New Hampshire State Board of Cosmetology
Information verified:About the New Hampshire State Board of Cosmetology
The Board of Barbering, Cosmetology and Esthetics operates under New Hampshire's Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC). New Hampshire's cosmetology licensing statute under RSA 313-A governs the practice of cosmetology, barbering, manicuring, and esthetics statewide. OPLC administers the board's licensing, renewal, and disciplinary functions from its offices at 7 Eagle Square in Concord.
The board's jurisdiction covers cosmetologists, barbers, master barbers, estheticians, manicurists, instructors, shop instructors, licensed shops, cosmetology and barbering schools, and tanning facilities. As of January 1, 2026, New Hampshire also issues an Eyelash & Eyebrow Technician license, expanding the board's regulatory scope to that specialty.
The board can be reached by telephone at (603) 271-2152 or by email at OPLCLicensing6@oplc.nh.gov. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM ET. All licensing applications and renewals are processed through the OPLC online portal at forms.nh.gov/license/Login.aspx.
New Hampshire uses NIC (National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology) examinations administered by Prov, Inc. for all initial licensure. Passing both the written theory exam and the practical skills exam is required before a license is issued. Completed applications with all supporting documentation must be submitted to OPLC and approved before candidates are authorized to schedule testing.
Licenses Regulated
The New Hampshire Board of Barbering, Cosmetology and Esthetics issues the following license types under RSA 313-A:
- Cosmetologist — Full cosmetology services including hair, skin, and nails. Requires 1,200 school hours or 3,000 apprenticeship hours (minimum 18 months) under a licensed supervisor.
- Barber — Barbering services including haircutting, shaving, and related services. Requires 800 school hours or 1,600 apprenticeship hours (minimum 12 months).
- Master Barber — Advanced barbering including all barber services plus additional treatments. Requires 1,500 school hours or 3,000 apprenticeship hours (minimum 18 months).
- Esthetician — Skin care services including facials, waxing, and makeup. Requires 600 school hours.
- Manicurist — Nail services including manicures and pedicures. Requires 300 school hours.
- Eyelash & Eyebrow Technician — Eyelash and eyebrow services. License created effective January 1, 2026; candidates must pass the NIC optional Eyelash & Eyebrow exam through Prov, Inc.
- Instructor — Teaching in a licensed cosmetology or barber school. Must hold a current relevant license and pass the NIC instructor examination.
- Shop Instructor — Supervising apprentices in a licensed shop setting.
- Shop — Required for any establishment where cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, or nail services are performed commercially.
- School — Required for cosmetology and barbering schools offering board-approved training programs.
- Tanning Facility — Required for establishments offering tanning services using UV equipment.
All licensed practitioners must ensure their license is current and displayed at their place of business. Practicing with an expired license or beyond the scope of the license held is a violation of RSA 313-A and may result in disciplinary action.
Renew Your New Hampshire Cosmetology License
New Hampshire cosmetology licenses renew every 2 years from the date of issuance. The renewal fee is $82.00 for individual practitioner licenses. New Hampshire does not require any continuing education for cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, or manicurist license renewal.
How to Renew Online
All renewals are processed through the OPLC online portal at forms.nh.gov/license/Login.aspx. Log in with your OPLC credentials, locate your license, and complete the renewal application with payment.
Active and Inactive Status
New Hampshire allows cosmetology licensees to renew in inactive status if they are not currently practicing. Inactive licensees may not perform cosmetology services. To return to active practice, a licensee must submit a reactivation request to OPLC. Contact the board at (603) 271-2152 for inactive renewal and reactivation procedures.
Late Renewal
Licenses that are not renewed by the expiration date become lapsed. Lapsed licenses may be subject to additional fees and reinstatement requirements rather than standard renewal. Contact OPLC directly at OPLCLicensing6@oplc.nh.gov if your license has lapsed.
File a Complaint
Complaints against New Hampshire cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians, manicurists, or licensed establishments may be submitted to OPLC using the online complaint form. OPLC investigates allegations of unlicensed practice, violations of sanitation standards, scope of practice violations, and unprofessional conduct.
To file a complaint, use the OPLC online complaint form at onlineforms.nh.gov. Anonymous complaints are accepted. Provide as much detail as possible including the licensee name, license number if known, the location of practice, and a description of the incident.
For questions about the complaint process, contact OPLC at (603) 271-2152 or OPLCLicensing6@oplc.nh.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What agency regulates cosmetology licensing in New Hampshire?
- New Hampshire cosmetology licensing is regulated by the Board of Barbering, Cosmetology and Esthetics, which operates under the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC). OPLC is located at 7 Eagle Square, Concord, NH 03301. There is no standalone Board of Cosmetology; the board's administrative functions are handled by OPLC staff.
- What is the phone number for the NH cosmetology board?
- The board can be reached at (603) 271-2152. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM ET. You may also email OPLCLicensing6@oplc.nh.gov.
- How often do NH cosmetology licenses need to be renewed?
- New Hampshire cosmetology licenses renew every two years from the date of issuance. The biennial renewal fee is $82.00 for individual practitioner licenses. Renewals are completed online at the OPLC portal at forms.nh.gov/license/Login.aspx.
- Does New Hampshire require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal?
- No. New Hampshire does not require any continuing education (CE) hours for renewal of cosmetologist, barber, esthetician, or manicurist licenses. Renewal requires only payment of the $82.00 biennial fee and a completed online renewal application.
- What types of cosmetology licenses does NH issue?
- New Hampshire issues licenses for Cosmetologist, Barber, Master Barber, Esthetician, Manicurist, Eyelash & Eyebrow Technician (new as of January 1, 2026), Instructor, and Shop Instructor. The board also licenses Shops, Schools, and Tanning Facilities.
- How do I verify a New Hampshire cosmetology license?
- License verification is available free of charge at the OPLC license verification portal at forms.nh.gov/licenseverification/. Search by licensee name or license number to confirm current license status.
- How do I file a complaint against a New Hampshire cosmetologist?
- Complaints may be submitted online using the OPLC complaint form at onlineforms.nh.gov. Anonymous complaints are accepted. OPLC investigates unlicensed practice, sanitation violations, and unprofessional conduct.