Cosmetology Schools in Delaware

Now may be the perfect time to begin your cosmetology career in Delaware! Graduating from cosmetology school and earning a license in the state will allow you to perform a variety of hair, skin, and nail treatments.

Browse our directory of cosmetology schools in Delaware, or skip ahead to learn about the state's cosmetology licensing requirements and job outlook.

When you attend a cosmetology program in Delaware, you'll learn the art and the science behind a wide variety of beauty subjects. You can expect to learn:

• Haircutting and Styling 850 hours
• Chemical Hair Treatments
• Manicuring and Pedicuring
• Basic Facials and Makeup Application
• Relevant Science Subjects
• Sanitation and Hygiene
• Relevant Laws

The majority of your exams will cover hair services, so you can expect your cosmetology program to as well. If you're more interested in nail or skincare services, becoming a nail technician or esthetician may be a better route for you.

Can I Become a Cosmetologist via an Apprenticeship in Delaware?

Yes, you can earn your cosmetology license by undergoing an apprenticeship in Delaware. Typically, you need to undergo 3,000 training hours at an approved apprenticeship location. However, you might be allowed to combine an apprenticeship and classroom experience. For this, you need to complete 1,500 apprenticeship hours, then apply to take 600 classroom hours at a program approved by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences. However, this route isn't guaranteed to be available, so be sure to plan ahead

Your 3,000-hour apprenticeship needs to be completed within 18 and 36 months. If you're going to take longer than this, you have to request an extension before time runs out. Your request must include a reason why you won't complete the apprenticeship within the allotted time.

For your apprenticeship to count, you need to submit a Verification of Apprenticeship Hours and Apprenticeship Log. You also need to pass your practical and written exams.

Delaware Cosmetology License Requirements

Cosmetology licensure in Delaware requires the completion of a cosmetology program or apprenticeship, passing scores on two exams, and a completed application with relevant fees. Cosmetology schools typically require applicants to be at least 16 years old and to have completed 10th grade or the equivalent.

Cosmetology Exams in Delaware

Delaware requires passing scores on theory and practical cosmetology exams created by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC). The tests cover a wide variety of topics you studied in cosmetology school. The test is administered by Prometric, which has created a lengthy instructional guide outlining what to expect during your tests.

The NIC cosmetology theory exam consists of 110 questions, 100 of which count toward your score. Questions are broken down into several sections:

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

Delaware requires test-takers to complete sections 1-10, plus the basic facial and manicure and polish application add-on test portions:

• Work Area and Client Preparation and Set Up of Supplies: 15 minutes
• Thermal Curling: 10 minutes
• Haircutting: 35 minutes
• Work Area and New Client Preparation, and Set Up of Supplies: 15 minutes
• Chemical Waving: 20 minutes
• Predisposition Test and Strand Test with Simulated Color Product: 10 minutes
• Highlighting with Foil, Virgin Application With Colored Simulated Product: 15 minutes
• Hair Color Retouch with Colored Simulated Product: 10 minutes
• Virgin Hair Relaxer (No Base) Application with Colored Simulated Product: 15 minutes
• Blood Exposure Procedure: 10 minutes
• Basic Facial: 20 minutes
• Manicure and Polish Application: 20 minutes

Delaware Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity

If you're moving to Delaware from another location, you might be able to apply for your Delaware cosmetology license by reciprocity. Anyone who applies for Delaware cosmetology license reciprocity needs to meet several requirements:

• Have already passed approved written and practical cosmetology exams
• Create a DELRPOS account
• Gather required documents per DELPROS instructions; some will need to be attached to your digital application, while others may need to be notarized and mailed
• Submit a copy of all current cosmetology licenses held
• Have each jurisdiction in which you have ever held a license send the Board a licensure verification (regardless of whether the license is current)
• Make sure you meet the qualifications of your specific reciprocity licensure method (detailed below)
• Turn in your application and pay the relevant fee

The two reciprocity application methods are:

Method 1: At least one jurisdiction you hold an active license in requires 1,500+ classroom hours or 3,000+ apprenticeship hours

Method 2: No jurisdiction you hold an active license in requires that many classroom or apprenticeship hours

Method 1 only requires you to meet the earlier list of requirements. However, Method 2 involves additional qualifications:

• You need at least one uninterrupted year of professional cosmetology experience in the past five years.
• You need to submit a notarized verification of employment form from your current or previous cosmetology employer.

If you can't get a verification of employment, you need to submit signed tax forms proving your year of full-time employment, along with a letter including an explanation of why you can't get employment verification and details about your experience.

Cosmetology Specialties in Delaware

Hoping to narrow your focus from cosmetology to a more specific area of beauty? Delaware has other beauty license options! These include:

• Esthetician: 600 hours
• Electrologist: 600 hours
• Nail Technician: 500 hours

If you want to become a hair braider in Delaware, you don't need a specific license. However, you do need to get a license to cut or use chemicals on clients' hair.

Cosmetology License Renewal in Delaware

You need to renew your Delaware cosmetology license by October 31 of every even year (2026, 2028, etc.). Renewal occurs on DELPROS; you need to answer the relevant questions and use a credit card to pay the renewal fee. You don't need to undergo any continuing education, but additional training is always a great idea!

Cosmetologist Salary and Projected Job Growth in Delaware