Laws and rules: Cosmetologists

Learn about the new rules and laws being proposed across cosmetology professional licenses.

Current rulemaking activity

View current or proposed rule changes that may affect you.

Student credit for training in a licensed school (Chapter 308-20-090 WAC)

We removed the requirement for schools to refer students for examination. This change aligns with HB 1017, passed during the 2023 legislative session. Students can now register for or take their exam if they're within 100 hours of completing the required coursework.

Minimum instruction guidelines for cosmetology, hair design, barbering, manicuring, esthetics and master esthetics training (Chapter 308-20-080 WAC), Minimum instruction requirements for instructor-trainees (Chapter 308-20-105)

We removed the requirement for schools to refer students for examination. This change aligns with HB 1017, passed during the 2023 legislative session. Students can now register for or take their exam if they're within 100 hours of completing the required coursework.

Title 308 WAC: Department of Licensing

Adopted rules:

Public hearings or comments

Public hearing held October 11, 2022

Proposed rules related to training

Student credit for training in a licensed school (WAC 308-20-090)
Student credit for training in a licensed salon/shop (WAC 308-20-091)
Apprentice credit for training in an approved apprentice salon/shop (WAC 308-20-101)

Public hearings or comments

See Emergency Rule-Making Order for information about submitting comments.

Definitions (WAC 308-20-010)

Public hearings or comments

See Emergency Rule-Making Order for information about submitting comments.

Cosmetology — barber — manicurist — esthetician rules (Chapter 308-20 WAC)

Public hearings or comments

Public hearing held on October 6, 2020

Cosmetology, barber, manicurist, esthetician rules (Chapter 308-20 WAC)

Public hearings or comments

Public hearings held on December 04, 2015

Cosmetology, barber, manicurist, esthetician rules (Chapter 308-20 WAC)

Public hearings or comments

Public hearing held February 10, 2015

Cosmetology, barber, manicurist, esthetician rules (Chapter 308-20 WAC)

(To implement House Bill 1779: Concerning esthetics, including minimum safety and sanitation standards)

Public hearings or comments

Public hearing held November 5, 2013

Request information in an alternative format

*To request this information in an alternative format, please email RulesCoordinator@dol.wa.gov.

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View current laws and rules

Explanation of abbreviations

  • RCW—Revised Code of Washington (Washington State laws)
  • WAC—Washington Administrative Code (Washington State agency regulations)

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