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Texas Barbering & Cosmetology Professional Guide

Last updated: 2026-04-08

This guide is written for licensed Texas barbers, cosmetologists, estheticians, manicurists, and salon owners. It covers license types, renewal requirements, how your public record appears on LicenseStatusVerify, and tools available to licensed professionals on this platform.

Quick Checklist

  • [ ] License type matches your credential (Barber Class A, Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Manicurist, Specialty)
  • [ ] License number is correct on your record
  • [ ] Expiration date is current
  • [ ] Continuing education (CE) requirements completed for your cycle
  • [ ] Renewal reminder preferences configured (optional)
  • [ ] Business license (establishment license) active if you own/operate a salon
  • [ ] No disciplinary actions affecting your license status

Texas Barbering & Cosmetology License Types

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) issues the following individual and business licenses:

**Barber (Class A)** — Individual license to perform barbering services including haircuts, shaving, and related services. Holders may own and operate a barber salon.

**Cosmetologist** — Individual license to perform hair, skin, and nail cosmetology services. This is the broadest individual license in the beauty industry and covers hairstyling, coloring, skin treatments, and nail services.

**Esthetician** — Individual license limited to skin care services, including facials, chemical peels, waxing, and non-invasive skin treatments. Estheticians may not provide nail or hair services.

**Manicurist** — Individual license limited to nail services, including manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements. Manicurists may not provide hair or esthetics services.

**Eyelash Extension Specialist** — Specialty license for eyelash extension services. Required in addition to another credential.

**Hair Weaving Specialist** — Specialty license for hair weaving and hair replacement services. Required in addition to another credential.

**Salon / Establishment License** — Business location license required to legally operate a salon. Issued to the salon owner or managing entity. Individual practitioners must work under an active establishment license.

**Mini-Establishment** — Limited-footprint salon license for small operations (e.g., single-chair salons, home-based services with limited square footage).

**Mobile Establishment** — License for mobile salon services (e.g., services provided at client locations). Must meet TDLR requirements for mobile operations.

Initial Licensing Process

To obtain a Texas barbering or cosmetology license:

1. **Complete education** — Enroll in a TDLR-approved barber or cosmetology school. Programs typically require 1500–2000 hours depending on the license type. 2. **Attend and pass school** — Complete all required course hours and pass school exams. 3. **Apply to TDLR** — Submit your application with proof of education to TDLR. Application fees apply. 4. **Pass the state exam** — Schedule and pass the TDLR written and practical exams (content varies by license type). 5. **Receive your license** — TDLR issues your license once the exam is passed and all requirements are met.

New license holders typically receive a paper license card and should register for online account access at tdlr.texas.gov to manage renewals and CE records.

Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

Most Texas barbering and cosmetology credentials require continuing education for renewal:

  • **Barbers (Class A):** Typically 4 hours per renewal cycle
  • **Cosmetologists:** Typically 4–6 hours per renewal cycle
  • **Estheticians:** Typically 4 hours per renewal cycle
  • **Manicurists:** Typically 4 hours per renewal cycle
  • **Specialty licenses** (eyelash, hair weaving): Typically 4 hours per renewal cycle

CE requirements and specific cycle periods may change. Check your TDLR account or contact TDLR directly to confirm current requirements for your license type.

Renewing Your License

Texas barbering and cosmetology licenses must be renewed before expiration:

1. **Log in to TDLR account** — Visit tdlr.texas.gov and log into your account. 2. **Review renewal notice** — TDLR sends renewal notices approximately 60 days before expiration. 3. **Verify CE completion** — Confirm that all required continuing education hours are posted to your TDLR record. CE must be completed before you can renew. 4. **Submit renewal application** — Complete the online renewal form and pay the renewal fee. 5. **Receive renewed license** — A renewed license card is issued and your online record is updated.

