cosmetologists through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). You need a Texas Cosmetology Operator license to legally perform hair services, skincare, nail care, hair removal, eyelash extensions, and related beauty services for compensation anywhere in the state.
Texas requires 1,000 hours of approved training at a TDLR-licensed cosmetology school and passing both a written exam and a practical exam. The total application and exam fees are approximately $181. Most people complete the full process in 7 to 12 months. Here is exactly how to do it.
Texas Cosmetology License Requirements at a Glance
| Official License Title | Cosmetology Operator |
| Governing Agency | Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) |
| Minimum Age | 17 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | High school diploma or GED required |
| Training Hours Required | 1,000 hours at a TDLR-licensed cosmetology school |
| State Board Exam | Written Exam (100 questions, 70% to pass) + Practical Exam (hands-on, 70% to pass) |
| Exam Provider | PSI Testing Services |
| Written Exam Fee | $55 (paid to PSI) |
| Practical Exam Fee | $76 (paid to PSI) |
| Application Fee | $50 (non-refundable, paid to TDLR) |
| Total Initial Cost | Approximately $181 (plus school tuition) |
| License Term | 2 years from date of issue |
| Renewal Fee | $53 |
| Continuing Education | 4 hours per renewal cycle |
| Apply Online | TDLR.Texas.gov |
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
To enroll in a Texas cosmetology program and apply for licensure, you must be at least 17 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. Unlike some states, Texas requires proof of secondary education completion before you can begin training. There is no citizenship or residency requirement, though you will need a Social Security Number to complete the application. Texas consolidated barbering and cosmetology under TDLR in 2021. If you’re deciding between the two paths, see our Barber vs Cosmetology License comparison for a full breakdown.
Step 2: Complete 1,000 Hours at a TDLR-Licensed Cosmetology School
You must complete 1,000 clock hours of technical instruction and practical training at a cosmetology school licensed by TDLR. The curriculum covers hair cutting, styling, and shaping, hair coloring, bleaching, and lightening, permanent waving and chemical relaxing, scalp treatments and hair care, facial treatments and skincare, makeup application, hair removal (waxing, tweezing, depilatories), manicuring and pedicuring, eyelash extensions, sanitation and infection control, and Texas laws and rules.
Most full-time programs take 7 to 10 months to complete. Part-time schedules may take 12 to 15 months. Tuition ranges widely, typically from $10,000 to $20,000 depending on the school and location.
Alternative pathways: Texas offers alternative routes to licensure. You can complete 1,000 hours at a beauty school plus 500 hours of related high school courses (total 1,500 hours), or complete 300 hours of cosmetology training if you already hold an active Class A Barber certificate.
Student permit: While enrolled in a TDLR-licensed school, you will be issued a student permit that allows you to perform services under supervision as part of your training.
Early testing option: Texas allows students to take the written examination after completing 900 of the required 1,000 hours. Your school will notify TDLR of your eligibility, and PSI will send you scheduling instructions. However, you must complete all 1,000 hours AND pass the written exam before you can take the practical exam.
Step 3: Apply for Your License
Once you have completed your training, you can apply for your Cosmetology Operator license. You can apply online through the TDLR website or by mail using the paper application form.
The application fee is $50 (non-refundable). Online applications are processed faster and sent directly to the Licensing Division. You will need to provide your Social Security Number, proof of training completion from your school, and disclose any criminal history.
Criminal background check: TDLR conducts a criminal background check on all applicants. If you have a criminal history (excluding minor traffic violations), you must complete a Criminal History Questionnaire. Review typically takes 1 to 6 weeks depending on your history. If you are concerned about your criminal history affecting your license, Texas allows you to request a Criminal History Evaluation Letter before applying.
Step 4: Pass the Written Examination
The Texas cosmetology written examination is administered by PSI Testing Services at testing centers throughout Texas. You can take the written exam after completing 900 hours of training.
Written exam details:
- 100 multiple-choice questions
- 70% passing score (70 correct answers)
- Computer-based test
- Available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese
Content breakdown:
- Hair and scalp: 40%
- Infection control and sanitation: 28%
- State laws and regulations: Smaller portion
- Skin care: Smaller portion
- Nails: Smaller portion
Nearly 70% of the written exam focuses on hair/scalp services and infection control. The exam fee is $55, paid directly to PSI when you schedule your appointment. You will receive your score report within 24 hours via your PSI account.
Testing locations: Written exams are offered in Abilene, Amarillo, Arlington, Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Harlingen, Houston, Lubbock, Midland, and other locations throughout Texas.
Step 5: Pass the Practical Examination
After completing all 1,000 hours of training AND passing the written exam, you are eligible to take the practical examination. The practical exam is a hands-on demonstration of your cosmetology skills.
Practical exam details:
- Hands-on skills demonstration
- 70% passing score
- Procedures must be performed in the order listed
- You must step back and raise your hand at the end of each section
- Instant score reporting (5-10 minutes after completion)
The practical exam fee is $76, paid directly to PSI. Practical exams are offered at PSI testing centers in Austin, San Antonio, DFW Metroplex, Greater Houston, McAllen, El Paso, Midland, and Amarillo.
What to bring: You must bring a complete kit including combs, brushes, cutting shears, clips, mannequin head with hair, mannequin hand with nails, towels, drapes, gloves, spray bottles, tint bowl, applicator brushes, and nail supplies (files, tips, odorless monomer). All products must be labeled in English. No aerosols or unsafe chemicals are permitted. Closed-toe shoes are required.
Retakes: You may retake each exam as many times as needed within 5 years of your eligibility date. A separate fee is required for each attempt. TDLR encourages candidates to study between attempts.
Step 6: Receive Your License and Start Working
After passing the practical examination, you can receive a temporary license immediately at the PSI testing site. The temporary license is valid for 21 days while TDLR processes and mails your two-year license. You can begin working the same day you pass your practical exam.
Important: To receive a temporary license at the testing site, you must apply for your license and pay all fees AFTER becoming eligible for the written exam but BEFORE taking the exam, and you must meet all requirements for licensure BEFORE TDLR sends your practical exam eligibility to PSI.
You cannot practice cosmetology without a license. Working as an unlicensed cosmetologist in Texas can result in fines of $5,000 or more and license revocation.
License Renewal
Texas cosmetology licenses must be renewed every two years from the date of issue. TDLR will send you a renewal notice before your expiration date. You can renew online through the TDLR website.
The renewal fee is $53.
Continuing education: Texas requires 4 hours of TDLR-approved continuing education every two years. One hour of continuing education equals 50 minutes of actual instruction time. You cannot receive CE credit for attending the same course more than once.
CE requirements (for renewals on or after September 1, 2025):
- 1 hour of sanitation
- 1 hour of human trafficking prevention
- 2 hours of cosmetology-related topics
CE exemption for experienced licensees: If you have held a Texas practitioner license for at least 15 years, you only need to complete 2 hours of CE (1 hour sanitation + 1 hour human trafficking prevention for renewals on or after September 1, 2025).
Late renewal: If your license expires, you may renew with late fees. Licenses expired 18 months to 3 years require double the renewal fee. If your license has been expired for more than 5 years, you must re-examine.
Transferring an Out-of-State Cosmetology License to Texas
Texas offers licensure by equivalence (reciprocity) for cosmetologists who hold a current, active license in another state with substantially equivalent requirements.
To apply by equivalence, you need:
- A current, active cosmetology license from another state
- A letter of certification from your original state’s licensing agency (must remain in the original sealed envelope)
- A transcript of your training hours
- Completion of your original state’s licensing examination
The equivalence application fee is $100 (non-refundable). Apply using the License by Reciprocity Application (BAC-LIC-003-E).
States with equivalent requirements: TDLR maintains an online tool to check if your state has equivalent standards. States typically considered equivalent include Alaska, Arizona, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and others. Some states may require 1 year of work experience (Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois) or 2 years of work experience (New York, Florida) for equivalence.
Important limitations:
- Texas does NOT accept apprenticeship training from other states
- Texas does NOT recognize substantial equivalence for Eyelash Extension Specialty, Hair Weaving Specialty, or Hair Weaving/Esthetician Specialty licenses
- Work experience may count toward equivalency standards
If your state is not equivalent: You must apply by examination using the License by Examination Application and take both the written and practical exams.
