If you live in Arkansas and want a career that allows you to be creative and help people look and feel their best, cosmetology school may be right for you! Cosmetologists in the state can provide a wide variety of beauty services, including hairstyling, manicuring, skincare, and more.
1520 Martin Luther King Drive Little Rock, AR 72202
Accredited School
You must attend a school that meets any licensure requirements as defined by your state. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited or state-approved school.
Related Beauty Careers
Not sure this is the right fit for you? Learn more about other career options in the beauty industry. Related specializations include:
In Arkansas, cosmetologists can provide a wide range of hair, skin, and nail services. Before you can start working, though, you need to meet age, educational, and other requirements. For instance, you must:
Be at least 16 years old
Have finished at least two years of high school or the equivalent
Complete 1,500 cosmetology training hours
Pass exams
Undergo a criminal background check
Apply and pay for your license
Before you begin your cosmetology training, you need to submit a $20 enrollment fee and a student permit application to the state.
What to Expect From a Cosmetology Program in Arkansas
1500 Hours
Time to Complete a Cosmetology Program in Arkansas
Your Arkansas cosmetology program should include 1500 hours of classroom and hands-on work covering hair, nail, and skin care treatments. You can expect to learn about science, business, and other relevant skills, too.
Arkansas cosmetology program to meet strict academic and physical standards. Student-teacher ratios must be kept low, with no more than 25 students per teacher. The curriculum at a state-approved beauty school includes the following content:
Hygiene and Sanitation: 80 Hours
Related Sciences: 120 hours
Hairdressing: 1000 hours
Manicuring: 100 hours
Aesthetics: 100 hours
Salesmanship and Shop Management: 50 hours
Professional Ethics: 49 hours
Domestic violence and sexual assault training: 1 hour
Cosmetologists in AR can apply eyelash extensions, and they may provide laser services using a Class 1 or Class 2 device, so your training should cover those skills.
Your program must include at least five hours of theoretical instruction, totaling at least 150 hours. After you've reached 150 hours, your school must let you provide at least 10 hands-on services to a mannequin or client each week.
Practical (hands-on) work needs to take place in a large, open space where your instructors can easily see you. The practical area can only include items needed for practical work. Your school needs to provide storage space for your own belongings. A break or lounge room is also required.
The state mandates that all cosmetology schools charge tuition that would cover classes, textbooks, instructional materials, and a variety of tools. Your student kit may be a separate purchase, though.
While schools have specific teaching, learning, and space requirements, no two schools are exactly alike. That's why it's important to speak to and, if possible, visit different places when finding the best cosmetology program for you.
Can I Apprentice as a Cosmetologist in Arkansas?
No, you can't earn your Arkansas cosmetology license via an apprenticeship. You need to complete a cosmetology school program.
How to Get Your Cosmetology License in Arkansas
To get your cosmetology license in Arkansas, you need to complete 1,500 training hours, pass two exams (written and practical), and apply and pay for your license. The written test also covers Arkansas cosmetology laws.
Before taking your written exam, you need to register with Prov, which administers the test. You can apply to take your test at one of Prov's testing centers or remotely, and either option comes with a $78 exam fee. A benefit to taking the test at one of the 10 possible centers is that you don't need to worry about having an appropriate space. However, a remote test means you don't have to leave your home if you can make the space usable.
Arkansas uses the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) written exam. The test runs for 90 minutes and includes 110 questions, 100 of which are scored. The written exam comprises four sections:
Scientific Concepts: 35%
Hair Care and Services: 45%
Skin Care and Services: 10%
Nail Care and Services: 10%
You'll get an unofficial score right when you finish the written test, and your official exam will be sent to you within a couple of days. The written and law tests are graded separately, and you need to earn at least a 70% on each.
The practical exam takes place at a cosmetology school. The test will let you show off your practical and technical skills, proving you can work as a cosmetologist safely and effectively. This includes hair, skin, and nail care services and likely involves ensuring the space is set up in a clean, appropriate manner. You need to earn at least 75% on the practical test.
You'll receive your license from the state after you pass your exams. This allows you to practice in a licensed beauty establishment so long as your license is active. Be sure to let the state know if you change your name or address, and don't forget to renew your license every two years.
