State Licensing Disclaimer

The state may refuse to grant a license if a student has been convicted of a crime; committed any act involving dishonesty, fraud, or deceit; or committed any act that, if committed by a licentiate of the business or profession in question, would be grounds for the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering to deny licensure. The Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering denies licensure on the grounds that the applicant knowingly made a false statement of fact required to be revealed in the application for such license. Students who are not U.S. citizens or who do not have documented authority to work in the United States will not be eligible to apply to take the state licensure examination. Paul Mitchell The School Birmingham is not responsible for students denied licensure.

state licensing requirements

To obtain a license in any discipline from the Alabama Board of Cosmetology, you must be at least 16 years old, have completed at least 10 grades in secondary school (or the equivalent), and be legally permitted to work in the United States.

Cosmetology
Cosmetology is hair, nails, and skin care.

Apprentice Hours Required: 3,000

School Hours Required: 1,500

Esthetics
Esthetics is the practice of performing acts of skin care including, but not limited to, facials, body waxing, and skin care.

Apprentice Hours Required: 2,000

School Hours Required: 1,000

Instructor Licenses

Per Code of Alabama §34-7B-24, "No person may be admitted to an examination or licensed as an instructor unless he or she possesses all the following qualifications:

  1. Has completed at least 12 grades in secondary school, or equivalent.
  2. Holds a valid license in the applicable area of practice.
  3. Satisfies either of the following requirements: a. Has successfully completed at least 1,500 hours in a teacher’s training course at a school licensed or registered under the provisions of this chapter or b. Has completed at least one year of active experience in a shop plus 650 hours in a school licensed or registered under the provisions of this chapter."

The Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering offers Instructor licenses in the following areas of practice:

  • Cosmetologist
  • Manicurist
  • Esthetician
  • Barber
  • Natural Hair Stylist
  • Esthetician/Manicurist
  • Manicurist/Waxer

Apprentice Hours Required: NA

School Hours Required: 1500 in a teacher's training course, OR one year active experience in a shop and 650 school hours.