Eyelash Extension Licensing Requirements of Each State

Do You Know That in The USA Eyelash Technicians Need a License to Provide Their Services?

Completing an eyelash training course and getting certified by your school does NOT provide you the eligibility to work as an eyelash technician. Offering any kind of eyelash extensions, cosmetic or esthetician services without holding a valid license is not allowed. 

This may seem surprising but given the sensitive nature of eyelashes, this is necessary. It ensures only licensed professionals who have completed the required training from licensed schools can provide eyelash extension services to individuals.

The problem here is that in the USA, there is not a unified licensing authority and all states have different laws and procedures when it comes to eyelashes and the practice of cosmetology as a whole. Each state has a Board of Cosmetology that formulates rules and regulations and also grants licenses to individuals who want to start working as eyelash technicians or related professions.

We have done an extensive research to help you understand the requirements for obtaining the license, for each state:

• The minimum age for license eligibility
• Number of training hours needed
• Educational qualification required

We have also included the link of each State’s Board of Cosmetology. We have also listed our recommendation for the best eyelash training course in every state.

Before we take a look at that, let’s understand a few important things: 

What License Do I Need to Apply Eyelash Extensions?

The two common license types that allow you to apply eyelash extensions are:

• Cosmetologist/Barber
• Esthetician/Aesthetician

Few states like Texas, Minnesota and Kentucky have separate licenses for eyelash extensions. 

Most states also offer a license type called Apprentice License. This license type allows you to perform eyelash extensions on individuals ONLY under the supervision of a licensed Cosmetologist or Esthetician.

Do I Need to Sit for an Exam?

You ideally need to sit for a written and practical examination. Once you clear both the exams with the minimum required marks, you will be granted your license.

Does Obtaining a License From One State Allow Me to Practice in Another State?

You have to obtain a separate license for each state where you want to practice. However, if you hold a valid license in one state then you do not have to sit for the examination in another state. You can simply get your license certified or transferred. 

State-wise License Requirements.

Alabama

Alabama is one of the few states that do not have any licensing requirements for lash technicians. However, you should get the required training from a reputed school to ensure you can offer quality services to your clients.

Alaska

If you hold a current license from some other state, you can get a Temporary License in Alaska. You will be issued a Permanent License once you clear the written examination.

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado 

Connecticut

You need to obtain a Department of Public Health (DPH) license or a temporary permit (for individuals holding a valid license from another state). 

Delaware

District of Columbia

Florida

The State of Hawaii does not offer a separate Cosmetologist or Esthetician License. It includes the practice of any type of hairstyling under the Practice of Barbering, so you need to get a Barber License. 

Georgia

Hawaii

The State of Hawaii does not offer a separate Cosmetologist or Esthetician License. It includes the practice of any type of hairstyling under the Practice of Barbering, so you need to get a Barber License

Idaho

You need a Cosmetology or Esthetician License. They also have an association that is lobbying for a separate Eyelash License. 

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota 

Mississippi

Missouri

Montanna

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

A Cosmetologist or Esthetician License. Eyelash Extensions can also be performed by individuals after completing 16 hours of training from approved providers of South Dakota Licenses. For a list check here.

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

The links provided above and the information regarding state regulations are provided for your convenience, but are subject to change at any time. This list is not intended to be exhaustive, and additional resources not listed here may be available. Although we have attempted to provide the most accurate information, each state has the right and ability to change these lash technician licensing requirements at any time without notice. The following information is not intended to be used as legal advice.

Important COVID-19 Update: While most of the states require you to attend the classes in-person at a licensed institute, looking at the nature of the pandemic, many of these states have allowed students to take advantage of distance learning.