Military Service Members, Veterans, and Spouses
Texas has enacted several provisions to assist military families with professional licensing under TDLR programs.
Expedited processing: TDLR expedites license applications for active duty military service members, veterans, and military spouses.
Fee waivers: Application fees may be waived for military service members, veterans, and military spouses whose military service, training, or education substantially meets all requirements for the license. Examination fees (paid to PSI) cannot be waived by TDLR.
Education and examination waivers: Education and/or examination requirements may be waived based on military experience and training. Submit the Military Service Member, Military Veteran or Military Spouse Supplemental Application with your license application.
Required documentation:
- Active duty: Copy of military orders showing active duty status
- Veterans: DD-214 or NGB-22
- Military spouses: Spouse’s military orders or DD-214, plus marriage certificate
Expired licenses during active duty: If your Texas license expired while you or your spouse were serving on active duty, you may be eligible for an additional two years to complete renewal (up to 5 years total) and exemption from late renewal fees.
Out-of-state military spouses (HB 1200, effective 2019): Military spouses licensed in another state can notify TDLR of their intent to practice in Texas and receive a confirmation letter, obtain a one-time three-year non-renewable license, or apply for a full TDLR license with expedited processing.
Recent Legislation: House Bill 1560
On June 15, 2021, Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 1560 (87th Texas Legislature), which consolidated the barbering and cosmetology programs under TDLR into a unified Chapter 1603 of the Texas Occupations Code. If you’re deciding between the two licenses, see our Barber vs Cosmetology License Comparison Guide for a full comparison.
Key changes:
Instructor licenses eliminated (effective September 1, 2021): Separate barber and cosmetology instructor licenses were eliminated. A Class A Barber, Cosmetology Operator, or Specialty license now allows the holder to provide instruction in any service within the scope of their license at a licensed school.
Unified licensing framework: Barbering and cosmetology were consolidated, creating unified licensing pathways and allowing Class A Barbers to perform most cosmetology services (except eyelash extensions) and Cosmetology Operators to perform most barbering services (except straight-razor shaving).
Deregulated Services (No License Required)
As of June 8, 2015, certain beauty services were deregulated in Texas and no longer require a license:
- Natural hair braiding (without chemicals or adhesives)
- Makeup application
- Non-cutting hair styling
- Nail art without cutting
- Spray tanning
- Basic hair braiding without chemicals or adhesives
Still requires a license: Hair weaving using chemicals and adhesives requires a Hair Weaving Specialty License (300 hours).
What Can You Do with a Texas Cosmetology Operator License?
Under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1603, a Texas Cosmetology Operator license authorizes you to perform:
- Hair services: arranging, beautifying, bleaching, bobbing, cleansing, clipping, coloring, cutting, dressing, dyeing, processing, shaping, singeing, straightening, styling, tinting, trimming, and waving
- Beautifying and cleansing treatments of face, neck, shoulders, and arms
- Facial treatments
- Body hair removal using depilatories, tweezers, or other devices
- Eyelash extensions (semipermanent, single-fiber applications)
- Massaging scalp, neck, shoulders, arms, face, hands, or feet
- Mustache and beard services (trimming, coloring, styling, shaving with safety razor only)
- Nail treatments: cutting, trimming, polishing, tinting, coloring, cleansing, manicuring, pedicuring, and attaching false nails
- Weaving of hair to attach commercial hair to a person’s hair or scalp
Services NOT allowed: Cosmetology Operators cannot perform straight-razor shaving (requires Class A Barber license). They also cannot perform laser treatments, microblading or permanent makeup, injectable treatments, or services that break the skin.
Overlap with Class A Barbers: Cosmetology Operators may perform most barbering services except straight-razor shaving. Class A Barbers may perform most cosmetology services except eyelash extensions.
