Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology
Information verified:About the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology
The Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology (LSBC) is an independent state agency headquartered at 11622 Sunbelt Court in Baton Rouge. Unlike many states that house cosmetology regulation under a larger umbrella agency, Louisiana maintains a standalone board dedicated exclusively to the cosmetology profession. The LSBC operates under La. R.S. 37:563–598 and LAC Title 46, Part XXXI.
The Board regulates cosmetologists, estheticians, manicurists, instructors, managers, and specialty permit holders including shampoo assistants, alternative hair design practitioners, threading practitioners, and microdermabrasion technicians. It also licenses the salons, booth rental operations, and schools where these professionals work.
LSBC is governed by a seven-member Board of Directors elected from seven geographic districts across Louisiana, with the current Chairman based in Eunice, LA. The Board meets monthly at its Baton Rouge office to review policy, rulemaking, and disciplinary matters. Day-to-day operations are managed by Executive Director Erin Grace Marceaux and a staff of licensing analysts, compliance investigators, and field inspectors organized by parish.
Louisiana's cosmetology licenses renew annually — a distinctive feature compared to the biennial cycle used by most other states. The Board administers its own practical examinations at the Baton Rouge office rather than outsourcing to a third-party vendor, giving it direct oversight of testing standards and scheduling.
Licenses Regulated
The Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology issues the following license and permit types:
- Cosmetologist — Full-service license covering hair, skin, and nail services. Requires 1,500 hours of approved training. Annual renewal: $35.
- Esthetician — Skin care services including facials, waxing, and makeup. Requires 750 hours of approved training. Annual renewal: $35.
- Manicurist — Nail services including manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements. Requires 500 hours of approved training. Annual renewal: $35.
- Instructor — Required for teaching in licensed schools. Must hold an active practitioner license and complete additional instructor training. Requires 16 hours of Board-approved CE annually. Annual renewal: $35.
- Manager — Required when a salon owner works fewer than 3 days per week, is a corporation, or the salon operates more than 8 hours daily or more than 5 days weekly. Annual renewal: $35.
- Shampoo Assistant Permit — Allows shampooing services under supervision. Annual renewal: $50.
- Alternative Hair Design Permit — Covers wig application, hair weaving, and extensions without chemical services. Annual renewal: $50.
- Threading Permit — Allows threading hair removal services. Annual renewal: $50.
- Microdermabrasion Permit �� Allows microdermabrasion services. Annual renewal: $50.
- Booth Rental Permit — Required for independent operators renting space in a licensed salon. Annual renewal: $50.
- Salon/Shop License — Required for any establishment providing cosmetology services. Must pass initial inspection. Annual renewal: $55.
- School License — Required for cosmetology training programs. Initial opening fee: $340. Annual renewal: $190.
All fees increased effective August 1, 2025 per action by the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology. All licensed practitioners must display their current license at their workstation. Salons open more than 8 hours per day or more than 5 days per week must have two managers to ensure one is on duty at all times.
Renew Your Louisiana Cosmetology License
Louisiana cosmetology licenses renew annually — every year, unlike the biennial cycle used by most other states. The renewal fee for cosmetologists, estheticians, manicurists, and instructors is $35.00 (effective August 1, 2025). Louisiana does not require continuing education hours for cosmetology license renewal — only instructors must complete 16 hours of Board-approved CE each year.
How to Renew
Louisiana offers online renewal payment through PayStar, the Board's authorized online payment processor. You can also renew by mail using the License Renewal Form with a money order, cashier's check, or personal check mailed to: LSBC, 11622 Sunbelt Court, Baton Rouge, LA 70809.
Late Renewals and Restoration
If your license has been expired for less than 3 years (36 months), you may restore it by paying the renewal fee plus applicable late penalties. If your license has been expired for more than 3 years, you must take a restoration exam before your license can be reinstated. Contact the Board at (225) 756-3404 ext. 215 for restoration exam fees and scheduling.
Practicing cosmetology on an expired license is a violation of Louisiana law and can result in fines and disciplinary action. Because Louisiana uses annual renewal, mark your calendar — it comes around faster than biennial states.
File a Complaint
The Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology investigates complaints against licensed cosmetologists, estheticians, manicurists, instructors, and cosmetology establishments. The Board's enforcement authority exists to protect the public from unqualified, unethical, and incompetent practitioners, as mandated by the Louisiana Legislature.
How to File a Complaint
Complaints must be submitted in writing and signed by the person filing the complaint. You can:
- Download and complete the Complaint Form (PDF)
- Mail your written complaint to: LSBC, 11622 Sunbelt Court, Baton Rouge, LA 70809
- Email complaints to lsbc@la.gov
- Call (225) 756-3404 to request a complaint form by mail
What Happens After Filing
After a complaint is filed, it is reviewed and then either handled internally, assigned to an inspector for investigation, or dismissed for lack of jurisdiction. Due to complaint volume, investigations may take time to complete. All investigations are impartial, fact-finding missions intent on determining the relevant facts.
Disciplinary sanctions may include fines, probation, license suspension, license revocation, or a cease-and-desist order. You will be notified of the final action taken on your complaint regardless of the outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology phone number?
- Call (225) 756-3404 (local) or (866) 257-7901 (toll-free). The fax number is (225) 756-3410. The office is located at 11622 Sunbelt Court, Baton Rouge, LA 70809. You can also email lsbc@la.gov.
- How often do I need to renew my Louisiana cosmetology license?
- Louisiana cosmetology licenses renew annually — every year. This is different from most states, which use a two-year cycle. The renewal fee is $35 for cosmetologists, estheticians, manicurists, and instructors (effective August 1, 2025). Mark your expiration date — annual renewal comes around faster.
- Does Louisiana require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal?
- No. Louisiana does not require CE hours for cosmetologists, estheticians, or manicurists. Only licensed instructors must complete 16 hours of Board-approved continuing education each year. Approved online CE providers include Milady, Pivot Point, and RocketCert.
- How do I renew my Louisiana cosmetology license online?
- Pay your renewal online through PayStar at paystar.co/MakePayment/Index/14, the Board's authorized payment processor. You can also mail the renewal form with payment to the Baton Rouge office. Renewal notices are mailed before your expiration date, but timely renewal is your responsibility.
- What happens if my Louisiana cosmetology license expires?
- If expired less than 3 years (36 months), pay the renewal fee plus a late penalty to restore your license. If expired more than 3 years, you must pass a restoration exam before reinstatement. Contact (225) 756-3404 ext. 215 for restoration exam information. Practicing on an expired license is illegal and can result in fines.