Cosmetologist
Description
A cosmetologist provides services to enhance the appearance of the head by the application of heat, water, solutions, dyes and reactive chemicals to alter the color, straighten, or curl the structure of the hair of a human being. Cosmetologists provide services to enhance the appearance of the face, neck, arms, legs, and shoulders of a human being by using compounds such as makeup, depilatories, and waxes; or through procedures such as tweezing; or by cleaning, cutting, shaping, or polishing the nails and applying and removing sculptured or artificial nails.
Esthetician -- Provides services to enhance the appearance of the face, neck, arms, legs, and shoulders of a human being by using compounds such as makeup, depilatories, and waxes, or procedures such as tweezing.
Nail Specialist -- Provides services to enhance the appearance of the hands and feet by cleaning, cutting, shaping, or polishing the nails and by applying and removing sculptured or artificial nails.
Natural Hairstylist -- Braids, locks, extends and weaves hair.
Waxer -- Provides services to enhance the appearance of the face, neck, arms, legs or shoulders of a human being by removing hair using depilatories, waxes or tweezers.
Licensing Requirements
An applicant must file an application for licensure with the New York State Department of State in order to become a licensed cosmetologist, natural hairstylist, esthetician, nail specialist or waxer. In addition, an applicant must be of good moral character. The latest information and requirements for licensure are available on the New York State Department of State website at:
http://www.dos.state.ny.us/lcns/professions/appearance/appear.htm
Age Requirement
Applicants must be at least 17 years of age.Education
Each of the following appearance enhancement occupations requires a different level of education:
- Cosmetologist (hairdresser) -- 1,000 hours
- Esthetician -- 600 hours
- Nail Specialist -- 250 hours
- Natural Hairstylist -- 300 hours
- Waxer -- 75 hours
Examination Description
Written -- 2 1/2 hours (multiple-choice format)
Practical -- Demonstrate practical abilities of specific license
Fees
- $20 -- Application
- $15 -- Each examination sitting
- $10 -- Temporary license
- $20 -- License renewal (biennial)
Licenses Issued and Active
From January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009, there were 91,601 licenses issued for this occupation.
As of June 25, 2010, there were 172,481 active licenses outstanding for this occupation.
Licensing Authority
New York State Department of State
Division of Licensing Services
Alfred E. Smith Office Builing
80 S. Swan Street, 10th floor
P.O. Box 22001
Albany, New York 12201-2001
Phone: (518) 474-4429
Fax: (518) 473-6648
E-mail: licensing@dos.state.ny.us
Standard Occupational Classification
39-5012 - Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
To learn more about this occupation go to the Occupational Information Network (O*Net).