Do you drool over the creative use of ombre coloring? Have you been known to stop someone in the middle of a sentence to examine their on-point nail art? Is well-done makeup equal to artwork in your eyes?
If you can answer yes to these questions, you may be a beauty fanatic at heart. Why not use that passion and turn it into an exciting career in Ohio?
Your final step on the path to a beauty license is the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology. They verify your completion of 1,500 training hours and schedule your written exam and skills exam. You must pay a $45 licensing fee and a $31.50 examination fee before getting your license.
When you become a beauty student, you can discover new trends, classic styles, and tried-and-true techniques. This program covers hair, skin, and nails, so you can develop a diverse skill set. With each new topic you explore, you study theory and get hands-on practice. Licensed Ohio cosmetology schools are required to touch on specific subjects.
Required Beauty Topics in Ohio Programs
- Thermal curling
- Disinfection, sterilization, and sanitation
- Haircutting with razor, shears, and thinning shears
- Chemical waving
- Hair coloring and retouching
- Foil highlighting
- Relaxing and retouching
- Facials
- Manicures and pedicures
Ohio licenses must be renewed by January 31 of every odd-numbered year. It costs $30 to renew your license, and the board requires at least 8 hours of cosmetology continuing education classes per renewal period. Instructors must complete an additional 8 hours of Instructor-Only continuing education. One hour of continuing education must be dedicated to human trafficking. If the renewal is late, it's $75. If you get an independent contractor's license, the license is $60 if renewed on time, $105 if late. The original cost of the independent contractor's license is $75.
Whichever path you end up choosing, you can take advantage of professional resources through groups like the Ohio Salon Association. The job outlook in Ohio is sunny. From 2014 through 2024, O*Net predicts a 9% increase in cosmetology job openings in Ohio (2016). The average salary for an Ohio cosmetologist is $25,120 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016).
No matter what type of work experience you have or what goals you have for your career, you may find a beauty career that fits you. Cosmetologists who specialize in hair coloring and haircutting often thrive in salons, including family chain salons and boutique salons. Those who feel at home applying makeup and doing skin care treatments may look for spa job openings. Nail technology specialists can explore options at nail salons.
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 or ashley.riffle@cos.state.oh.us
The Ohio State Board of Cosmetology can answer additional questions about obtaining an Ohio cosmetology license.
Ohio has long been an amenable state for those in the cosmetology field.
Beauty professionals take pride in having a bevy of skills that bring customers
back for more. They gain those skills thanks to a network of resources
from these institutions.
Ohio State Board of Cosmetology
Ohio Salon Association
Professional Beauty Association