**Renewal fees** vary by license type. Check TDLR's fee schedule at tdlr.texas.gov.

If Your License Expires

If your Texas barbering or cosmetology license expires:

  • **Grace period:** TDLR typically allows a short grace period (usually 30–60 days) for late renewal without penalty.
  • **Late fees:** Renewal after the grace period may incur additional late fees.
  • **Re-examination:** If renewal is significantly delayed, TDLR may require re-examination or additional documentation.
  • **Practicing with an expired license** is a violation and may result in disciplinary action.

If your license has expired, contact TDLR immediately to understand your options for renewal or reinstatement.

TDLR May 2026 Changes: SSN and Lawful Presence Requirements

Effective May 2026, TDLR is implementing new requirements for all licenses, including barbering and cosmetology:

  • **SSN requirement:** All applicants and renewal applicants must provide a valid Social Security Number.
  • **Lawful presence verification:** TDLR will verify lawful presence in the United States using federal databases.
  • **Documentation:** You may be required to provide additional documentation to verify identity and lawful presence.

For details and step-by-step guidance on these changes, see [TDLR SSN Requirement (May 2026)](/tx/tdlr-ssn-requirement-2026).

Disciplinary Actions: Suspension and Revocation

TDLR can suspend or revoke a Texas barbering or cosmetology license for violations of professional standards:

**Common grounds for disciplinary action include:**

  • Practicing without a current license or while it is suspended
  • Unsafe or unsanitary practices
  • Fraudulent use of a license or identity
  • Theft, fraud, or dishonest conduct
  • Conviction of a felony or crime of moral turpitude
  • Failure to comply with health and safety standards
  • Violation of TDLR rules and regulations
  • Failure to maintain required continuing education

**Disciplinary process:**

1. A complaint is filed with TDLR (by a consumer, fellow professional, or regulator) 2. TDLR investigates the complaint 3. If evidence supports the complaint, TDLR may issue a citation or refer the matter to the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) 4. A hearing is held where you can defend yourself 5. SOAH or TDLR issues a decision (no action, cease and desist, fine, suspension, or revocation)

If your license is suspended or revoked, you may appeal the decision. Contact TDLR or consult with an attorney if you receive a disciplinary notice.

Establishing a Salon: Establishment License Requirements

If you plan to own or operate a salon, you must obtain a salon establishment license from TDLR:

**Requirements to open a salon:**

  • **Business registration:** Obtain an EIN and register your business with the Texas Secretary of State if applicable.
  • **Salon license application:** Submit an establishment license application to TDLR with:
  • Proof of business registration
  • Lease or property ownership documentation
  • Salon layout/floor plan showing work stations
  • Equipment list and sanitation procedures
  • Proof of compliance with health and safety standards
  • **Salon inspection:** TDLR conducts a site inspection to verify compliance with sanitation, ventilation, and safety requirements.
  • **License issuance:** Upon passing inspection, TDLR issues your salon establishment license.
  • **Renewal:** Salon licenses must be renewed, typically every 2 years.

**Salon sanitation and safety standards** are enforced by TDLR and are critical for licensing. Keep your salon clean, maintain proper ventilation, sterilize tools, and follow all TDLR rules.

How Your Record Appears on LicenseStatusVerify

LicenseStatusVerify displays public license data sourced from TDLR. Your public record includes:

  • Your full legal name as it appears on your TDLR registration
  • License number
  • License type (Barber, Cosmetologist, Esthetician, etc.)
  • Current status (Active, Expired, Suspended, etc.)
  • Expiration date
  • County of record (where available)

This information is public and accessible to anyone — including potential clients and employers. Keeping your license active and your TDLR registration current ensures your record appears correctly and reflects your professional standing.

Claim Your Profile

Licensed Texas barbers and cosmetologists can claim their professional profile on LicenseStatusVerify to add business details, contact information, and a service area. A claimed profile allows consumers who find your public record to contact you directly.

[Explore professional tools →](/professionals)

Official TDLR Resources

  • **License search:** [https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/LicenseSearch/](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/LicenseSearch/)
  • **Barbering & cosmetology program:** [https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/cos/](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/cos/)
  • **Continuing education info:** [https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/cos/](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/cos/)
  • **File a complaint:** [https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/)
  • **Contact TDLR:** (800) 803-9834