Cosmetology Schools in Washington, DC

What to Expect from a Cosmetology Program in Washington, DC

Becoming a cosmetologist in DC requires completing theory and hands-on coursework in a wide range of beauty subjects. Cosmetologists, also called "cosmetology operators," in DC, study the following topics:

• Braiding: 20 hours
• Chemical Straightening: 200 hours
• Croquinole Wave/Styling: 70 hours
• Dye and Bleach: 100 hours
• Haircutting: 100 hours
• Hairpieces: 10 hours
• Permanent Wave: 100 hours
• Pressing: 50 hours
• Scalp Treatments: 25 hours
• Shampooing: 40 hours
• Wet Curls: 70 hours
• Electrology: 75 hours
• Waxing: 50 hours
• Facials/Massage: 50 hours
• Manicuring/Pedicuring: 50 hours
• Anatomy, Physiology, Bacteriology, Pathology, Chemistry, and Electricity: 125 hours
• DC Law: 20 hours
• Ethics, Salesmanship, Courtesy, and Conduct: 25 hours
• Personal Hygiene: 20 hours
• Sanitation: 50 hours

After completing one-third of your hours, you can start supervised practice. Before doing so, you need to apply to the state board for permission.

Cosmetologists in DC must be at least 18 years old and have completed the 10th grade, so take those requirements into consideration before beginning a cosmetology program.

You need to pass exams before getting your cosmetology license in DC, so use your time in cosmetology school to the fullest. Develop relationships with your teachers and peers, ask questions, and study everything from beauty vocabulary to techniques to business effectively.

Can I Become a Cosmetologist via an Apprenticeship in DC?

You can become a cosmetologist (or barber) through an apprenticeship in Washington, DC. However, this path doesn't totally get you out of classroom work. Cosmetology apprentices in DC must:

• Be 18+ years old
• Complete 500 hours of classroom training, including sciences, shampooing, braiding, and more
• Undergo at least 2000 hours of in-salon apprenticeship work
• Spend at least one year (but no more than two years in the apprenticeship)

Please note that the apprenticeship requirements were published before the reduction in cosmetology school training hours. It's unclear if those alterations will impact apprenticeship hours.

Washington, DC Cosmetology License Requirements

To earn your cosmetology license in Washington, DC, you need to meet a variety of educational, age, and background standards. You must:

• Be a US citizen, a green card holder, be present on a non-expired visa, or have a passport from your country of citizenship
• Be at least 18 years old
• Have completed at least the 10th grade
• Have completed cosmetology school or an apprenticeship
• Have passed written and practical exams
• Pay relevant fees (as of 2026, this is $175)
• Apply and be approved for your license

Cosmetology Exams in Washington, DC

You need to pass a written/theory and a practical exam to get your cosmetology license in DC. Passing the written/theory test is required before you're allowed to schedule your practical test.

Along with updating the number of training hours, DC changed written exam providers from PSI to Prov in May 2026. When scheduling your test, you need to select a testing location, provide your name, Social Security Number, and address, and pay a $92 exam fee. You can reschedule or cancel your test for free so long as you do so with three or more days' notice.

DC uses the written National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) test. The exam runs for 90 minutes and includes 110 questions, 100 of which are weighted and scored. Topics covered include:

• Scientific Concepts: 35%
• Hair Care and Services: 45%
• Skin Care and Services: 10%
• Nail Care and Services: 10%

If you don't speak English as your primary language, you may be in luck. DC's cosmetology theory exams are available in English, Korean, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

After you pass your NIC test, the DC Exam Coordinator will reach out with instructions for scheduling your practical exam. The practical test is only held at the Bennett Career Institute at 700 Monroe Street, NE.

After the Board approves your cosmetology license application, you must pay your license fee within 180 days of the notice.

Washington, DC Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity

If you're moving to DC from another state, you may be able to get your cosmetology license by reciprocity or endorsement if your licensing jurisdiction has similar requirements to DC. The best way to find out if you qualify is to contact the District of Columbia Board of Barber and Cosmetology.

Cosmetology Specialties in Washington, DC

Cosmetology programs in DC cover a wide variety of topics, so you can offer many different services. But what if you want to really focus on one thing? A few specialties require their own licenses. These include:

• Braiding: 200 hours
• Electrology: 600 hours
• Esthetics: 600 hours
• Manicuring/Pedicuring: 350 hours
• Full Wax and Nails Technician: 400 hours
• Wax Technician: 115 hours

The May 2026 law changes altered the number of training hours that Natural Hairstylists and Braiders must complete and added Wax Technician and Full Wax and Nails Technician licenses.

Cosmetology License Renewal in Washington, DC

Cosmetology licenses in DC expire on April 15 of every even-numbered year, and you need to complete six hours of continuing education and pay a $110 fee to remain licensed.

You should receive a renewal application by first-class mail at least 60 days before your license expires (so it's essential to keep your home and business addresses up to date!). Fill this out as soon as possible and return it to the Board to help avoid any hiccups.

Continuing education courses need to be completed at an approved program. Two of your training hours must cover health, safety, and welfare, while the remaining four may be approved elective classes. These four hours can cover nearly any beauty subject you're interested in, as well as courses in business or specific products.

Many of the approved continuing education providers offer in-person courses, but some offer online courses. Training can be approved by the DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology, other State Board-approved schools, NIC, NABBA, and the NCEA. Be sure to request a certificate of completion for each class.

If you don't renew your license by April 15, the clock starts on 60 days of leeway. During this time, your late fee would be $50.

After 60 days of non-renewal after the expiration date, your license is considered lapsed, and you'll need to apply and pay for reinstatement ($210). You'll have to show you're fit to continue working as a cosmetologist by proving you understand DC and federal cosmetology laws, are capable of the services you want to offer, and can provide safe and effective beauty treatments.

The Board will consider the above, plus how long you had previously worked as a cosmetologist, how long you waited to renew, whether you've violated any laws, and your character in general. You may be required to complete additional training before or after getting your license back.

Cosmetologist Salary and Projected Job Growth in Washington, DC

As of 2025, Washington, DC cosmetologists earn a median salary of $48,060 per year ($23.10 per hour). Pay ranges from $35,360 or less to $97,760 or more. By comparison, pay nationwide ranges from about $24,580 to $72,220, with a median of $35,250.

Not only is cosmetology pay in DC higher than average, but jobs are also expected to grow at a significantly faster rate. The number of cosmetology jobs in Washington, DC, is projected to increase by 33% between 2022 and 2032. Nationwide, the cosmetology industry is expected to grow by only 4%.

Contact the Washington, DC Cosmetology Board