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What are the Texas cosmetology license requirements?

Ivana Kotorchevikj
December 19, 2024
Reviewed by: Teodor Jurukovski

Are you dreaming of a thriving career in the beauty industry? 

Becoming a licensed cosmetologist (or getting a Cosmetology Operator license, as it’s called in Texas) is the first step towards making that dream a reality. 

Whether you’re passionate about skincare, hairstyling, or manicuring, getting a cosmetology license is your key to a successful beauty career.

You might have heard that Texas has a rigorous cosmetology licensing process and educational requirements.

That’s true — these rigorous license requirements apply to everyone in the state of Texas, regardless of whether you live or are an out-of-state professional looking to relocate there.

But don’t get discouraged – in this blog, we’ll walk you through the key steps to navigate the steps of getting licensed as a cosmetologist in Texas:

  • Educational requirements
  • Licensing exam
  • Application for a cosmetology license
  • License renewal

Let’s get started!

1. Educational requirements for cosmetologists in Texas

Before you can launch your career as a licensed cosmetologist, you first need to gain the right skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience.

This involves enrolling in a state-approved cosmetology school and completing the required training hours, as mandated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), the organization in charge of the cosmetology licensing process in Texas.

However, not everyone can enroll in a cosmetology school and begin the process – there are some age and previously completed education requirements.

Minimum age and education level

To get into a cosmetology school:

  • You must be at least 17 years old to enroll.
  • You must have a high school diploma or GED as a prerequisite.

2. Cosmetology program and training requirements

Your journey as a prospective cosmetologist starts with completing a state-approved cosmetology operator license program.

This training is the cornerstone of your career, teaching you essential knowledge and skills in haircutting, hairstyling, skincare, nail care, and more.

The cosmetology training program consists of several components, which we’ll discuss below.

Completing a cosmetology program

First, you need to enroll in a state-approved, accredited beauty school in Texas. When choosing the school, make sure it meets Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) standards. Here you can find a list of TDLR-approved schools.

Look for a school with a curriculum that suits your learning style and teaches the skills you’re passionate about.

Many schools offer onsite or virtual tours that allow you to familiarize yourself with the school facilities and curriculum and ask questions to see if it’s the right fit for you. Remember, a great cosmetology program should teach you beauty techniques and the skills needed to run your own business.

Attending an accredited school will help you get plenty of hands-on practice with real clients and prepare you for the state licensing examination.

Required training hours

Meeting the required hours of training is the next step toward cosmetology licensure.

Texas offers several pathways to fulfill these requirements, allowing flexibility based on your background and education. Let’s break down the options:

  • Complete 1,500 hours in a beauty school. This is the most common route and involves attending classes in a state-approved cosmetology school.
  • Split 1,000 hours in a beauty school and 500 hours of related high school courses in a cosmetology program at a public school. This option lets you jumpstart your career while still in school.
  • If you hold a Class A Barber Certificate, you’ll need just 300 additional hours of training in an approved cosmetology program to qualify for a license. This option is perfect for barbers looking to expand their skills into cosmetology.

Note: The cosmetology license and the barber license come under the same licensure procedure by the TDLR.

Specialty licenses

If you’re passionate about focusing on a specific area of cosmetology, like manicurist, esthetician, hair weaving, or eye extension specialist, there are special license types tailored to specific needs.

These are the required hours:

  • Esthetician license: Esthetician course consisting of 750 hours of instruction at a barbering/cosmetology school licensed in Texas
  • Manicurist license: 600 hours of instruction at a barbering/cosmetology school licensed in Texas
  • Hair weaving specialist license: 300 hours of instruction at a barbering/cosmetology school licensed in Texas
  • Eyelash extension specialist license: 320 hours of instruction at a licensed school

3. Passing the licensing exam

After completing the training program, you need to take a licensing exam.

This is the part where you show your skills, knowledge, and readiness to be a licensed cosmetologist.

It consists of two parts: a written examination and a practical examination.

