Cosmetology School in Louisiana

What Happens in Cosmetology School in Louisiana?

To become a licensed cosmetologist in Louisiana, you need to complete 1,500 hours of training at a board-approved cosmetology school before taking your exams and applying for licensure.

Cosmetology programs in Louisiana vary, but the required curriculum includes:

• Scientific concepts (infection control, hair removal, physiology, nails, hair, and scalp)
• Physical services (shampoo, esthetics, makeup, manicure, and pedicure)
• Chemical services (hair coloring, chemical waving, chemical relaxing)
• Hair design and styling (haircutting and shaping)
• Louisiana Cosmetology Act and rules and regulations

Coursework is a mix of theoretical and practical training. Students can only begin performing services on the clinic floor after completing 100 hours of training. Cosmetology students can also receive up to 40 credit hours for field trips, seminars, shows, community service, and workshops.

You can begin your training in high school if you're at least 16 years old and have completed 10^th grade. Board-approved high schools can offer up to 500 hours of cosmetology theoretical coursework to then be transferred to a cosmetology school.

Can I Apprentice as a Cosmetologist in Louisiana?

No, you can't apprentice to earn your cosmetologist license in Louisiana.

Louisiana Cosmetology Exams

After completing your education, you can take your cosmetology exams. To become a licensed cosmetologist in Louisiana, you must pass a state law, a practical, and a written exam. The state and practical tests cost $25 each.

You can take the written cosmetology test can be taken once you've completed 1,000 hours of training. It's offered in Vietnamese and Spanish in addition to English and lasts for 90 minutes.

The cosmetology theory exam costs $83 to take and covers:

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

The practical exam, which you can take after completing 1,400 hours of training, covers:

• Set and comb out
• Wet work
  • Finger waves
  • Brush waves
  • Skip waves
• Chemicals
  • Permanent wave
  • Foil hi-lite
  • Relaxer retouch
  • Virgin bleach
  • Hair color retouch
• Haircut

What Louisiana Cosmetologists Can Do with Their Licenses

In Louisiana, cosmetologists are licensed beauty professionals trained to provide the following services:

• Hairdressing
• Esthetics
• Manicuring

Cosmetologists can't perform:

• Piercings
• Electrolysis
• Cosmetic tattooing
• Chemical exfoliation
• Microdermabrasion
• Microblading
• Microneedling
• Use of lasers
• Hair braiding

Cosmetologist Salary and Projected Job Growth in Louisiana

Cosmetologists in Louisiana make a mean annual salary of $29,970 ($14.41 hourly), according to May 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Factors such as location, services offered, and level of experience all impact wages. These sources are limited, however, and beauty professionals may actually make more than what BLS and others report.

Getting Your Cosmetology License in Louisiana

To become a licensed cosmetologist in Louisiana, you must:

• Have at least completed the 10^th grade or equivalent
• Be at least 16 years old
• Complete 1,500 hours of training in cosmetology school
• Pass practical and written exams along with the state law exam
• Pay relevant fees

For more information, you can visit Louisiana's cosmetology website.

Louisiana Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity

If you have a valid cosmetology license from another state, you can apply for your Louisiana cosmetologist license through reciprocity. To apply, you must submit an application and proof of passing the required exams. You must also pass Louisiana's state law exam.

Cosmetology License Renewal in Louisiana

Louisiana cosmetologists must renew their licenses every year before their birthdate. If you don't, it will expire 30 days after your birthday. To renew, you must submit an application and pay a renewal fee of $25. Continuing education isn't required to renew, but keeping up with industry trends and standards is recommended.

Contact the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology