Resources and publications: Cosmetologists

Laws and regulations

See resources about laws and regulations for cosmetologists, barbers, manicurists, estheticians, master estheticians, and hair designers.

Washington state laws

Laws Relating to Cosmetologists, Barbers, Manicurists, Estheticians, and Master Estheticians

Hair braiding interpretive statement

Do Washington state laws relating to Cosmetologists, Hair designers, Barbers, Manicurists, and Estheticians (RCW 18.16) regulate natural hair braiders?

Washington state RCW 18.16 recognizes that the professions of cosmetology, hair designers, barbers, manicurists and estheticians involves the use of tools and chemicals which may be dangerous when mixed and applied improperly and therefore finds it necessary to regulate those professions in order to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public. However, neither RCW 18.16 or WAC 308-20 specifically identifies or defines natural hair braiding as requiring licensure" and is not specifically referred to in any other section of the law.

The Department of Licensing has carefully considered the practice of natural hair braiding. Natural hair braiding does not include hair cutting, application of dyes, reactive chemicals or other preparations to alter the color of the hair or to
straighten, curl or alter the structure of the hair and therefore does not meet the requirements for licensure as set forth in RCW.18.16.

Estheticians and the use of medical devices or lasers

RCW 18.16.020 (27) defines the practice of esthetics as the care of the skin for compensation by application, use of preparations, antiseptics, tonics, essential oils, exfoliants, superficial or light peels or by any device, except laser, or equipment, electrical or otherwise, or by wraps, compresses, cleansing, conditioning, stimulation, superficial skin stimulation, pore extraction, or product application and removal; temporary removal of superfluous hair by means of lotions, creams, appliance, waxing, threading, tweezing, or depilatories, including chemical means; and application of product to the eyelashes and eyebrows, including extensions, design and treatment, tinting and lightening of the hair, excluding the scalp. Under no circumstances does the practice of esthetics include the administration of injections.

Practice of Master Esthetics

RCW 18.16.020 (29) defines the practice of master esthetics as the care of the skin for compensation including all of the methods allowed in the definition of the practice of esthetics. It also includes the performance of medium depth peels and the use of medical devices for care of the skin and permanent hair reduction. The medical devices include, but are not limited to, lasers, light, radio frequency, plasma, intense pulsed light, and ultrasound. The use of a medical device must comply with state laws and rules, including any laws or rules that require delegation or supervision by a licensed health professional acting within the scope of practice of that health profession.

The Department of Health (DOH) has adopted rules that state a licensed physician may delegate the use of medical prescriptive devices, as defined by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to a trained and licensed professional, whose licensure and scope of practice allows the use of medical prescriptive devices. For more information, please contact the Department of Health at 1-800-525-0127 or visit their website.

Estheticians and Master Estheticians may use medical devices that are approved by the FDA as “over the counter.” Master Estheticians may use medical devices listed with the FDA as a “prescriptive device” under the authority of a licensed physician.

Laser technicians have the option of obtaining a master esthetics license or obtaining a license under the Department of Health that would allow them to use a medical prescriptive device.

The FDA defines medical devices as “prescriptive or over the counter” in their approved intended use statement.

In order to verify if a medical device is “prescriptive” or “over the counter,” you can enter the product code of the equipment on the FDA website.

Health and safety

See resources related to health and safety for cosmetologists and customers.

Safety and Sanitation booklet

The Safety and Sanitation Booklet is available in the following languages:

• English
• Spanish (Español)
• Korean (한국어)
• Russian (Русский)
• Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt)

Health and safety notices for consumers

• Read about the risks of skin infections related to whirlpool footbaths
• Read the Environmental Protection Agency's tips for preventing pedicure-related skin infections

Hazardous waste management in King County

Your King County business may qualify for free disposal of hazardous waste. Learn more about the Hazardous Waste Management Program.

Health and safety resources for nail salons

Information specific to nail salons and manicurists.

Fish pedicures

Fish pedicures are illegal in Washington under WAC 308-20-110.

Training and exams

Learn more about D.L. Roope, who administers the exams. You must pass the state-approved practical and written exams to get a cosmetology license.

Resources for businesses

See required notices for businesses and links to other agencies.

Required notice to customers

All shops and salons are legally required to post this Notice to Customers, which describes rules and responsibilities for salons and salon workers.

Washington Medical Commission

The mission of The Washington Medical Commission (WMC) is to "promote patient safety and enhance the integrity of the profession through licensing, discipline, rule making, and education."

Internal Revenue Service

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has information about your tax responsibilities.

National professional boards and associations

Among other things, the National Coalition of Estheticians, Manufacturers/Distributors and Associations (NCEA) offers national credentials for estheticians.

The National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) has up-to-date licensing and contact information for all states in the U.S.