License: Beauty Operator

Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs Professional and Vocational Licensing Division Board of Barbering and Cosmetology external site

P. O. Box 3469

[335 Merchant St., Rm. 301, Honolulu, HI 96813]

Honolulu, HI 96801-0000

(808) 586-3000

DESCRIPTION OF OCCUPATION: A Beauty Operator includes cosmetologists, hairdressers, estheticians, and nail technicians. They provide a variety of beauty services for the hair, face, and nails: shampooing, cutting, coloring, perming, straightening, and styling of hair; facials, skin care and make-up analysis and application; and manicures and pedicures. REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSING: Personal requirements: Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or alien authorized to work in the U.S. Be at least 16 years of age. EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: High school graduate or equivalent education. 1 year experience as a licensed beauty operator satisfies the general education requirement. Beauty training requirements for each category may be satisfied in the following ways: BEAUTY SCHOOL: Cosmetologist - 1,800 hours; Hairdresser - 1,250 hours; Esthetician - 600 hours; Nail Technician - 350 hours. APPRENTICESHIP: Cosmetologist - 3,600 hours; Hairdresser - 2,500 hours; Esthetician - 1,200 hours; Nail Technician - 700 hours. COMBINATION: To determine the total hours of training, 2 apprentice hours are equivalent to 1 beauty school hour, provided the training is not less than 3 years old. The Board may choose not to recognize all of the hours if the combination training occurred over the same period of time. BARBER TRAINING: Barber training hours may be recognized toward the Hairdresser category if deemed acceptable by the Board. EXAMINATIONS: Exam given by Prometric - offered in different formats depending on island. Computer-based Format: Hawaii & Oahu Written Format: Kauai & Maui *Written examinations are scheduled three times a year, usually in January, May, and October. APPLICATION AND FEES: $20 for application. Temporary permit is $40. In 2022, pay $145 (license $22 + CRF $100 + 1/2 renewal $23) In 2023, pay $72 (license $22 + CRF $50) *All licenses, regardless of date issued, expire on December 31 of every ODD-NUMBERED year. OTHER: There were 7,062 licenses currently active as of February 24, 2022. ~ revised 09/20