Texas State Board of Cosmetology
Information verified:About the Texas State Board of Cosmetology
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) administers the Barbering and Cosmetology program, which regulates cosmetology operators, estheticians, manicurists, hair weaving specialists, eyelash extension specialists, and the establishments and schools that serve them. Unlike most states that have a standalone cosmetology board, Texas regulates cosmetology through TDLR — a broad agency overseeing more than 40 programs across multiple industries.
TDLR is advised by the Barbering and Cosmetology Advisory Board, which provides input on rulemaking and policy but does not have independent regulatory authority. The program's rules focus on health, safety, and sanitation with the aim of preventing cuts, burns, infections, and the transmission of contagious diseases.
TDLR is headquartered at 920 Colorado Street in Austin. Customer service is available by phone at (800) 803-9202 (in-state toll-free) or (512) 463-6599, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM CT. The agency maintains an online contact form for inquiries and handles most licensing functions through its online services portal.
Texas requires 4 hours of continuing education every two-year renewal period, including mandatory hours in sanitation and human trafficking awareness.
Licenses Regulated
TDLR's Barbering and Cosmetology program licenses the following practitioner types:
- Cosmetology Operator — Full cosmetology services including hair, skin, and nails. Requires 1,000 hours of training.
- Esthetician — Skin care and facial services. Requires 750 hours of training.
- Manicurist — Nail services only. Requires 600 hours of training.
- Hair Weaving Specialist — Hair weaving and extension services. Requires 300 hours of training.
- Eyelash Extension Specialist — Eyelash extension application only. Requires 320 hours of training.
- Manicurist/Esthetician — Combination license. Requires 800 hours (or 600 + 750 separately).
- Hair Weaving Specialist/Esthetician — Combination license. Requires 800 hours (or 300 + 750 separately).
TDLR also licenses barbering and cosmetology establishments ($78 application fee), mobile establishments, and schools ($380 initial fee). All practitioners must pass both written and practical examinations administered by PSI before applying for their license.
Renew Your Texas Cosmetology License
Texas cosmetology licenses are valid for two years from the date of issue and must be renewed before expiration. The on-time renewal fee is $50 for all practitioner types.
Continuing Education (4 Hours)
Before renewing, you must complete 4 hours of TDLR-approved CE, including:
- 1 hour in sanitation (mandatory)
- 1 hour in human trafficking awareness (mandatory)
- 2 hours elective — from approved topics including law/rules, sanitation, or mental health awareness
Licensees who have held a Texas license for 15+ years only need 2 hours of CE (the two mandatory hours above — the elective hours are waived).
How to Renew
Renew online at tdlr.texas.gov. TDLR accepts credit/debit cards for online renewals.
Late Renewals
- Expired less than 18 months: $75 renewal fee
- Expired 18 months to 3 years: $100 renewal fee
- Expired more than 3 years: Cannot be renewed — must meet initial license requirements again
File a Complaint
Complaints about Texas cosmetology practitioners and establishments are investigated by TDLR's enforcement division. The program conducts routine inspections and responds to consumer complaints regarding sanitation violations, unlicensed activity, and professional misconduct.
File a complaint online at tdlr.texas.gov/complaints or by calling (800) 803-9202. Provide the business name and address, practitioner name if known, a detailed description of the issue, and the date of the incident. A paper complaint form is also available for mail-in submissions.
Substantiated violations result in administrative penalties. TDLR publishes all enforcement actions — search disciplinary history at tdlr.texas.gov. Common inspection violations include improper disinfection of tools, expired licenses, and failure to display required postings.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the TDLR phone number for cosmetology?
- Call (800) 803-9202 (toll-free within Texas) or (512) 463-6599. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM CT. The mailing address is P.O. Box 12157, Austin, TX 78711. TDLR also accepts inquiries through their online contact form.
- How many CE hours does Texas require for cosmetology license renewal?
- Texas requires 4 hours of TDLR-approved CE per two-year renewal period: 1 hour sanitation, 1 hour human trafficking awareness, and 2 elective hours. Licensees with 15+ years of continuous licensure only need the 2 mandatory hours — the elective hours are waived.
- How much does it cost to renew a Texas cosmetology license?
- On-time renewal is $50 for all practitioner types. Late renewal fees apply: $75 if expired less than 18 months, $100 if expired 18 months to 3 years. Licenses expired more than 3 years cannot be renewed.
- Does Texas have a standalone cosmetology board?
- No. Texas regulates cosmetology through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), a broad agency overseeing 40+ programs. TDLR has a Barbering and Cosmetology Advisory Board that provides guidance, but TDLR holds the regulatory authority.