Ohio State Board of Cosmetology
Information verified:About the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology
The Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board is an independent state regulatory agency that oversees the cosmetology and barbering industries across all 88 Ohio counties. Established under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4713, the board operates as a standalone agency — not housed within an umbrella department — and regulates barbering, cosmetology, branches of cosmetology, boutique services, and tanning services throughout the state.
The board is led by Executive Director Lori Pearson and Deputy Director Ed Highley. Board members include licensed cosmetologists, barbers, and public representatives appointed by the Governor. In January 2026, the board relocated its office and examination center from Grove City to 5025 Bradenton Ave., Suite 130, Dublin, OH 43017. Board meetings are held at the Vern Riffe State Office Tower, 19th Floor, Room 1948, 77 S. High Street, Columbus, OH 43215.
Ohio is distinctive because the board administers its own cosmetology and barber licensing examinations — the state does not use PSI Exams, Pearson VUE, or Prometric. Both theory and practical exams are conducted at the board's Dublin examination center, and all fees are paid directly to the board through the eLicense Ohio portal.
All Ohio cosmetology licenses operate on a unified biennial cycle: cosmetology and branch licenses expire on January 31 of odd-numbered years, while barber licenses expire on August 31 of even-numbered years. The board requires 4 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle, tracked through CE Broker. Contact the board at (614) 466-3834 or ohiocos@cos.ohio.gov.
Licenses Regulated
The Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board issues individual licenses, advanced licenses, instructor credentials, boutique service registrations, and business permits:
Individual Licenses
- Cosmetologist — Hair, skin, and nail services. Requires 1,500 training hours.
- Hair Designer — Hair services only. Requires 1,000 training hours.
- Natural Hair Stylist — Natural hair services without chemicals or cutting. Requires 450 training hours.
- Esthetician — Skin services only (facials, waxing, makeup). Requires 600 training hours.
- Manicurist — Nail services only (manicures, pedicures, enhancements). Requires 200 training hours.
- Barber — Barbering services. Requires 1,800 training hours.
Advanced Licenses
Ohio offers advanced-level licenses for experienced practitioners who pass an additional theory examination: Advanced Cosmetologist, Advanced Hair Designer, Advanced Natural Hair Stylist, Advanced Esthetician, and Advanced Manicurist.
Instructor Licenses
Cosmetology Instructor and Barber Instructor licenses are available for those who hold an active practitioner license and pass the instructor theory examination.
Boutique Service Registrations
Ohio offers free Boutique Service Registrations for four limited-scope services that do not require cosmetology school training: Braiding, Makeup Artistry, Threading, and Shampooing. There is no cost to apply, and registrants must work within a licensed salon facility.
Business Licenses
Salons, barbershops, hybrid establishments (offering both cosmetology and barber services), and schools must hold valid business licenses issued by the board. All licensing is handled through eLicense Ohio.
Renew Your Ohio Cosmetology License
Ohio cosmetology licenses renew on a two-year (biennial) cycle. All cosmetology and branch licenses expire on January 31 of odd-numbered years (2027, 2029, 2031), regardless of when the license was originally issued. Barber licenses expire on August 31 of even-numbered years. The renewal fee is $65.00.
Continuing Education Requirements
Ohio requires 4 hours of continuing education (CE) per renewal period:
- 1 hour — Laws and Rules (provided FREE by the board at cos.ohio.gov)
- 3 hours — Infection Control and Safety (through approved CE providers)
CE completion is tracked through CE Broker. Licensees must ensure their CE hours are reported in CE Broker before submitting a renewal application. First-time renewals are exempt from the CE requirement.
How to Renew
Renew online through the eLicense Ohio portal at elicense.ohio.gov. Log in with your eLicense credentials, verify your CE completion status in CE Broker, and pay the $65.00 renewal fee. Verify that your email and phone number are current in your eLicense account before renewing.
Late Renewals
If you miss the January 31 deadline, a $45.00 late fee applies in addition to the $65.00 renewal fee. Licenses expired for more than two years may require re-examination. Boutique Service Registrations also renew on January 31 of odd-numbered years.
File a Complaint
The Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board investigates complaints involving licensed cosmetologists, hair designers, estheticians, manicurists, barbers, boutique service registrants, and establishments. The board has jurisdiction over violations of Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4713, including practicing without a license, sanitation and infection control violations, and professional misconduct.
To file a complaint, submit it through the eLicense Ohio portal or call the board's toll-free complaint line at (800) 686-5780. The board's main office number is (614) 466-3834. Provide the licensee's name, establishment name and address, date of the incident, and a detailed description of the alleged violation.
Consumers may also file complaints regarding fraud or deceptive business practices with the Ohio Attorney General's Consumer Protection Section. After a complaint is filed with the board, an investigator is assigned who may inspect the establishment, interview witnesses, and review licensee records. Substantiated violations can result in civil penalties, mandatory additional training, license suspension, or revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I contact the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board?
- Call (614) 466-3834 or email ohiocos@cos.ohio.gov. The board office is at 5025 Bradenton Ave., Suite 130, Dublin, OH 43017. For complaints, call the toll-free line at (800) 686-5780.
- What are Ohio's CE requirements for cosmetology renewal?
- Ohio requires 4 CE hours per biennial renewal: 1 hour in Laws and Rules (provided FREE by the board) and 3 hours in Infection Control and Safety. CE is tracked through CE Broker. First-time renewals are exempt from CE.
- When do Ohio cosmetology licenses expire?
- All cosmetology and branch licenses expire on January 31 of odd-numbered years (2027, 2029, 2031). Barber licenses expire on August 31 of even-numbered years. The renewal fee is $65.00 with a $45.00 late fee if past the deadline.
- Who administers the Ohio cosmetology exam?
- The Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board administers its own theory and practical examinations at its Dublin examination center. Ohio does not use PSI, Pearson VUE, or Prometric. The exam fee is $40.00.
- What is a Boutique Service Registration?
- Ohio offers free registrations for Braiding, Makeup Artistry, Threading, and Shampooing. No cosmetology school training is required, but registrants must work in a licensed salon facility. Apply at no cost through eLicense Ohio.
- How do I transfer my license to Ohio from another state?
- Ohio offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees who have held their license for at least one year and have been actively practicing. The reciprocity fee is $73.50. You must complete a 1-hour Human Trafficking Recognition course before applying. Apply through eLicense Ohio.