Cosmetology Schools in Nebraska

What to Expect From a Cosmetology Program in Nebraska

When you go to cosmetology school in Nebraska, you can expect to learn a wide range of hair, skin, and nail care skills. The state created a required cosmetology curriculum, which includes:

• Freshman Cosmetology Theory and Practical: 200+ hours
• Advanced Cosmetology Theory: 200+ hours
• Advanced Clinical Hours: 1165+ hours
• Optional Hours: 100 hours max

The Freshman and Advanced Cosmetology Theory hours include all of the following subjects:

• Chemical Texturizing
• Facials and Body Services
• General Sciences
• Hair Coloring
• Hair Removal
• Haircutting
• Hairstyling
• Nail Services
• Shampoos, Conditioners, and Scalp Treatments
• Nebraska Statutes, Rules, and Regulations

The clinical hours allow you to hone your hands-on skills, and the optional hours let your school find some more unique opportunities for students, like fashion shows, on-site observations, and more. When deciding on the best cosmetology program for you, these optional hours may be what puts one program at the top of your list!

Can I Apprentice as a Cosmetologist in Nebraska?

Yes, you can get your cosmetology license through an apprenticeship in Nebraska. Like traditional students, you need to complete 1800 training hours and pass your required exam. You need to work through a registered apprenticeship salon, so be sure to do your research before getting started.

How to Get Your Cosmetology License in Nebraska

To get your cosmetology license in Nebraska, you need to complete a cosmetology school or apprenticeship program, meet age and academic requirements, and pass exams.

Nebraska cosmetology licensure requirements include:

• Be at least 17 years old
• Have a high school diploma, GED, or the equivalent
• Complete 1800 hours of a school or apprenticeship program
• Submit a licensure application (which must be completed before you take your cosmetology test)
• Earn at least 75% on the required exam
• Provide details relating to any convictions or license disciplinary actions
• Pay a licensure fee (if required)

Your licensure application comes with a fee. The licensure fee amount depends on the month and year. If it's an odd-numbered year, your licensure fee is $95. If it's an even-numbered year, it's $95 from January to June and $25 from July to December. This is because you need to renew your license by December 31 of every even-numbered year, and that comes with its own fee.

The licensure fee may be waived if you're between 17 and 25 years old, are a qualifying low-income individual, or are a military family member, including a veteran or surviving spouse.

Once the Department accepts your application, they'll email you an exam authorization letter. Use that letter to register for and schedule your (NIC) written exam. The test costs $53 each time you take it. Nebraska doesn't require a practical cosmetology exam.

You have to go to a testing center to take the exam in person. No personal belongings are allowed in the testing center, so bring as little as possible (though a government-issued ID is required!) Anything else needs to be put in the testing center's storage and can be picked up when you leave.

An updated version of the Nebraska-specific exam outline will be posted on or around July 23, 2026. Generally, NIC written exams run for 110 questions, 100 of which are weighted. The tested subjects are divided into science, hair, nails, and skincare.

Nebraska Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity

If you have an active cosmetology license in another jurisdiction, you may be able to get license reciprocity in Nebraska. To qualify for cosmetology licensure reciprocity in the state, you need to:

• Bet at least 17 years old
• Have a high school diploma or the equivalent
• Hold a current license earned via an examination
  • If you didn't earn your license via exam, you need to earn a 75% on the required test
• Transcripts proving you trained for at least 1800 hours
  • You may substitute one month of full-time work for 100 training hours
  • If you're a military member and believe your training was substantially similar to Nebraska's, provide that evidence for review
• Submit an application
• Disclose convictions and the circumstances surrounding them, as well as other relevant information
• Pay a fee
  • $95 if it's an odd-numbered year or January through June of an even-numbered year
  • $25 if it's July through December of an even-numbered year)
  • This fee may be waived if you're under the age of 26, are a qualifying low-income individual, or are a military family member

If you completed cosmetology training in another country, the requirements are similar. However, you need to have evidence that you have the right to practice cosmetology in a foreign country or that you have worked as a cosmetologist for at least five of the past eight years.

Cosmetology Specialties in Nebraska

Nebraska's beauty industry includes a wide variety of cosmetology careers and specializations. Some popular options require beauty education and licensure, while others don't. A few beauty careers in Nebraska include:

• Electrology: 600 hours
• Esthetician: 600 hours
• Makeup Artist: No license required
• Nail Technology: 300 hours
• Natural Hair Braiding: No license required