Cosmetology Schools in Massachusetts

What to Expect from a Cosmetology Program in Massachusetts

Cosmetology programs in Massachusetts last 1,000 hours and include theory and hands-on training in all aspects of hair, skin, and nail care. It's not all about the technical work, though. You can also expect to learn about science, concepts, and laws surrounding all things beauty.

An approved cosmetology school in Massachusetts must have a curriculum that includes, at a minimum, the following subjects:

• Hair Cutting: 125 hours
• Hair Straightening and Curling: 250 hours
• Iron Curls: 45 hours
• Shampooing: 25 hours
• Finger Waving: 50 hours
• Dyes and Bleaching: 150 hours
• Wig Instruction and Scalp Treatments: 50 hours
• Skin Care/Facial Grooming; Eyelash and Eyebrow Extensions and Tinting; Eyelash Perming: 80 hours
• Manicuring:50 hours
• Cleaning and Disinfection: 25 hours
• Oral, Written, and Practical Tests;Sterilization; Hygiene and Anatomy: 125 hours
• Ethics, Salesmanship, Courtesy, and Conduct: 25 hours

Schools may add or subtract up to 10% of the required hours for any subject. However, the total number of hours must still be at least 1,000.

Massachusetts requires all schools to have at least one teacher for every 15 students, maintain regular hours and a daily schedule, and provide ample space for students to work. You need to have access to a private, secure area where you can stash your personal items while you're attending classes or working on the clinic floor.

Does Massachusetts Allow Cosmetology Apprenticeships?

You can get your Massachusetts cosmetology license by completing an apprenticeship. However, unlike some states, where cosmetology apprenticeships are completed entirely in a salon, cosmetology schools partner with approved beauty shops to create Board-approved Apprentice Programs. You still spend at least 600 hours undergoing classroom training, and you can complete a maximum of 400 hours working in the associated beauty shop.

Unlike training that occurs entirely in a school, shops with apprenticeship programs don't need to be on the school grounds. Approved shops simply need to be in an Apprentice placement agreement with the school.

Apprentices must be at least 16 years old, and beauty schools and apprenticeship shops must schedule the student so they can attend high school, if they're still enrolled.

After you complete your apprenticeship, you need to meet all the licensure requirements that traditional cosmetology students do.

You may see information about Massachusetts "shop-employed students." These aren't the same as apprentices. Instead, they're employed by a shop and can perform services they've been trained in at cosmetology school. The school must confirm you're proficient enough to provide these treatments to the public. Hours spent working as a shop-employed student don't count toward your 1,000 training hours.

How to Get Your Cosmetology License in Massachusetts

To get your cosmetology license in Massachusetts, In addition to completing your cosmetology training, you need to pass exams and have an acceptable criminal record. Unlike many other states, there isn't a minimum age or education requirement; however, your school may have its own rules, and you do need a high school diploma (or equivalent) to practice as a cosmetology instructor.

If you've completed barber school, you may be able to get a crossover license, allowing you to credit up to 750 hours of that training to your cosmetology license.

All applications and renewals go through the DOL eLIPSE platform. To take your exam, you must apply with the Board and pay a $65 fee. Once the Board approves your application, you can expect the test administrator, PSI, to reach out so you can schedule it. At that point, you can apply for test accommodations if you have a disability that requires them. If you need to take your exam in a language other than English, contact [email protected]. Expect to pay a $155 fee when you schedule your exam.

You can take the test in person or remotely. In either case, a live proctor monitors your progress.

Massachusetts created its own cosmetology test, and anything you studied in school is fair game. In addition to your in-school preparation, you can purchase a practice exam from PSI.

Cosmetology Specialties in Massachusetts

If you want a beauty career but aren't totally sold on cosmetology, you're in luck! Massachusetts offers a variety of other cosmetology careers. Some require licensure, but some don't. Just like cosmetology school, you need to make sure you've found the right beauty school for you before jumping into training. If you choose a field that doesn't officially require training, be sure you feel confident in your abilities before getting started.

Other cosmetology specialties in Massachusetts are:

• Barber: 1,000 hours
• Beauty Retail Sales: No license required
• Electrologist: 1,100 hours
• Esthetician: 600 hours
• Hair Braiding: No license required
• Manicurist: 100 hours

Massachusetts Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity

Massachusetts makes it fairly easy for many people to transfer their out-of-state or out-of-country cosmetology licenses to the state. You don't need to take the MA cosmetology test to get your license in the Commonwealth if you:

• Have a current license that allows you to perform the same services as a MA cosmetologist
• Have passed a cosmetology licensure exam in the United States
• None of your beauty licenses have ever been suspended or revoked
• Meet all other cosmetology requirements in Massachusetts
• Pay a licensure fee of $204 if your license is from another state or $136 if your license is from another country

Out-of-country applicants may have additional steps to take

Not everyone qualifies to transfer their license without taking an exam. You must take the MA cosmetology test if you:

• Don't have a current cosmetology license
• Haven't completed a cosmetology program substantially similar in length and requirements to those in Massachusetts
• Haven't passed a licensure test
• Have ever had a beauty license revoked or suspended
• Completed an apprenticeship, regardless of how similar it is to those in MA

If your training is missing hours in any subject, you need to make up the difference at a Massachusetts school. Those who must take the test must pay a $136 fee.

Active-duty military members or military spouses licensed in another state who are in MA because of a military transfer may be eligible for an expedited license and a waived licensure fee. You need to submit a certification that you're moving to the Commonwealth for that reason and attach relevant paperwork supporting that fact.