Do I Need a Cosmetology License to Do Hair Extensions?

Hair extensions are an extremely popular service in salons today. They allow stylists to add length, volume, highlights, and styling options for clients wanting to change up their look. But if you want to offer hair extension services, do you need to be a licensed cosmetologist first?

The answer isn’t completely straightforward. Licensing requirements vary somewhat by state. This article will break down the typical rules around hair extensions and cosmetology licensing.

What are the standard licensing requirements?

In most states, including Washington, hair extension services fall under the scope of cosmetology practice that requires a license.

The Washington Administrative Code (WAC) states:

“Practicing cosmetology” means providing cosmetology services for a fee, monetary or otherwise. Cosmetology services include but are not limited to: Hair services including cutting, trimming, arranging, dressing, curling, waving by any method, straightening by any method, cutting hairpieces and wigs, fitting and styling hairpieces and wigs, chemical services including permanent waving, relaxing, and straightening, coloring, bleaching, stripping, cleansing, conditioning, applying hair tonics, chemical hair services; esthetics services including makeup application, facials, waxing, tweezing, lash and brow services; manicuring services including trimming and polishing nails, applying sculptured or otherwise artificial nails or any other nail enhancement services; and shampooing hair.

This broad definition encompasses nearly all hair extension services, including:

• Clip-in extensions
• Tape-in extensions
• Fusion/keratin bond extensions
• Microbead/loop extensions
• Sewn-in weave extensions

Performing these services for payment typically requires the full cosmetology license in most states.

Are there any exceptions?

While standard cosmetology practice includes hair extensions in most cases, there are a few potential exceptions that vary by state.

Natural hair braiding is one service that may or may not require licensing. Some states exempt natural braiding services from licensing under their cosmetology laws.

For example, the Washington Administrative Code states:

“Nothing in chapter 18.16 RCW or 308-20 WAC prohibits or restricts the practice of natural hair braiding. Natural hair braiding does not include hair cutting, application of dyes, reactive chemicals or other preparations to alter the color of the hair or to straighten, curl, or alter the structure of the hair.”

So in Washington, braiding services using only hand techniques and natural hair, without dyes, chemicals, or heat, does not require a license. However, other states may handle this differently.

Hair extension application may also potentially be exempted in some states if:

• The extensions are clipped in or taped in using fully synthetic hair, not human hair.
• No chemicals, dyes, or heat are used (for keratin bonds or tightening synthetic hair).
• The stylist does not cut, color, perm, or chemically alter the client’s natural hair.

For example, California cosmetology law appears to allow non-licensed persons to attach clip-in or tape-in extensions as long as they don’t otherwise chemically treat the hair.

However, many states still require a license even for clip-in services. Check your state’s laws to be sure.

Why is licensing required?

There are a few important reasons why hair extension services generally require a cosmetology license:

• Sanitation – Cosmetology training covers critical sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization procedures to prevent spreading contagious conditions like lice and skin/scalp infections from client to client.

• Client safety – Mishandling of adhesives or improper installation techniques can chemically damage or physically pull out the client’s natural hair. Training ensures proper application.

• Consumer protection – Requiring licenses ensures stylists are qualified to provide these services skillfully and safely. Unregulated services raise risks of harm to consumers.

• Fair competition – Licensing creates a level playing field between stylists who invest the time and money to earn a cosmetology license vs. those who don’t.

So while there are some exceptions in some states, comprehensive cosmetology licensing is required for hair extensions in most cases to protect public health, safety, and welfare.

Can I offer hair extensions without a cosmetology license?

If you don’t hold a standard cosmetology license that covers hair extensions, your options are limited. A few possibilities include:

• Refer clients to a licensed cosmetologist who can provide the extensions. You collect a referral fee without doing the service yourself.

• Provide consultation services only. Advise clients on extension options, pricing, styling, etc. but don’t actually attach or style them.

• Consider a specialty extensions certification. Some private programs offer extension technique certifications that may exempt you from needing a cosmetology license. Requirements vary by state.

• Explore exemptions in your state laws. As mentioned above, some states exempt certain applications like braiding or self-adhesive extensions.

• Apply for a cosmetology license. Enrolling in a licensed cosmetology program will qualify you to provide all hair services legally.

Without the proper licensing, it is generally against the law to perform cosmetology services like hair extensions for payment. Practicing without a license can potentially lead to fines or even criminal charges for unlicensed practice.

Can I offer hair extensions without taking the full cosmetology exam?

Some states allow people to take a specialized exam just for braiding or hair extensions rather than the full cosmetology exam.

For example, Florida offers a Natural Hair Braiding license. To qualify, applicants must complete a 75-hour approved braiding course but don’t have to meet the state’s full cosmetology educational requirements.

A few other states like Ohio, Arkansas, and Louisiana have similar specialized braiding or natural hair licenses.

However, most states including Washington currently require a general cosmetology license even just for braiding or extension services. There is no shorter, specialized exam option.

You’ll need to complete the full licensing requirements for hair, skin, and nails and take the comprehensive cosmetology exam.

Should I get certified even if my state doesn’t require it?

Some stylists choose to complete specialized extension training even if their state licensing exams don’t require it.

There are a few potential benefits to separate certification:

• Gain expertise. Get in-depth training on different extension methods from an experienced instructor.

• Improve client trust. Certification can give clients confidence in your skills and reassure them extensions will be done properly.

• Increase profits. Specialized services allow you to charge more and retain more clients seeking extensions.

• Stand out. Extra qualifications can help your salon or freelance services compete in the market.

• Cross state lines. Some states do require certain approved extension training programs. Certification allows you to work anywhere.

• Renew skills. Periodic re-certification ensures you stay updated on the latest techniques and products.

Just be sure any program you complete is approved by your state board if mandated. And always check that you meet all state licensing requirements to perform these services legally.

Do I need additional licensing to buy and sell hair extensions?

If you want to operate a business selling hair extensions, most states require a cosmetology or barber supply dealer license.

For example, RCW 18.16.180 in Washington states:

“It is unlawful for a person to act as a cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, or manicuring wholesaler or retailer without first obtaining the appropriate license from the department.”

To qualify, applicants typically need:

• A permanent retail space (some states exempt online sellers).
• A business license and fictitious name registration.
• Product liability insurance.
• A bond or surety document.
• Records of purchases from licensed distributors.

This helps consumer protection agencies regulate the safe sourcing, labeling, and sale of professional beauty products.

Some states may offer exemptions for salons selling small amounts of retail products directly to their own clients. But in general, dealing wholesale or retail professional-grade products requires a dealer license.

Key Takeaways

• Hair extension services generally require a comprehensive cosmetology license.
• Natural braiding may be exempt from licensing in some states.
• Sy

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