Arkansas Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity
License reciprocity is available in Arkansas. Eligible candidates must provide proof that they've completed 1,500 hours of cosmetology training. To apply for a reciprocal license, you must:
Be at least 18 years old
Have passed a cosmetology exam on par with the one required in AR
Hold a valid cosmetology license in another jurisdiction
Pass a state law exam
Submit an application and pay a $50 reciprocity fee
If you have completed equivalent cosmetology training in another state but don't yet have a license, you need to pass all exams that Arkansas requires. You may also continue your cosmetology education in Arkansas if you have completed fewer than the required number of hours than the state requires, plus pass all the necessary tests.
Activity military personnel stationed in Arkansas, veterans who apply within one year of discharge, or a spouse of a military member or veteran may also be eligible for automatic cosmetology licensure. Simply submit a Military Reciprocity Form and copies of your current out-of-state license, Social Security card, military orders, and government ID, along with a $50 fee.
Licenses from other countries can't be transferred to Arkansas. If you're licensed in another nation, you'll need to complete your training, exams, and other requirements.
Cosmetology Specialties in Arkansas
Cosmetology is a broad career, and maybe you want to be a little more focused. Or perhaps you want a career with a shorter training period so you can get into the workforce faster. Arkansas regulates several cosmetology careers:
*Cosmetologists are only required to take 350 electrology training hours to add that specialty to their offerings.
**Hairstylists in Arkansas may only provide washing, drying, and styling services; no haircutting or chemical treatments are permitted without a cosmetology license.
If your chosen field doesn't require a full license, it doesn't mean there aren't laws to follow. Check with the state board to ensure you're meeting all requirements.
Arkansas Cosmetology Licensure Renewal
2 Years
License renewal period
0 Hours
Continuing education required
Your Arkansas cosmetology license will expire on your birthday every two years, and you have to apply and pay for a renewal no more than 30 days after that to keep your license from lapsing. You can renew and pay the $50 renewal fee online. After 30 days, you must pay a $25 reinstatement fee, in addition to your $50 renewal fee.
If you can't renew within those 30 days because you're undergoing medical care for an extended period of time, you can file a reinstatement fee waiver request through the state's health department.
After five years, your license is considered fully lapsed. At that point, if you want to practice again, you need to apply to the state and, most likely, pass an exam. Exceptions are made for veterans whose licenses have lapsed; they won't have to meet these extra requirements to get their license back.
If you're 55 years old or older and have worked as a cosmetologist, manicurist, esthetician, electrologist, or beauty instructor for at least 20 years, you can apply for a Lifetime License. Submit a notarized application with a $50 fee. If approved, you won't have to renew your license anymore. However, you're still required to follow all cosmetology laws and rules to keep your license.
Arkansas doesn't require cosmetology continuing education. However, being a lifelong learner can help you stay on top of your game and add new skills to your repertoire.
Cosmetologist Salary and Projected Job Growth in Arkansas
$26,450
Median Cosmetology Pay in Arkansas
The number of cosmetology careers in Arkansas is expected to grow at nearly double the national rate. Where the field is expected to grow by 6% across the US, CareerOneStop reports that jobs for cosmetologists in Arkansas are expected to increase by 10% between 2022 and 2032.
In Arkansas, salaries for cosmetologists ranged from $22,880 to $35,120 in 2024, depending on location, type of services provided, and years of experience. The median pay was $26,450 annually or an hourly wage of $12.72.
Median salaries for cosmetologists in metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas in Arkansas are:
Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Areas
2024 Median Salary
Memphis, TN-MS-AR Metro Area
$28,140
Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Metro Area
$27,470
Hot Springs, AR Metro Area
$26,110
Fort Smith, AR-OK Metro Area
$26,110
Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR Metro Area
$25,910
Texarkana, TX-AR Metro Area
$25,490
Jonesboro, AR Metro Area
$25,310
Source: CareerOneStop (2025)
Contact the Arkansas State Board of Cosmetology
Arkansas Department of Health
4815 W. Markham Street, Slot #8, Little Rock, AR 72205
