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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    State Board of Cosmetology

    The State Board of Cosmetology regulates the practice and licensure of estheticians; nail technicians; cosmetologists and teachers of cosmetology; and cosmetology salons and schools in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

    Apply or Renew Your License
    Cosmetology Licensure Guide

    The State Board of Cosmetology regulates the practice and licensure of estheticians; nail technicians; cosmetologists and teachers of cosmetology; and cosmetology salons and schools in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Board promulgates and enforces regulations for the examination and licensure of applicants to practice or teach cosmetology and to manage schools of cosmetology.

    The Board also issues apprentice permits in appropriate circumstances as well as licenses to perform nail technology only, or practice esthetics only. The Board prescribes disinfection standards to be followed to prevent the creation or spread of infectious diseases.

    Important Information: 

    • With the passage of Act 100 of 2024, effective 60 days from October 16, 2024, Natural Hair Braiders, Natural Hair Braider Teachers and Natural Hair Braiding Salons in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are no longer required to be licensed.  Accordingly, the State Board of Cosmetology will no longer be accepting applications for initial licensure, renewals, reactivations, or changes for the above license types. Please contact the Board with any questions.
    • On November 5, 2018, the State Board of Cosmetology approved a consent agreement (case number 17-45-06196) in which the Respondent acknowledged that the practice of microblading is outside of the scope of cosmetology and that performing microblading within a cosmetology salon is a violation of 49 Pa. Code § 7.77 (use of salon for other purposes prohibited). 
    • The Board’s regulations allow an applicant to request a variance from the minimum space requirements set forth in 49 Pa. Code § 7.76 (floor space).  All floor space variance requests shall be submitted in the manner set forth in the new salon application or salon change application, whichever is applicable. 
    • Bureau inspectors will continue to inspect the entirety of your salon for compliance with 49 Pa. Code § 7.77 and all other relevant regulations and provisions of the Cosmetology Act. 
    • Reminder: The Board staff and Board counsel are unable to give advisory opinions, legal advice or interpretations of the Cosmetology Act and Board regulations. Please consult an attorney of your choice for legal advice or interpretations of the Cosmetology Act and Board regulations. 

    Board Laws and Regulations

    Examination Information

    For information regarding an examination, to schedule an examination, or to check the status of your application, please visit http://www.pearsonvue.com/pa/cosmetology/.

    Contact us

    Call us

    Toll Free: 1-833-DOS-BPOA

    Call us

    Email us

    St-COSMETOLOGY@pa.gov -- Please note: This mailbox is reserved for receipt of documentation specific to letters of good standing, exam information, disciplinary documents, transcripts and other education or employment verifications, and any other outside agency or related communications.

    Email us

    Mailing address

    State Board of Cosmetology P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649

    Mailing address

    Physical Address

    2525 N 7th Street Harrisburg, PA 17110

    Physical Address

    Get support

    To contact the Board with general or application questions or assistance related to your license, application and/or for any technical support pertaining to the PA Licensing System known as PALS, please reference the link below.

    Create a Ticket

    Please note that neither the Board/Commission, nor its staff or counsel, are permitted to provide legal advice or advisory opinions, including interpretations of the law or regulations, or any indication as to how the Board would vote on any given case or scenario. You are invited to contact a private attorney or professional organization for advice or guidance.