Ohio Board of Cosmetology License Requirements

Ohio Board of Cosmetology License Information

Last Updated: December 27, 2012

In order to obtain a license in cosmetology, esthetics or nail technology in the state of Ohio, students must complete the requirements listed below from the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology. When getting an Ohio cosmetology license or other beauty practitioner certification, you must attend a licensed school and complete the state of Ohio's minimum required training hours and then take the state's cosmetology board exams. After finishing your training, you are required to pass a licensing exam issued by the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology. Once you pass this exam, you will receive your Ohio cosmetology license shortly thereafter. You're now able to work in the state of Ohio. Keep in mind, even though Ohio only requires 8 hours of cosmetology continuing education to renew some licenses, you may wish to consider taking additional cosmetology continuing education hours in Ohio annually to stay current on the latest trends. For specific questions, please contact the OH Board of Cosmetology directly for more information. Ohio does allow apprenticeship to get your training hours and get licensed. You can do this through the Apprentice Instructor Training Program which then sends an application to the board for review. The cosmetology board exams are administered in the English language only.

Find Ohio beauty schools that can help you obtain a license in cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology and other beauty professions in the State of Ohio. 

Ohio Board of Cosmetology License Requirements

• COSMETOLOGIST LICENSE: 1500 Hours
• HAIRSTYLIST LICENSE: 1200 Hours
• ESTHETICIAN LICENSE: 600 Hours (+ 16-hour training to do microdermabrasion)
• NAIL TECHNICIAN LICENSE: 200 Hours (+ 8-hour training to use electric file)
• BARBER LICENSE: 1800 Hours
• COSMETOLOGY INSTRUCTOR LICENSE: Cosmetology License + 1000 Hours
• MASSAGE THERAPIST LICENSE: 750 Hours

Cosmetology License Reciprocity (Transfer) in Ohio

All applicants who wish to transfer their cosmetology license to Ohio must pass the state's written, practical and manager's exams.

OH State Board of Cosmetology Contact Information

Ohio State Board of Cosmetology
1929 Gateway Circle
Grove City, OH 43123
Phone Number: 614-466-3834
Fax Number: 614-644-6880
E-mail Address: sue.gatwood@cos.state.oh.us

The Ohio State Board of Cosmetology can help you with replacing a lost cosmetology license, updating change of name or change of address information, and acquiring out-of-state and other useful forms, as well as answer additional questions about obtaining an Ohio state cosmetology license.

Cosmetology Licensing Information for Other Nearby States:

• Pennsylvania
• Indiana
• Michigan
• West
• Kentucky