Additional Information

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.

General Information

The arts regulated by the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners has been around since the stone age, and have been regulated since the early 1900's. They were regulated for sanitation, and licensure of individuals who were schooled in the proper procedure to enhance a person's appearance. The hair and face are the most conspicuous parts of the human body.

Barber Board

Established by Public Act in 1929. There are 23 barber schools, 2,050 barber shops, and 5,000 master barbers.

Cosmetology Board

Established by Public Act in 1939. There are 75 private schools, 65 public schools, 35 vocational schools, 3 correctional schools, 8,550 cosmetology shops, and 51,000 cosmetologists, manicurists, aestheticians and natural hair stylists.

On July 1, 2014, the two boards merged establishing the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners.

The Cosmetology professions are facing new challenges on a daily basis, and the emphasis is shifting from the traditional role of regulation to one of awareness and assistance. Because of concerns about communicable diseases, the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners place strict guidelines on the utilization of sterilized equipment, gloves and goggles for all licensees when performing any type service on a client. For up to date information refer to the Americans with Disabilities Act and visit the website at: https://www.ada.gov

The board members inspect all schools regularly explaining and emphasizing to the owner and/or manager the importance and responsibility of teaching rigid sanitation requirements to the students in order to prepare them for performing services on their clients when they enter the work force.

The Field Inspectors are cross trained to inspect both barber and cosmetology schools and shops on an annual and more often as needed basis, for proper sanitation and unlicensed activity. Each Inspector is responsible for approximately 1,000 shops, and are assigned territories. The Inspectors issue citations for unlicensed individuals, shops, and various sanitation reasons. The Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners members have authorized the legal division to issue consent orders ranging from $100.00 for first violation, to $1,000 for unlicensed activity. After the third violation, a formal hearing may be set before the Board which could result in discipline up to and including revocation of license.

The Board receives many complaints, both written and oral. These complaints range from unlicensed individuals employed in a shop or school to - "bad haircuts, bad perms, bad colors, damaged nails and dissatisfied students."

The primary objective of the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners is the safety and welfare of the public.