New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology
and Hairstyling Information
The New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling (Board) was established in 1985 as a result of the merging of the Board of Barber Examiners and the Board of Beauty Culture Control.
The Board was created within the Division of Consumer Affairs to protect New Jersey consumers who avail themselves of the services regulated by the Board and to enforce and coordinate the regulations relating to the practice of cosmetology, hairstyling, barbering and beauty culture.
The Board consists of 11 members, appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, who are residents of New Jersey. Six of the 11 members must hold practicing licenses issued by the Board and must have been engaged in the practice of beauty culture, barbering, or cosmetology and hairstyling for at least five years prior to their appointment; one of the 11 members must hold a teacher's license issued by the Board of Beauty Culture Control or by the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling and must have been involved in the conduct of a licensed school in New Jersey for at least five years prior to the appointment. Of the remaining four members, three must be public members and one must be a state executive department member.
Purpose and Commitment of the Board
- The Board promulgates and enforces the regulations relating to the practice of cosmetology, hairstyling, barbering and beauty culture; the premises at which those services are rendered; and the schools at which instruction in those practices may be obtained.
More than 65,000 beauticians, barbers, cosmetologist-hairstylists, skin care specialists and manicurists are licensed by the Board. More than 8,700 shops, 675 cosmetology-hairstyling teachers and 28 schools are also licensed by the Board. If you have obtained your training in a public school, or in another state, you must register with the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling in order to practice in New Jersey.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I practice cosmetology and hairstyling while attending school? |
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Yes, if you hold a student permit, which can be obtained once you have completed half of the required training. |
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I have a beautician/barber's license from another state; can I work in New Jersey? |
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No. In order to work in New Jersey you need to have a license issued by the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling. You must submit an "out-of-state" application and required documentation and pass the Board's examination. The application must be requested in writing and will be mailed to you. |
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I was a hairstylist in another country. Do I have to go back to school if I want to work in New Jersey? |
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No. If you come from another country, you must submit an "out-of-country" application and the required documentation, and you also must pass the Board's examination. The application must be requested in writing and will be mailed to you. |
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Can I operate a beauty shop with my manicurist's license? |
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Yes, but you must apply for a shop license, hold a current manicurist's license issued by the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling, and have at least three years of work experience as a licensed manicurist or cosmetologist. |
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Am I required to hold a cosmetology and hairstyling license to open a beauty shop? |
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No. Your obligation is to hire a manager who has at least three years of experience as a licensed cosmetologist-hairstylist and to apply for a shop license. |
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Is "in-house" practice illegal? |
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Yes, but there are some exceptions. Be sure you check the statutes (N.J.S.A45:5B-7 and 5B-8) or call the Board for more information. |
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Why do I have to take the shaving test if I am a beautician? |
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Since the merging of the two boards in 1984, the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling no longer issues a separate license for barbers and beauticians. After you pass the test, you will be issued a cosmetologist-hairstylist's license. |
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Can I have my temporary permit extended? |
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No. The temporary permit is valid for 120 days and may be issued only one time while you wait to be scheduled for the examination for licensure. Once your permit expires, if you do not have your license, you must stop practicing until you receive your license. |
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Can I open a beauty shop in my house? |
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Yes, with the permission of the city or town zoning official, and if you hold a current license, you may open a beauty shop in your house. But remember, you also must obtain a shop license issued by the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling and follow the regulations pertaining to such practice. |
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I am graduating from high school this year and have some training hours in cosmetology and hairstyling. Can I complete my training after graduation? |
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Absolutely. You may continue your training in a vocational school or in a private school licensed by the Board. If you choose the second option, you must obtain certification of your hours from your high school; your new school must submit the certification to the Board with your student registration application. |
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Will I lose my California license if I become licensed in New Jersey? |
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No. You can be licensed in as many states as you want, as long as you follow the renewal regulations. If you move out of state, you may also keep your New Jersey license valid by renewing it every two years.
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Important!
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If you have completed some training in a New Jersey school, or in another state, remember that you will lose all your credits if you do not register to conclude your training within five years.
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Upon graduation from a beauty school, you have five years from the date of completion to apply for your license without requiring any additional training. After seven years you lose all your credits.
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Licensure by endorsement is offered to cosmetologist-hairstylist applicants who satisfy the requirements for licensure as a cosmetologist-hairstylist, and hold a current license as a barber and beautician in another state or foreign country.
Additional information regarding the practice of cosmetology and hairstyling, barbering, skin care or manicuring, or inquiries on how to file a complaint, can be forwarded to Mr. Jay A. Malanga, Executive Director, New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling, P.O. Box 45003, Newark, NJ 07101; or by calling the Board at (973) 504-6400. You may also send your questions via e-mail to askconsumeraffairs@dca.lps.state.nj.us.
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