Tennessee State Board of Cosmetology
Information verified:About the Tennessee State Board of Cosmetology
The Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners operates under the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance at 500 James Robertson Parkway in Nashville. Created as a combined board in 2014, it merged the former separate cosmetology and barber boards into a single regulatory entity governed by Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 62, Chapters 3 and 4.
The board's mission is to protect public health, safety, and welfare through the regulation of cosmetologists, aestheticians, manicurists, natural hair stylists, eyelash specialists, master barbers, barber technicians, instructors, shops, and schools. Board members are licensed professionals and public members appointed by the Governor who meet regularly to review applications, amend rules, and adjudicate disciplinary cases.
Tennessee requires all new cosmetology applicants to complete a domestic violence recognition training course before licensure. Approved DV training providers are listed on the board's website. The board also conducts routine inspections of licensed establishments to verify compliance with state health and sanitation standards.
All licensing services — applications, renewals, reinstatements, and verifications — are managed through the CORE online portal. License verification is available to the public at verify.tn.gov.
Licenses Regulated
The Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners regulates the following individual and establishment license types:
- Cosmetologist — Full cosmetology services including hair, skin, and nails. Requires 1,500 hours of approved training.
- Aesthetician — Skin care services including facials, waxing, and makeup. Requires 750 hours of training.
- Manicurist — Nail services including manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements. Requires 600 hours of training.
- Natural Hair Stylist — Natural hair styling services without chemicals. Requires 300 hours of training.
- Eyelash Specialist — Eyelash extension and enhancement services. Requires 300 hours of training.
- Master Barber — Full barbering services. Requires 1,500 hours of training.
- Barber Technician — Limited barbering services. Requires 340 hours of training.
- Instructor — Teaching in a licensed cosmetology or barber school. Requires active license for at least 3 years plus 300 hours of instructor training.
- Cosmetology Shop / Barber Shop / Dual Shop — Establishment licenses required for any location offering cosmetology or barbering services.
- Cosmetology School / Barber School — Required for any institution providing Board-approved training programs.
All licensees must display their current license at their work station. Shops must post their establishment license in a location visible to clients. Tennessee statute requires licensees to notify the Board of any address change within 30 days.
Renew Your Tennessee Cosmetology License
Tennessee cosmetology licenses renew on a two-year cycle. The renewal fee for individual licensees is $60.00. No continuing education is required for cosmetologist, aesthetician, manicurist, natural hair stylist, or eyelash specialist renewal. Instructors must complete 16 hours of approved CE before renewing.
Online Renewal
Renew your license through the CORE online portal. The renewal option becomes available in your CORE account 60 days before your expiration date. Log in, verify your information, and submit payment.
Renewal Fees
- Individuals: $60
- Instructors: $70 (plus 16 hours of approved CE)
- Shops and Salons: $75
- Schools: $150
Late Renewal and Reinstatement
Failure to renew by your expiration date results in a penalty fee. Licenses expired more than three years become invalid — to reinstate an invalid license, you must retake the reinstatement exams and complete a new application. There are no waivers to this provision. Contact the Board at (615) 741-2515 or cosmetology.board@tn.gov for reinstatement guidance.
File a Complaint
The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance encourages consumers to file complaints when they have been the victim of an unfair or deceptive business practice, witness unlicensed activity, or see suspected misconduct or other violations of cosmetology or barbering laws.
File a complaint online through the Commerce portal. You can attach supporting documents and additional information with your submission. After filing, you will receive an email confirmation with a complaint number for tracking.
Once a complaint is filed, it is reviewed to determine the best course of action. At the end of the review process, it is presented to the Board for a final decision. Substantiated violations can result in civil penalties, required corrective action, license suspension, or revocation.
The Board cannot give legal advice or represent private individuals seeking refunds or reimbursements. If you need legal assistance, contact private counsel or the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs mediation program.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost to renew a Tennessee cosmetology license?
- The renewal fee for individual Tennessee cosmetology licensees is $60, paid every two years through your CORE account. No continuing education is required for cosmetologist renewal.
- Does Tennessee require continuing education for cosmetologists?
- No. Tennessee does not require CE hours for cosmetologists, aestheticians, manicurists, natural hair stylists, or eyelash specialists. Only instructors must complete 16 hours of approved continuing education each renewal cycle.
- How do I renew my Tennessee cosmetology license online?
- Log in to your CORE account at core.tn.gov. The renewal option appears 60 days before your expiration date. Verify your information and submit the $60 fee.
- What happens if my Tennessee cosmetology license expires?
- A late penalty fee is assessed immediately after expiration. Licenses expired more than three years become invalid, and you must retake reinstatement exams and complete a new application. There are no waivers to this rule.
- How do I file a complaint against a Tennessee cosmetologist?
- File a complaint online through the Department of Commerce and Insurance portal. You will receive a confirmation email with a complaint number after submission.