Michigan State Board of Cosmetology
Information verified:About the Michigan State Board of Cosmetology
The Michigan Board of Cosmetology operates under the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), within the Bureau of Professional Licensing (BPL). The board functions in an advisory capacity — recommending rules and standards to LARA — while BPL handles all day-to-day licensing operations including applications, examinations, renewals, and disciplinary actions under the Michigan Occupational Code (Act 299 of 1980).
This organizational structure means Michigan cosmetologists interact primarily with BPL rather than the board itself. The board meets periodically to advise on training standards, examination requirements, and proposed rule changes, but BPL staff process applications, issue licenses, and investigate complaints. The cosmetology program is one of many professions BPL administers under LARA's umbrella.
Michigan regulates cosmetologists, estheticians, manicurists, natural hair culturists, electrologists, and their respective instructors. Since November 4, 2022, all cosmetology examinations use the National Barber Cosmetology Program (NBCP) administered by PSI Services LLC, replacing the previous state-developed exams. Michigan offers a virtual testing option for both theory and practical examinations — a distinctive feature among state cosmetology programs.
The MiPLUS online system (MiPLUS portal) is the central platform for all licensing transactions: initial applications, renewals, license verifications, address changes, and complaint filings. Michigan does not require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal, making it one of approximately fifteen states without a CE mandate.
Licenses Regulated
LARA's Bureau of Professional Licensing regulates the following cosmetology-related license types under the Michigan Occupational Code:
- Cosmetologist — Full scope of hair, skin, and nail services. Requires 1,500 hours of approved training or a 2-year apprenticeship (1,920 hours).
- Esthetician — Skin care services including facials, makeup application, and body treatments. Requires 400 hours of training (750 hours for students starting on or after July 1, 2024).
- Manicurist — Nail care services including manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements. Requires 400 hours of training (600 hours for students starting on or after July 1, 2024).
- Natural Hair Culturist — Natural hair styling and care services without the use of chemicals. Requires 400 hours of training.
- Electrologist — Permanent hair removal using electrolysis. Requires 400 hours of training. Michigan is one of the states that regulates electrology under its cosmetology board.
- Cosmetology Instructor — Teaching in a Michigan-licensed cosmetology school. Requires an active cosmetologist license plus passing the instructor NBCP examination.
- Esthetician Instructor — Teaching esthetics. Requires an active esthetician license plus passing the instructor examination.
- Manicurist Instructor — Teaching manicuring. Requires an active manicurist license plus passing the instructor examination.
- Electrology Instructor — Teaching electrology. Requires an active electrologist license plus passing the instructor examination.
- Cosmetology Establishment (Salon/Booth) — Required for all businesses providing cosmetology services. Must be registered with LARA and license posted visibly.
- School of Cosmetology — Schools offering approved cosmetology training must hold a valid school license from LARA.
All individual licenses expire biennially on August 31 of even-numbered years. The application fee for all individual license types is $63. No continuing education is required for any license type at renewal.
Renew Your Michigan Cosmetology License
Michigan cosmetology licenses renew on a two-year cycle and expire on August 31 of even-numbered years (2026, 2028, 2030, etc.). The renewal fee is $48.00. Michigan does not require continuing education (CE) hours for cosmetology license renewal — one of approximately fifteen states without a CE mandate.
How to Renew Through MiPLUS
All renewals are processed through the MiPLUS online portal. Log in with your account credentials, select the renewal option for your cosmetology license, and pay the $48 fee by credit or debit card. MiPLUS accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
Renewal Timeline
LARA mails renewal notices to the address on file in MiPLUS approximately 60 days before the August 31 expiration date. If you do not receive a notice, you are still responsible for renewing on time. Update your mailing address in MiPLUS promptly if you move.
Grace Period and Late Renewal
Michigan provides a 60-day grace period after the August 31 expiration date. During this period, you may renew by paying the $48 renewal fee plus a $20 late fee ($68 total). You may not practice on an expired license, even during the grace period. After the 60-day grace period, you must apply for relicensure at a fee of $83.00.
Relicensure
If your license has been lapsed beyond the 60-day grace period, you must apply for relicensure through MiPLUS. The relicensure fee is $83. Depending on how long your license has been lapsed, LARA may require you to retake the NBCP examination before relicensure is granted.
File a Complaint
The Bureau of Professional Licensing (BPL) accepts and investigates complaints against licensed cosmetologists, estheticians, manicurists, natural hair culturists, electrologists, and cosmetology establishments throughout Michigan. BPL has jurisdiction over violations of the Michigan Occupational Code and board administrative rules — including practicing without a valid license, operating an unlicensed establishment, sanitation violations, and professional misconduct.
To file a complaint, use the MiPLUS online system. Log in or create an account, then select the option to file a complaint against a licensee. Include the full name and license number (if known) of the practitioner or establishment, the business address, a detailed description of the alleged violation, the date(s) of the incident, and any supporting documentation such as photographs.
What Constitutes a Complaint
- Practicing cosmetology without a current, valid Michigan license
- Operating an unlicensed cosmetology establishment
- Sanitation and infection control violations
- Injury resulting from services performed
- Practicing beyond the scope of one's license type
- Fraud or misrepresentation in obtaining a license
BPL staff review each complaint to determine whether it falls within the bureau's authority. Civil billing disputes and matters unrelated to professional conduct are outside BPL's jurisdiction. Qualifying complaints are investigated, and the respondent is notified and given an opportunity to respond. Disciplinary actions range from formal reprimand to probation, license suspension, or revocation depending on severity.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Michigan require continuing education to renew a cosmetology license?
- No. Michigan does not require continuing education (CE) hours for cosmetology license renewal. You only need to pay the $48 biennial renewal fee through MiPLUS before your license expires on August 31 of even-numbered years.
- When does a Michigan cosmetology license expire?
- All individual cosmetology licenses in Michigan expire on August 31 of even-numbered years (2026, 2028, 2030, etc.). LARA mails renewal notices approximately 60 days before expiration. A 60-day grace period applies after expiration with a $20 late fee.
- What is LARA and how does it relate to the Michigan Board of Cosmetology?
- LARA (Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs) is the state agency that oversees professional licensing in Michigan. The Bureau of Professional Licensing (BPL) within LARA handles all cosmetology licensing operations. The Board of Cosmetology serves in an advisory capacity, recommending rules and standards to LARA.
- How do I verify a Michigan cosmetology license?
- Verify any Michigan cosmetology license through the MiPLUS license verification tool. Search by name, license number, or city.
- What is the mailing address for Michigan cosmetology licensing?
- Michigan Bureau of Professional Licensing, P.O. Box 30670, Lansing, MI 48909. For email inquiries, contact BPL-Cosmetology@michigan.gov or call (517) 241-9201.
- How do I file a complaint against a Michigan cosmetologist?
- File complaints through the MiPLUS online system. You can report unlicensed practice, sanitation violations, injury from services, or other violations of the Michigan Occupational Code.