Massachusetts State Board of Cosmetology
Information verified:About the Massachusetts State Board of Cosmetology
The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering operates within the Division of Occupational Licensure (DOL), under the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. The board regulates cosmetologists, barbers, aestheticians, manicurists, electrologists, instructors, and licensed establishments throughout the Commonwealth.
In a reorganization of the state's occupational licensing structure, the former Board of Registration of Cosmetologists merged with barbering oversight to form the current Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering. The board relocated from 1000 Washington Street to One Federal Street, Suite 600 in Boston.
Massachusetts uses the term "aesthetician" rather than the more common "esthetician" for skin care license holders. This is a naming distinction only — the license covers the same scope of practice as in other states.
All licensing transactions — applications, renewals, verifications, and reinstatements — are handled through the ePLACE Portal, the state's upgraded online licensing system. The board can also be reached by phone at 617-701-8792 or by email at cosmetologyandbarberingboard@mass.gov.
Licenses Regulated
The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering regulates the following license types:
- Cosmetologist — Full cosmetology services including hair, skin, and nails. Requires 1,000 hours of approved training.
- Barber — Haircuts, styling, shaving, perming, coloring, and facial treatments. Requires 1,000 hours of approved training.
- Aesthetician — Skin care and facial services. Requires 600 hours of approved training (increased from 300 hours effective June 1, 2019).
- Manicurist — Nail services. Requires 100 hours of approved training.
- Electrologist — Hair removal using electrical current. Requires 1,100 hours of approved training.
- Instructor — Teaching in a licensed school. Requires an active practitioner license, two years of full-time experience (three years for manicuring instructors), and a written exam.
- Assistant Instructor — Entry-level teaching position valid for two years. Non-renewable — must upgrade to full instructor after gaining experience.
- Salon/Shop License — Required for all establishments providing cosmetology, barbering, or aesthetics services.
- School License — Required for schools offering Board-approved training programs.
Massachusetts's training hour requirements — particularly for cosmetologists (1,000 hours) and manicurists (100 hours) — are among the lowest in the country. The state does not require continuing education for license renewal.
Renew Your Massachusetts Cosmetology License
Massachusetts cosmetology licenses renew on a two-year cycle. The renewal fee is $68.00 for individual practitioners. Massachusetts does not require continuing education hours for license renewal.
Online Renewal via ePLACE
All renewals are processed through the ePLACE Portal. Log in or create an account, select "Manage Licenses, Permits, and Certificates," then follow the renewal prompts for your license type.
Renewal Timing and Fees
Licenses expire every two years on your birthday. Renewal fees by license type:
- Cosmetologist: $68.00
- Barber: $68.00
- Aesthetician: $68.00
- Manicurist: $68.00
- Electrologist: $68.00
- Shop/Salon: $82.00
Lapsed License Reinstatement
A license lapses if not renewed within three years of its expiration date. Reinstatement requires passing a written practical exam administered by PSI and paying a $136.00 application fee. You do not need to re-attend school, but you must demonstrate current competency through the exam. Apply through the ePLACE Portal or contact the board at 617-701-8792.
File a Complaint
Complaints against Massachusetts-licensed cosmetologists, barbers, aestheticians, manicurists, electrologists, and establishments are handled by the Division of Occupational Licensure's Office of Investigations.
File a complaint online at mass.gov or call the Office of Investigations at 617-701-8756. Include the establishment name and address, the licensee's name if known, the date of the incident, and any supporting documentation such as photographs of sanitation violations.
The Office of Investigations reviews all complaints and investigates those within the board's jurisdiction. Substantiated violations can result in fines, required corrective action, probation, license suspension, or revocation. Disciplinary actions are published publicly through the Division of Occupational Licensure.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I contact the Massachusetts Board of Cosmetology and Barbering?
- Call 617-701-8792 or email cosmetologyandbarberingboard@mass.gov. The board office is located at One Federal Street, Suite 600, Boston, MA 02110-2012.
- How much does it cost to renew a Massachusetts cosmetology license?
- The renewal fee is $68.00 for a two-year period. Massachusetts does not require continuing education hours, so the renewal cost is the $68 fee only.
- How many training hours does Massachusetts require for a cosmetology license?
- Massachusetts requires 1,000 hours of cosmetology training — one of the lowest requirements in the country. Aesthetician licenses require 600 hours (increased from 300 in June 2019), and manicurist licenses require 100 hours.
- Does Massachusetts require CE for cosmetology license renewal?
- No. Massachusetts does not require continuing education hours for any cosmetology, barbering, or aesthetics license renewal. You renew every two years through the ePLACE Portal and pay the $68 fee.
- What happens if my Massachusetts cosmetology license lapses?
- A license lapses if not renewed within three years of its expiration date. You must pass a written practical exam through PSI and pay a $136 reinstatement application fee. You do not need to repeat school training.
- What is the difference between "aesthetician" and "esthetician" in Massachusetts?
- No practical difference. Massachusetts uses the spelling "aesthetician" while most states use "esthetician." Both refer to the same skin care license. Massachusetts requires 600 hours of training for this license.
- What is the ePLACE Portal?
- ePLACE is the Massachusetts online licensing system at elicensing21.mass.gov. Use it to apply for licenses, renew, change your address, request duplicate licenses, and verify licensure status.