Written exam

The written exam ensures you understand the licensing and regulation, sanitation, and best practices required to succeed as a licensed cosmetologist.

The written exam covers:

1. Sanitation and safety:

  • Proper hygiene and sanitation practices to prevent the spread of infections
  • Rules for safely handling tools, chemicals, and equipment
  • Safety procedure

2. Professional practices:

3. Technical knowledge:

  • Basics of hair, skin, and nail anatomy
  • Theory behind cosmetology procedures like chemical treatments, hair coloring, and skincare
  • Hair, skin and nail disorders and diseases

Practical exam

The practical exam is the hands-on portion of your cosmetology licensing exam, where you demonstrate your ability to apply your skills in a real-world setting.

The practical exam also consists of several sections:

1. Preparation and setup:

  • Properly sanitize and organize your workstation for facial, hair and skin treatments
  • Ensure all tools and materials are clean and ready for use

2. Core skills:

  • Hair services: Hair cutting, styling, weaving, and chemical treatments like perming or coloring
  • Nail services: Basic manicures, pedicures, and nail care techniques
  • Skin services: Facial techniques, makeup application, and skincare basics
  • Eyebrow services: Preparing area, application and removal of wax strips

3. Sanitation and hygiene:

  • Safe handling and disinfection of tools and equipment
  • Proper disposal of single-use items to prevent contamination

More information about this and exams for other licensed providers can be found on the TDLR’s website under the Candidate Information Bulletin section.

4. Applying for a Texas cosmetology license

Congratulations! After passing the written and practical exams, it’s time to take the final step: applying for your cosmetology license.

The process is pretty straightforward and brings you closer to becoming a cosmetologist.

Here’s how to apply:

  1. Visit the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) website.
  2. Go to the ‘Apply online section’ and select the ‘Barbering & Cosmetology’ option.
  3. Fill out the required information, including proof of completing the necessary exams and training hours.
  4. Pay the $50 non-refundable fee. (This fee applies only to applications for individual cosmetologists’ licenses.)
  5. Provide copies of your exam results and other required documents.

TDLR’s website states it takes from one to six weeks to complete the review process and get your license, as they also do a criminal history background check on all applicants.

Note: The application fee is higher if you’re applying for a license to operate a mini establishment, full-service establishment, mobile salon, or cosmetology school. Check the fees here.

What are the continuing education requirements for cosmetologists in Texas?

With your license in hand, you’re now ready to start welcoming clients and making their beauty wishes a reality.

But the journey doesn’t end there.

To keep your skills sharp and stay on top of beauty trends, Texas requires licensed cosmetologists to complete continuing education as part of their license renewal.

TDLR requires you to complete 4 hours of department-approved continuing education courses every two years to renew your license.

This includes:

  • 1 mandatory hour of sanitation.
  • The rest of the three hours can be a topic related to:
    • Health and Safety regulations
    • The Texas Barbering and Cosmetology law and rules
    • Mental health awareness
    • Human trafficking prevention
    • Advanced cosmetology techniques like balayage, keratin treatments, microblading, or the latest nail art trends, client communication or business management courses.

If you have a license for more than 15 years, you only need to complete 1 continued education hour sanitation to renew your license.

How do I renew my Texas cosmetology license?

We’ve already mentioned above that cosmetologists are required to renew their licenses every two years.

The process is straightforward, much like the license application, as long as you complete each step on time.

  1. Complete 4 hours of TDLR-approved continuing education (1 hour sanitation, 3 hours cosmetology topics).
  2. Have your current cosmetology license number and completed continuing education courses.
  3. Fill out the renewal application form on the TDLR website.
  4. Receive your updated license valid for two years.

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As a young cosmetologist, you’ll quickly learn there’s a lot more to running a salon or spa than servicing clients, which can very easily make you become burnt out.

This is where Pabau can make a difference.

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Give yourself a head start in your career. Book a demo with our team and see how Pabau can support you in your thriving career.