Alabama State Board of Cosmetology
Information verified:About the Alabama State Board of Cosmetology
The Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (ABOCB) is a standalone state regulatory board created under Alabama law to license and regulate practitioners and establishments in cosmetology, barbering, and related personal care fields throughout the state. The board operates out of the RSA Union Building in downtown Montgomery and is reachable by phone at (334) 242-1918, toll-free at 1-800-815-7453, and by email at cosmetology@aboc.alabama.gov.
The board's statutory authority derives from the Code of Alabama and the administrative rules codified in Chapter 250-X of the Alabama Administrative Code. Statutory laws and current administrative rules are published as a consolidated Rules and Regulations Book on the board's website and updated as rule changes are adopted. The most recent update was posted in March 2025.
Unlike some states that maintain entirely separate boards for cosmetology and barbering, Alabama consolidated these functions under the ABOCB. The board is responsible for examining and licensing applicants, approving and inspecting licensed shops and private cosmetology schools (public school programs are regulated by the Alabama Department of Education), investigating consumer complaints, and enforcing professional standards across all regulated license types.
A distinctive feature of Alabama's regulatory structure is its broad set of individual license categories, which include not only the standard cosmetologist and barber licenses but also separate categories for estheticians, manicurists, esthetician/manicurist combination holders, manicurist/waxers, natural hair stylists, eyebrow threaders, shampoo assistants, and instructors. Alabama recently passed Senate Bill 183, which made important changes to the regulation of certain natural hair styling services in the state.
Licenses Regulated
The Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering issues individual operator licenses, instructor licenses, and facility licenses covering a wider variety of practice categories than most states. All individual applicants must be at least 16 years old, complete the required education hours (school or apprenticeship — the two tracks may not be combined), and pass both the written and practical examinations administered by PSI.
Cosmetologist
A cosmetology license covers hair, nails, and skin care. Applicants must complete 1,500 school hours (or 3,000 apprentice hours) of board-approved cosmetology education.
Esthetician
An esthetics license covers skin care services including facials, body waxing, and related treatments. Applicants must complete 1,000 school hours (or 2,000 apprentice hours).
Manicurist
A manicurist license covers cosmetic treatment of hands, nails, and feet. Applicants must complete 750 school hours (or 1,200 apprentice hours).
Esthetician/Manicurist and Manicurist/Waxer
Alabama offers combination licenses that cover the combined scope of each constituent license. These are unique to Alabama's licensing structure and allow practitioners to offer a broader range of services under a single credential.
Natural Hair Stylist
Alabama's Natural Hair Stylist license is a distinct individual license — not a mere exemption. Applicants must complete 210 school hours (or 420 apprentice hours). Senate Bill 183 (passed 2025) made important modifications to the regulatory treatment of natural hair styling services in Alabama.
Eyebrow Threader
The threader license covers the threading specialty. Requirements are set by the board under its administrative rules.
Barber (Class 2)
The board regulates Class 2 Barbers. Class 1 Barbers are not regulated by the ABOCB.
Instructor, Shampoo Assistant, Shop, and School Licenses
Instructor licenses are available for all regulated practice categories. Shampoo assistants must hold a separate permit. All salons performing board-regulated services must hold a shop license ($200 new, $150 renewal). Private cosmetology schools require a school license ($300 new, $200 renewal).
Renew Your Alabama Cosmetology License
Alabama cosmetology, esthetics, manicuring, threading, natural hair styling, and related individual licenses renew every two years, with renewal timing tied to the licensee's birth month. The renewal schedule differs by license type:
- Cosmetologists, Estheticians, Manicurists, Estheticians/Manicurists, Manicurist/Waxers, Natural Hair Stylists, and Eyebrow Threaders: licenses renew in odd-numbered years during the licensee's birth month.
- Barbers: licenses renew in even-numbered years during the licensee's birth month.
- Shops and Schools: licenses expire September 30 and must be renewed by October 31 of odd-numbered years.
