Cosmetology Schools in Virginia

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Virginia

What to Expect From a Cosmetology Program in Virginia

Your Virginia cosmetology program will run for at least 1,000 hours and include training in hair, nail, and skin care skills. You'll also learn about relevant sciences, laws, and business skills.

The State requires all cosmetology programs to teach the following:

• Orientation and Business: 45 hours
• Laws and Regulations: 10 hours
• General Sciences: 55 hours
• Applied Sciences: 40 hours
• Shampooing, Rinsing, and Scalp Treatments: 25 hours
• Hair Styling: 65 hours
• Hair Cutting: 125 hours
• Permanent Waving and Chemical Relaxing: 135 hours
• Hair Coloring and Bleaching: 190 hours
• Wigs, Hair Pieces, and Related Theory: 15 hours
• Manicuring and Pedicuring: 75 hours
• Skin Care: 150 hours
• Lashes and Brows: 35 hours
• Hair Removal: 35 hours

Virginia specifically requires that all hair training includes working with textured hair. This means every cosmetologist should have at least a basic understanding of working with natural hair, which isn't a requirement in every state. This gives you a unique understanding of an important art and science that could open you up to additional clients and allow you to bring a special set of skills to another jurisdiction if you happen to move away.

As part of the curriculum, Virginia requires a minimum number of practical performances. You need to do each of the following services a certain number of times:

• Shampooing, Rinsing, and Scalp Treatments: 20 performances
• Hair Styling: 60 performances
• Hair Cutting: 60 performances
• Permanent Waving and Chemical Relaxing: 60 performances
• Hair Coloring and Bleaching: 65 performances
• Wigs, Hair Pieces, and Related Theory: 10 performances
• Manicuring and Pedicuring: 15 performances
• Individual Sculpted Nails and Nail Tips: 30 performances
• Lashes and Brows: 20 performances
• Skin Care: 15 performances
• Hair Removal: 10 performances

Virginia's curriculum requirements help ensure every graduate has a well-rounded understanding of the field. When you are finding the right cosmetology school for you, consider looking for a school that spends extra time or offers more performances on a skill that you're particularly interested in.

Your program should prepare you not just for your exams but for your cosmetology career. While you're in school, don't be afraid to ask questions and get help when you need it!

Cosmetology Apprenticeship in Virginia

If you're a high school student and at least 16 years old, you can become a cosmetologist by apprenticeship in Virginia via Virginia Works. For more details, you need to contact Virginia Works directly.

How To Get Your Cosmetology License in Virginia

To get your cosmetology license in Virginia, you need to complete an approved training program and pass a written and a practical exam. You also must meet other requirements, such as being at least 16 years old and having an acceptable criminal record. If you have had disciplinary action or licensure denial in the past, you also need to report those instances on your application.

Virginia uses NIC cosmetology tests, the most common type in the country. You'll take two tests: Written and practical.

The written cosmetology test costs $99, and you can take it remotely or at one of Prov's 10 testing locations throughout the state. No matter where you take your exam, remember that an official must be able to see you. Follow all rules, including those about not having devices, notebooks, or other people around you, even if you're testing at home.

This test takes 90 minutes to complete and contains 110 questions, 100 of which contribute to your score. It's broken down into the following categories:

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

The practical test, which includes an additional eyebrow hair removal portion, must be completed in person. During this test, you'll demonstrate your abilities in the following order:

1. Work area and Client Preparation and Set Up of Supplies: 15 mins
2. Thermal Curling: 10 mins
3. Hair Cutting: 35 mins
4. Work Area and Client Preparation and Set Up of Supplies: 15 mins
5. Chemical Waving: 20 mins
6. Predisposition Test and Strand Test with Simulated Product: 10 mins
7. Highlighting with Foil, Virgin Application with Colored Simulated Product: 15 mins
8. Hair Color Retouch with Colored Simulated Product: 10 mins
9. Virgin Hair Relaxer (No Base) Application with Colored Simulated Product: 15 mins
10. Blood Exposure Procedure: 10 mins
11. Hair Removal of the Eyebrows by Tweezing and Using Simulated Soft Wax: Untimed

Virginia Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity

Are you a licensed cosmetologist moving to Virginia? If your cosmetology training was substantially similar to the Virginia requirements, you can submit proof of your training to the Board. However, if your training wasn't substantially similar, you may be able to substitute three years of work experience for training. In either scenario, the Board will review your application and make a final decision.

Your training doesn't have to be from a United States program. To bring a cosmetology license from another country, simply need to have your paperwork translated into English (if necessary), and you can follow the same steps as others applying for reciprocity.

You may also be able to get your cosmetology license if you have two years of cosmetology experience from time in the armed forces.

Virginia joined the Cosmetology Compact, which allows cosmetologists in any member state to move their existing license between locations. The Board hopes to implement this change in 2027.

Cosmetology Specialties in Virginia

Virginia has a lot of options for people who want to work in the beauty industry. You could choose to focus your skills on one area your license allows you to practice, or you could go for a different permit or license entirely. Some of the other regulated beauty fields in Virginia are:

• Barber: 750 hours
• Nail Tech: 150 hours
• Waxer: 115 hours
• Permanent Cosmetic Artist: 195 hours
• Hair Braiding/Natural Hair: No training required

What if you want to switch things up after working in cosmetology? Well, you can earn a crossover license with Barbering! You can take the master barber exam after two years of working as a cosmetologist!