West Virginia State Board of Cosmetology
Information verified:About the West Virginia State Board of Cosmetology
The West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists is the state agency that licenses and regulates barbers, cosmetologists, aestheticians, nail technicians, hair stylists, waxing specialists, instructors, shops, and booth renters throughout West Virginia. The board is housed at 1201 Dunbar Avenue, Dunbar, WV 25064. Mailing address: P.O. Box 40235, Charleston, WV 25364. Phone: (304) 558-2924. Email: wvbbc@wv.gov.
Jurisdiction and Authority
The board operates under West Virginia Code §30-27 and administers rules codified in the West Virginia Code of State Rules. Its mandate covers initial licensing, license renewal, reciprocity, school approval, and disciplinary enforcement. The board has authority to investigate complaints, conduct hearings, impose fines, and suspend or revoke licenses when practitioners or establishments violate state law or board rules.
Continuing Education — Eliminated
West Virginia eliminated its mandatory continuing education requirement for cosmetology and barbering licensees when House Bill 2325 was signed into law effective May 8, 2022. Licensees renewing after that date are not required to report CE hours. The board's online renewal process reflects this change — no CE documentation is requested at renewal time.
License Renewal Schedule
West Virginia issues annual licenses. Individual practitioner licenses — including cosmetologists, barbers, aestheticians, nail technicians, hair stylists, waxing specialists, and instructors — expire on January 1 each year. Shop licenses and booth rental registrations expire on July 1 each year. The individual renewal fee is $35. Renewal is handled through the board's online portal at wvbbc.com/License-Services/Renewals.
License Verification
The public can verify the active status of any West Virginia barber, cosmetologist, or salon license through the board's online lookup tool at wvbbc.com/License-Services/Verify-A-License. Employers, salons, and consumers can confirm a licensee's name, license number, license type, and current status at no charge.
Examinations
West Virginia uses Prov (formerly PSI) as its examination provider for written and practical licensing examinations. Candidates schedule their exams directly through provexam.com after the board approves their application. Testing sites are available throughout the state and in surrounding areas.
Schools and Training Programs
Cosmetology and barbering schools operating in West Virginia must be licensed by the board. The board sets minimum curriculum hour requirements for each license type and approves school programs before students may count hours toward a license. West Virginia requires 1,800 cosmetology training hours, which is among the higher state requirements nationally. Other programs — barbering (1,200 hours), hair styling (1,000 hours), aesthetics (600 hours), and nail technology (400 hours) — reflect the specific scope of each license type.
Licenses Regulated
The West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists issues licenses and registrations across nine categories. Each requires specific training, examination, and application requirements.
- Cosmetologist — Full-service hair, skin, and nail services; 1,800 training hours required.
- Barber — Hair cutting, shaving, and related barbering services; 1,200 training hours required.
- Hair Stylist — Limited hair services only; 1,000 training hours required.
- Aesthetician — Skin care treatments, facials, and related services; 600 training hours required.
- Nail Technician — Manicuring and pedicuring services; 400 training hours required.
- Waxing Specialist — Hair removal via waxing; specific hour requirement applies.
- Instructor — Teaching in a licensed WV cosmetology or barbering school; requires an active practitioner license plus additional qualifications.
- Shop — Any establishment where barbering or cosmetology services are performed for compensation must hold a shop license.
- Booth Rental — Independent contractors renting a booth or station within a licensed shop must register with the board.
Renew Your West Virginia Cosmetology License
West Virginia cosmetology and barbering licenses renew annually. Individual practitioner licenses expire on January 1 each year; shop and booth rental licenses expire on July 1 each year.
How to Renew
Renewals are completed online through the board's portal at wvbbc.com/License-Services/Renewals. The individual renewal fee is $35. West Virginia eliminated its CE requirement effective May 8, 2022 — no continuing education hours are needed at renewal.
Late Renewals
Practicing on an expired license in West Virginia is a violation subject to disciplinary action. Licensees who miss the renewal deadline should contact the board directly at (304) 558-2924 or wvbbc@wv.gov to discuss reinstatement options.
Address and Contact Updates
Licensees are responsible for keeping their mailing address and contact information current with the board. Update contact details through the online portal or by contacting the board directly. Renewal notices sent to an outdated address do not excuse late renewal.
File a Complaint
The West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists investigates complaints against licensed practitioners and establishments. To file a complaint, visit wvbbc.com/Inspection-Services/File-a-Complaint or contact the board at (304) 558-2924 or wvbbc@wv.gov.
What the Board Investigates
The board has jurisdiction over complaints involving unlicensed practice, unprofessional conduct, sanitation violations in licensed shops, and violations of West Virginia Code §30-27 or board rules. Complaints against individuals or establishments not licensed in West Virginia are outside the board's jurisdiction.
Complaint Process
After a complaint is submitted, the board's inspection and enforcement staff review the allegation. If the complaint falls within the board's jurisdiction and describes a potential violation, an investigation is opened. The licensee is notified and given an opportunity to respond. The board may conduct an inspection of the establishment. Depending on findings, the matter may be resolved by agreement or proceed to a formal hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is the West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists located?
- The board's physical office is at 1201 Dunbar Avenue, Dunbar, WV 25064. The mailing address is P.O. Box 40235, Charleston, WV 25364. Phone: (304) 558-2924. Email: wvbbc@wv.gov. The board website is wvbbc.com.
- Does West Virginia require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal?
- No. West Virginia eliminated its mandatory continuing education requirement when House Bill 2325 was signed into law effective May 8, 2022. Cosmetologists, barbers, aestheticians, nail technicians, hair stylists, and other licensees are not required to report CE hours at renewal.
- When does my West Virginia cosmetology license expire?
- Individual practitioner licenses — cosmetologist, barber, hair stylist, aesthetician, nail technician, waxing specialist, and instructor — expire annually on January 1. Shop licenses and booth rental registrations expire annually on July 1. The annual renewal fee for individual licenses is $35.
- How many training hours are required for a West Virginia cosmetology license?
- A West Virginia cosmetologist license requires 1,800 training hours completed in a board-licensed school. Other license types require fewer hours: Barber — 1,200 hours; Hair Stylist — 1,000 hours; Aesthetician — 600 hours; Nail Technician — 400 hours.
- What exam is used for West Virginia cosmetology licensing?
- West Virginia uses Prov (formerly PSI) as its examination provider for written and practical exams. After the board approves a candidate's application, the candidate schedules exams directly through provexam.com.
- How do I verify a West Virginia cosmetology license?
- Use the board's online license lookup tool at wvbbc.com/License-Services/Verify-A-License. The tool is free and accessible to the public. Enter the licensee's name or license number to see current license status.