Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology
Information verified:About the Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology
The Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology operates within the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA) under the Pennsylvania Department of State. The Board regulates cosmetologists, estheticians, nail technicians, cosmetology teachers, esthetician teachers, nail technology teachers, cosmetology salons, and cosmetology schools throughout the Commonwealth.
The Board operates under the Pennsylvania Cosmetology Law (Act 86 of 1933) and its regulations at 49 Pa. Code Chapter 7. It meets regularly in Harrisburg to review applications, adopt rules, and adjudicate disciplinary matters.
With the passage of Act 100 of 2024, effective December 15, 2024, natural hair braiders, natural hair braider teachers, and natural hair braiding salons are no longer required to be licensed in Pennsylvania. The Board has also confirmed that the practice of microblading is outside the scope of cosmetology.
Most licensing and renewal transactions are handled online through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS). The Board's toll-free phone line is 1-833-DOS-BPOA (1-833-367-2762), available Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM ET.
Licenses Regulated
The Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology regulates the following license types under the Cosmetology Law:
- Cosmetologist — Hair, skin, and nail services. Requires 1,250 hours at a licensed school or 2,000 hours as a registered apprentice. Biennial renewal: $97.00.
- Esthetician — Skin care services including facials, waxing, and makeup application. Requires 300 hours. Biennial renewal: $97.00.
- Nail Technician — Manicuring and nail services including artificial and sculptured nails. Requires 200 hours. Biennial renewal: $97.00.
- Cosmetology Teacher — Must hold an active cosmetologist license and complete 500 additional hours in a teacher curriculum. High school diploma required. Biennial renewal: $135.00.
- Esthetician Teacher — Must hold an active esthetician license and complete 500 additional teacher curriculum hours. Biennial renewal: $135.00.
- Nail Technology Teacher — Must hold an active nail technician license and complete 500 additional teacher curriculum hours. Biennial renewal: $135.00.
- Cosmetology Salon — Required for all cosmetology, esthetics, and nail technology establishments. Must pass Board inspection before opening. Biennial renewal: $144.00.
- Cosmetology School — Required for schools offering Board-approved cosmetology training programs. Biennial renewal: $315.00.
All individual license types require passing the state theory and procedural examinations administered by Pearson VUE (teacher licenses require theory exam only). Pennsylvania does not require continuing education for any cosmetology license renewal.
Renew Your Pennsylvania Cosmetology License
Pennsylvania cosmetology licenses renew on a biennial cycle. The renewal fee is $97.00 for cosmetologists, estheticians, and nail technicians. Pennsylvania does not require continuing education hours for any cosmetology license renewal.
Renewal Expiration Dates
Pennsylvania cosmetology licenses expire on January 31st. Cosmetologist licenses are split across odd-numbered and even-numbered years — check your license to verify which year yours expires. Other license types follow a fixed schedule:
- January 31, odd years: Cosmetologist (group 1), Esthetician, Cosmetology Salon, Nail Technology Salon, Esthetician Salon
- January 31, even years: Cosmetologist (group 2), Nail Technician, Cosmetology Teacher, Esthetician Teacher, Nail Technology Teacher, Cosmetology School
Online Renewal via PALS
Renew online through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS). Log in with your license credentials, select your license for renewal, and pay by credit or debit card. Renewal notices are emailed to your registered address before expiration.
Expired License Reinstatement
If your license has been expired for less than 5 years, reactivate it through PALS by paying the renewal fee plus a delinquency fee. If your license has been expired for more than 5 years, you must retake the examination — contact Pearson VUE at 888-511-5352 to begin the reinstatement process.
File a Complaint
Complaints about Pennsylvania-licensed cosmetologists, estheticians, nail technicians, teachers, and cosmetology establishments are filed through the Department of State's Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA).
How to File a Complaint
File a complaint online through the PALS system or download a complaint form. You can also contact the complaint hotline at 1-800-822-2113 (within Pennsylvania) or 717-783-4849, or email RA-ST-Complaints@pa.gov.
Investigation Process
The BPOA's Professional Compliance Office reviews all complaints to determine jurisdiction and whether the alleged conduct violates governing laws and regulations. The Bureau of Enforcement and Investigation (BEI) conducts investigations, interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence. Substantiated violations can result in civil penalties, probation, license suspension, or revocation. All disciplinary actions are public record.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When do Pennsylvania cosmetology licenses expire?
- Pennsylvania cosmetology licenses expire on January 31st. Cosmetologist licenses are split across odd-numbered and even-numbered years — check your individual license to verify which year applies to you. Other license types have fixed odd or even year schedules.
- Does Pennsylvania require continuing education for cosmetology renewal?
- No. Pennsylvania does not require any continuing education hours for cosmetology, esthetician, or nail technician license renewal. You simply pay the $97.00 biennial renewal fee through PALS before your January 31st deadline.
- How do I contact the Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology?
- Call the toll-free number 1-833-DOS-BPOA (1-833-367-2762), available Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM ET. You can also email ST-COSMETOLOGY@pa.gov for documentation-related inquiries or open a support ticket through PALS.
- How do I verify a Pennsylvania cosmetology license?
- Search for any Pennsylvania cosmetology licensee through the PALS license verification system. You can search by name or license number to confirm current status and expiration date.
- Are natural hair braiders still required to be licensed in Pennsylvania?
- No. With the passage of Act 100 of 2024, effective December 15, 2024, natural hair braiders, natural hair braider teachers, and natural hair braiding salons no longer need licensure in Pennsylvania.