Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
Purpose
The Cosmetology and Barber Examiners Board was created as a combined board in 2014. Prior to that the cosmetology act was created in 1986 and the barbering act was created in 1929. The current requirements for the licensure of cosmetologist, aestheticians, manicurists, natural hair stylists, eyelash specialists, cosmetology shops, cosmetology and specialty schools, and instructors can be found in Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 62, Chapter 4. The current requirements for the licensure for master barbers, barber technicians, barber shops, barber schools, and barber instructors can be found in Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 62, Chapter 3.
Mission
The mission of the Cosmetology and Barber Examiners Board is to protect the public health, safety and welfare through the regulation of cosmetologists, instructors, aestheticians, manicurists, natural hair stylists, hair braiders, eyelash specialists, cosmetology shops, master barbers, barber technicians, barber instructors, barber shops, and barber and cosmetology schools.
Announcement
Shop Applicants:
New rules for shops providing limited services effective January 14, 2024, allow shops engaging in specialized services to request a waiver of equipment based on business need. The exemption request must be made with your online application and will be reviewed by the Executive Director. Please note, the waiver request does not apply to any equipment, tools, or implements needed for sanitation and protecting the public.
For complete details, see the specific rules for barber shops: 0200-03-.17 and for all cosmetology related shops: 0440-02-.18.
Eyelash Specialists/Services
New Eyelash specialist and Eyelash service shop licenses go into effect July 1, 2023. Education for the 300 hour eyelash program may be offered at a cosmetology or an aesthetics school. Currently licensed cosmetologist, aestheticians and master barber can continue to offer eyelash services under their license types. This new path allows for a specific license and offers a wonderful opportunity to many individuals who are only interested an providing eyelash services.
Domestic Violence Training
Attention all licensees: the 2021 legislative session added a requirement for everyone in the industry to complete the approved training on domestic violence. This went into effect January 1, 2022. New applicants should be completing the training at their schools or online prior to applying for their first license. Everyone renewing their license will need to take the link provided below, complete the pre-training, and take the free, under 30-minute training. You will then receive a certificate to keep for your records. That certificate may be included with your next renewal. Please save it for at least two years because the board has the authority to audit and ask for it. You will not need it after the two-year period. This training is a onetime requirement only.
Online Domestic Violence Training | In-Person Domestic Violence Trainings
Learn about the Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program
Cosmetology and Barber Examiners regulates the practice of cosmetology and barbering, including the licensure and registration of cosmetologists, instructors, aestheticians, manicurists, natural hair stylists, cosmetology shops, master barbers, barber instructors, barber shops, and barber and cosmetology schools.
The mission of the Division of Regulatory Boards is to protect public welfare by ensuring that only qualified persons are certified, permitted, or licensed and that once licensed these persons uphold the highest appropriate professional standards of practice, independence, and competency.
Learn more about Cosmetology and Barber Examiners »
Attorney General’s opinion regarding micro-needling and micro-blading regulation [pdf]
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