Nebraska State Board of Cosmetology
Information verified:About the Nebraska State Board of Cosmetology
Nebraska cosmetology and esthetics licensing is administered by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Licensure Unit, through the Nebraska Board of Cosmetology and Esthetics. The board derives its authority from the Nebraska Cosmetology Act and enforces regulations in Title 172 NAC 34, 36, and 37, which govern sanitation standards, practitioner qualifications, school requirements, and apprentice salons.
The DHHS Licensure Unit handles all application processing, renewals, and disciplinary matters from its Lincoln office. Practitioners, schools, and establishments must hold active Nebraska credentials before offering any regulated services. The board's mandate centers on protecting public health by setting minimum training and competency standards for the cosmetology and esthetics professions across the state.
Nebraska takes a distinctive approach to examination requirements by not requiring a state practical examination. All applicants sit only for the National Interstate Council (NIC) written examination, administered by PSI at licensed testing centers. This streamlined path to licensure still validates the theoretical knowledge necessary to practice safely. Training must be completed at a DHHS-approved cosmetology school or, in some cases, through an approved apprentice salon program.
Nebraska's licensing framework expressly exempts several services from regulation. Individuals who perform only manicures or pedicures on the natural nail, braid natural hair, apply makeup, pierce earlobes, or provide airbrush tanning do not need a Nebraska cosmetology or esthetics license. This targeted approach allows regulatory resources to focus on services that carry the highest risk of infection or injury.
Cosmetology licenses renew biennially on December 31 of even-numbered years; esthetician licenses renew on September 30 of even-numbered years. All active practitioners must complete eight hours of continuing education per renewal cycle, with at least four of those hours dedicated to performing the actual skills and services of their profession.
Licenses Regulated
The Nebraska Board of Cosmetology and Esthetics issues the following individual practitioner licenses:
- Cosmetologist — Authorizes the holder to perform hair, skin, and nail services, including artificial nail application. Requires 1,800 training hours at a DHHS-approved school and passage of the NIC written examination.
- Cosmetology Instructor — Authorizes teaching in a DHHS-approved cosmetology school. Requires a valid Nebraska cosmetology license plus 600 hours of instructor training and passage of the instructor examination. Expires December 31 of even-numbered years.
- Esthetician — Authorizes services on the top layer of skin, including facials, chemical hair removal, and skin treatments. Requires 600 training hours and passage of the NIC written examination.
- Esthetic Instructor — Authorizes teaching esthetics in a DHHS-approved school. Requires a valid esthetician license plus 600 hours of instructor training and passage of the instructor examination. Expires September 30 of even-numbered years.
Nebraska does not issue a standalone nail technology license. Performing manicures or pedicures on the natural nail is exempt from licensure under Nebraska law. Artificial nail services — including acrylics, gels, and nail enhancements — fall within the scope of cosmetology and require a cosmetologist license.
The board also licenses cosmetology salons, mobile salons, schools, satellite classrooms, and apprentice salons. Establishments and schools whose licenses expire cannot reinstate — a new application must be submitted and approved before the business may resume operations.
Renew Your Nebraska Cosmetology License
Nebraska cosmetology and esthetics licenses renew biennially through the DHHS online portal at nebraska.mylicense.com. The renewal fee is $118 for active status. Payments may also be submitted by mail as a check or money order payable to the Nebraska State Treasurer.
Renewal deadlines by license type:
- Cosmetologist — December 31 of even-numbered years
- Cosmetology Instructor — December 31 of even-numbered years
- Esthetician — September 30 of even-numbered years
- Esthetic Instructor — September 30 of even-numbered years
All active licensees must complete eight hours of continuing education before renewing. At least four of those eight hours must be earned performing the actual skills or services of the licensee's profession. Nebraska does not restrict CE providers — the board no longer reviews or approves individual CE programs. Licensees select content independently but are responsible for ensuring the four-hour practice skills requirement is met.
Nebraska offers a free CE option: the Online Jurisprudence Examination, a 50-question open-book exam covering Nebraska cosmetology laws and health standards. Passing the exam counts as two CE hours toward the eight-hour renewal requirement. The exam is accessible through ProProfs at no cost and can be taken at any time.
To reinstate an expired or inactive license, a licensee must complete eight CE hours within the prior 24 months and submit a reinstatement application with the applicable fees. CE hours used for reinstatement also count toward the next renewal period — no additional hours must be earned immediately after reinstating.
File a Complaint
Complaints against Nebraska-licensed cosmetologists, estheticians, instructors, salons, or schools are investigated by the DHHS Licensure Unit. The department reviews allegations of unprofessional conduct, unsanitary practices, practicing without a license, and violations of the Nebraska Cosmetology Act or DHHS regulations.
To submit a complaint, visit the DHHS Complaints and Discipline page for current forms and instructions. Written complaints may also be mailed to the DHHS Licensure Unit, Attn: Cosmetology, PO Box 94986, Lincoln, NE 68509-4986.
After a complaint is received, DHHS evaluates whether the allegations fall within the scope of the Cosmetology Act. Confirmed violations may result in formal disciplinary action, a consent agreement, license suspension, or revocation. Anonymous complaints may be submitted, though they are typically more difficult to fully investigate without identifying information.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who handles Nebraska cosmetology licensing?
- Nebraska cosmetology and esthetics licensing is administered by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Licensure Unit, through the Nebraska Board of Cosmetology and Esthetics. Reach the Licensure Unit at (402) 471-2117 or DHHS.Licensure2117@nebraska.gov.
- How do I renew my Nebraska cosmetology license?
- Renew online at nebraska.mylicense.com. The renewal fee is $118. Cosmetology licenses expire December 31 of even-numbered years; esthetician licenses expire September 30 of even-numbered years. You must complete eight CE hours before renewing, with at least four hours in hands-on practice skills.
- Does Nebraska require continuing education for cosmetology renewal?
- Yes. All active cosmetologists and estheticians must complete eight hours of CE per biennial renewal period. At least four of those hours must involve performing the skills or services of the licensee's profession. Nebraska's free Online Jurisprudence Examination counts as two CE hours.
- Do I need a license to do nails in Nebraska?
- No license is required to perform manicures or pedicures on the natural nail in Nebraska. Applying artificial nails — acrylics, gels, or nail enhancements — falls within the scope of cosmetology and requires a cosmetologist license.
- How do I verify a Nebraska cosmetology license?
- Use the Nebraska License Information System to verify the current status of any cosmetologist, esthetician, salon, or school licensed in Nebraska.
- Can I reinstate an expired Nebraska cosmetology license?
- Yes. Complete eight CE hours within the prior 24 months and submit a reinstatement application with fees. Those CE hours also count toward the next renewal period. Expired salon or school licenses cannot be reinstated — a new application is required.