Cosmetology Schools in New Hampshire

Can I Become a Cosmetologist in New Hampshire Through an Apprenticeship?

Yes, you can earn your cosmetology license via a cosmetology apprenticeship. New Hampshire requires cosmetology apprentices to be at least 16 years old and hold a valid apprentice license (the fee for which is $55). The salon you apprentice in can have no more than one apprentice per licensed cosmetologist, so you should be ready to get a good deal of one-on-one training while you apprentice in the shop.

Before you begin, you need to apply for and pay the fee for an apprentice license. Once everything is approved, your apprenticeship must last at least 3000 hours over a minimum of 18 months. The person you apprentice with must have been a practicing cosmetologist in the state for at least two years and be ready and able to prepare you for your cosmetology exams and career.

How to Get Your Cosmetology License in New Hampshire

In addition to completing your approved beauty program or apprenticeship, you need to meet several other requirements to get your New Hampshire license. Cosmetology licensure in New Hampshire requires that you:

• Have completed high school (or the equivalent)
• Pass two exams
• Pay a $55 licensure fee
• Be of "good professional character"

You can petition the board if you don't meet all the requirements.

Once you've completed school, you don't need to wait until you've passed the exam to start working; you can apply for a temporary permit and get a job where you're closely monitored by a licensed cosmetologist. But don't wait to take that test! The permit doesn't last long, and the board can choose not to let you renew that temporary license if you don't pass the test in a couple of months.

New Hampshire Cosmetology Exams

New Hampshire requires passing scores on written and practical cosmetology exams. The tests were created by the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) and are administered by Prov.

The written exam is probably similar to the tests you took in high school: You sit in front of a computer and take the exam while someone monitors you. It costs $88 and can be taken at any of Prov's testing centers or even remotely with Examroom.ai as your proctoring tool. There are 100 scored and 10 unscored questions on the test, and the categories are weighted as follows:

• Scientific Concepts: 35%
• Hair Care and Services: 45%
• Skin Care and Services 10%
• Nail Care and Services: 10%

New Hampshire uses the standard practical exam plus additional hair removal (eyebrows) and manicure exam portions, and you must schedule and pay $99 each time you take it. This exam must be taken at Prov's Testing Center in Concord. You're required to bring your own kit, including a full-sized mannequin head, red nail polish, containers and labels for different supplies, and a thermal curling iron. Your kit can't be any bigger than 30" by 30" and must fit under your work area.

Once you're set up to take your exam, you begin to show off your skills. The standard NIC cosmetology test follows this order of steps:

1. Work Area and Client Preparation, and Set Up of Supplies

2. Thermal Curling

3. Haircutting

4. Work Area and New Client Preparation, And Set Up Of Supplies

5. Chemical Waving

6. Predisposition Test and Strand Test with Simulated Product

7. Highlighting With Foil, Virgin Application with Colored Simulated Product

8. Hair Color Retouch with Colored Simulated Product

9. Virgin Hair Relaxer (No Base) Application with Simulated, Colored Product

10. Blood Exposure Procedure

Because New Hampshire requires those two additional sections, you can expect to demonstrate your ability to use soft wax and tweezing to remove superfluous hair and to perform basic manicures (including at least two types of massage).

A 75% is considered a passing score on each test. Your official exam results will be emailed to you and sent to the state within one to three days after you take your test.

New Hampshire Cosmetology License Reciprocity

While most states have reciprocity agreements with few (if any) other locations, New Hampshire is different. If you're a cosmetologist in any other state, Washington DC, Jamaica, Honduras, or Costa Rica, and you meet all other licensure qualifications, you may be able to move your license to New Hampshire.

To do this, you must have an active license that's in good standing, fill out a universal licensure application, and pay a $55 fee. Once you're approved, you can begin to practice cosmetology in New Hampshire.

Cosmetology Specialties in New Hampshire

Cosmetology is a broad subject; maybe you want to focus on a specific passion. New Hampshire offers a variety of cosmetology fields, though nearly all specialties in the state require a license.

Some New Hampshire beauty careers, and their training hours, are:

• Barber: 800 hours
• Esthetician: 600 hours
• Manicurist: 300 hours
• Natural Hair Braider: No training required
• Permanent Makeup Artist (Microblading): Cosmetology or esthetician license plus a 100-hour certification program
• Shampoo Assistant: No training required

New Hampshire Cosmetology License Renewal

You need to renew your cosmetology license every two years, by the anniversary of the date it was issued. Renewal involves applying, paying the fee, and providing any required supporting documents. If you don't renew your license on time, it will be considered lapsed one year after the expiration date. Once your license lapses, you're no longer allowed to renew it; you must apply and prove you still meet all eligibility requirements.

If you're a member of the reserve armed forces or National Guard and are called to active duty, the licensure board will consider your license "inactive." When you return, you can reactivate your license within one year by only paying the renewal fee and completing any required continuing education. You don't need to worry about your license lapsing, even if the renewal date passes while you're on active duty.

The state doesn't require continuing education hours, though getting periodic training to sharpen your skills can be a big help.

Cosmetologist Salary and Job Growth in New Hampshire

New Hampshire's cosmetology career pay and prospects are well above average! Cosmetologists in the state earn a median of $42,000 per year, and the number of jobs is projected to grow by 11% over the next decade. Nationwide, the median pay is $35,250, and projected growth is only 6%.

Of course, the amount you could actually make as a cosmetologist is influenced by a lot of things. For instance, your years of experience and the services you offer both play big roles. But one of the biggest influences on cosmetology salary is location. The following areas reported average cosmetology salaries in New Hampshire in 2024:

Source: CareerOneStop (2026)

Contact the New Hampshire State Board of Cosmetology