Specialty Licenses
If you want to focus on specific services without completing the full 1,000-hour cosmetology program, Texas offers specialty licenses:
- Esthetician: 750 hours (skincare, facials, hair removal, makeup)
- Manicurist: 600 hours (nail services only)
- Hair Weaving Specialist: 300 hours (hair weaving with chemicals/adhesives)
- Eyelash Extension Specialist: 320 hours (eyelash extensions only)
- Manicurist/Esthetician combination
- Hair Weaving Specialist/Esthetician combination
If you hold a Cosmetology Operator license, you do not need separate specialty licenses—your cosmetology license covers all these services.
Texas Cosmetologist Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national median hourly wage for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists was $16.95 per hour (approximately $35,250 annually) as of May 2024. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $11.82 per hour, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $33.76 per hour.
Texas has one of the highest employment levels for cosmetologists in the nation, with strong demand in major metropolitan areas including Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Austin. The ERI Economic Research Institute reports the average cosmetologist salary in Texas at approximately $41,178 per year ($20 per hour), with a range from $30,554 to $48,672 depending on experience and location.
Note that BLS data does not capture income from tips, commissions on product sales, or self-employment earnings, which are common in the cosmetology industry and can significantly increase total compensation. Employment of hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a licensed cosmetologist in Texas?
Most people complete the process in 7 to 12 months. A full-time 1,000-hour training program typically takes 7 to 10 months. After completing training, the application and exam process adds another 2 to 6 weeks. You can take the written exam after 900 hours and receive a temporary license immediately after passing the practical exam.
Does Texas require both a written and practical exam?
Yes. Texas requires both a written examination (100 multiple-choice questions) and a practical examination (hands-on skills demonstration). Both are administered by PSI Testing Services. You must pass the written exam before you can take the practical exam. Both exams require a 70% passing score.
Can I transfer my out-of-state cosmetology license to Texas without taking an exam?
It depends on your state’s requirements. If you hold a current, active license from a state with substantially equivalent requirements, you can apply for licensure by equivalence without taking Texas exams. Use TDLR’s online tool to check if your state qualifies. If your state is not equivalent, you must take both Texas exams. Texas does not accept apprenticeship training from other states.
Does Texas offer an apprenticeship pathway for cosmetology?
No. Texas does not offer an apprenticeship pathway for cosmetology licensing. You must complete your training at a TDLR-licensed cosmetology school. Apprenticeship licenses and training from other states are also not accepted for equivalence.
What continuing education is required in Texas?
Texas requires 4 hours of TDLR-approved continuing education every two years. For renewals on or after September 1, 2025, this includes 1 hour of sanitation, 1 hour of human trafficking prevention, and 2 hours of cosmetology topics. Licensees with 15+ years of experience only need 2 hours (sanitation + human trafficking prevention).
What is the difference between a Cosmetology Operator and a Class A Barber in Texas?
Both licenses have significant overlap since HB 1560 consolidated the programs. Cosmetology Operators can perform most barbering services except straight-razor shaving. Class A Barbers can perform most cosmetology services except eyelash extensions. The main differences are in training focus and the specific services each cannot perform.
Can I work while waiting for my license?
Yes. After passing the practical exam, you can receive a temporary license at the PSI testing site that allows you to begin working immediately. The temporary license is valid for 21 days while TDLR mails your two-year license.
For a comparison of cosmetology licensing requirements across all states, including training hours, exam formats, fees, and reciprocity rules, see our complete cosmetology license guide.
Official Resources
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
Barbering and Cosmetology Program
920 Colorado St., Austin, TX 78701
PO Box 12157, Austin, TX 78711
Phone: (512) 463-6599 or (800) 803-9202 (in-state)
Email: cosmetology@tdlr.texas.gov
Website: TDLR Barbering and Cosmetology
Apply for a Cosmetology Operator License:
TDLR Online Application
Out-of-State Applicants (License by Equivalence):
Apply for License by Equivalence
Examination Information:
TDLR Exam Information
Schedule Your Exam (PSI Testing Services):
PSI Exams – TDLR
Phone: (833) 333-4741
Candidate Information Bulletin:
PSI TDLR Candidate Information
License Verification:
TDLR License Search
Military Services:
TDLR Military Outreach
Continuing Education Requirements:
TDLR CE Requirements
Scope of Practice Guide:
Cosmetology Operator Scope of Practice
Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1603:
Chapter 1603, Texas Occupations Code