Renewal Fees
- Personal license renewal: $100
- Shampoo Assistant original/renewal: $75
- Shop renewal: $150
- School renewal: $200
- Late fee (postmarked after last day of birth month): $54
Continuing Education
Alabama does not require continuing education for individual license renewal. No CE hours must be completed to renew a cosmetologist, esthetician, manicurist, natural hair stylist, threader, or other personal license.
How to Renew
Personal licenses can be renewed online through the ABOCB licensee portal. Paper renewal applications are also available on the board's website under the Applications section and may be mailed to the board at P.O. Box 301750, Montgomery, AL 36130-1750 with a check, money order, or credit card information. The board also accepts cash at the office. A 2×2 passport-style photo is required with renewal applications.
Expired Licenses
If a license has been expired for more than four years, the licensee must pass the practical examination and pay all back fees from the expiration date before a license will be reissued. Contact the board at 1-800-815-7453 for the appropriate application.
File a Complaint
The Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering accepts complaints from consumers and members of the public about any licensee, shop, or school regulated by the board. Common complaint subjects include sanitation violations, unlicensed practice, unprofessional conduct, and failure to comply with board rules.
How to File
Complaints may be submitted online using the board's Online Complaint Form. Alternatively, a printable Complaint Form (PDF) can be downloaded from the board's website, completed, and mailed or faxed to the board office at RSA Union Building, 100 North Union Street, Suite 324, Montgomery, AL 36104 (fax: 334-242-1926).
What Happens After You File
After a complaint is received, board staff review it to determine whether the alleged conduct falls within the board's jurisdiction and constitutes a potential violation of Alabama cosmetology law or administrative rules. If the complaint is within jurisdiction, an investigation is opened. The board does not have authority over fees charged for services, contractual disputes between students and schools, or matters of personal conduct unrelated to licensed practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the phone number for the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering?
- The direct phone number is (334) 242-1918. A toll-free number is available at 1-800-815-7453. You can also reach the board by email at cosmetology@aboc.alabama.gov. The office is open Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM CT, and is closed on all Alabama state holidays.
- How do I renew my Alabama cosmetology license?
- Cosmetology, esthetics, manicuring, threading, and natural hair stylist licenses renew every two years in odd-numbered years during your birth month. The personal renewal fee is $100. A $54 late fee applies if your renewal is postmarked after the last day of your birth month. Renew online at the ABOCB licensee portal or mail a paper renewal application to the board office.
- Does Alabama require continuing education to renew a cosmetology license?
- No. Alabama does not require any continuing education hours for cosmetologist, esthetician, manicurist, natural hair stylist, eyebrow threader, or other personal license renewal. No CE is mandated by the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering.
- How many training hours are required for an Alabama cosmetology license?
- An Alabama cosmetology license requires 1,500 school hours (or 3,000 apprenticeship hours). Esthetician applicants need 1,000 school hours (or 2,000 apprentice hours). Manicurists need 750 school hours (or 1,200 apprentice hours). Natural Hair Stylists need 210 school hours (or 420 apprentice hours). School and apprentice hours may not be combined.
- Who administers the Alabama cosmetology examination?
- PSI administers both the written ($75) and practical ($130) examinations. After the board approves your application, PSI will notify you by email that you are eligible to schedule. Register at test-takers.psiexams.com/alcos or by phone at 1-800-211-2754. Applicants must be at least 16 years old and must pass both exams within 2 years of completing their program.
- How do I verify an Alabama cosmetology license?
- License verification is available through the board's public License Verification Search tool on the ABOCB website. You can search by name or license number at no charge.
- How do I transfer my cosmetology license to Alabama from another state?
- Out-of-state applicants may apply for reciprocity. The reciprocity fee is $100. Out-of-country applicants pay $175 (which includes the written exam fee), and must also pass the practical examination. Contact the board for the correct reciprocity application and full documentation requirements.