Consequences of Practicing Cosmetology Without A License

why have a cosmetology license

Galaxy_love_design – stock.adobe.com


If you’re interested in practicing cosmetology, you likely already know that you need a license to practice cosmetology. However, why is this so important? Wouldn’t you just be able to open up your new salon tomorrow as long as you’re good enough to get customers? There are many consequences to practicing cosmetology without a license, and you don’t want to be on the receiving end of any. Here’s what you need to know.

Why Do States Require a License To Practice Cosmetology?

States require a cosmetology license because it proves you have the skills and the knowledge necessary to practice.

Although there are some things you can learn on the job and some things you might be able to learn on your own, practicing cosmetology requires that you have knowledge of other important skills like sanitation. No state wants people accidentally spreading lice and communicable diseases because they didn’t get crucial training in sanitation and cross contamination, which is one of the biggest reasons cosmetology requires a license.

Does Every State Have a Consequence for Practicing Without a License?

Yes. Although the consequences may vary, every state makes it illegal to practice cosmetology without a license. Your state may have fines and misdemeanor convictions as part of the consequences of practicing without a license. Additionally, if it’s discovered that you don’t have a license because you accidentally hurt someone while practicing, there may be more severe consequences, including criminal charges.

Moving With a Cosmetology License

Not every state has the same requirements for its cosmetology licenses. If you’re planning to move out of the state and you still want to practice cosmetology, you’ll need to transfer your cosmetology license. Every state has different requirements for transferring, so make sure you look into the transfer process, including whether you may need to do extra training so that you can get your license in the state you’re moving to.

Practice Cosmetology Legally by Getting Your Cosmetology License in Your State

To get a cosmetology license in your state, you need to get a license from a university or beauty school. To graduate, you’ll need to do many hours of practice and take an exam, which will include both written and practical portions. Remember that practicing with an expired cosmetology license is also illegal, so you need to renew your cosmetology license when it’s about to expire.

If you’re interested in practicing cosmetology in Washington, Evergreen Beauty College may be a great option. There are six locations spread across Washington, teaching everything from the overarching cosmetology course to the more specific hair design course. Getting a cosmetology license is the first step to practicing cosmetology legally, and looking into ways to enroll can help you start the process.

Start Your Cosmetology Journey the Right Way Today

what happens without cosmetology license

Barbara – stock.adobe.com

Instead of just trying to practice cosmetology on your own, why not do it the right way and avoid the problems? When you go through cosmetology training, you’re protecting your clients by ensuring the people they see for their cosmetology treatments are all held to the same standard of knowledge.

If you’re interested in starting to practice cosmetology, schedule a tour at Evergreen Beauty College today to learn more.

Author
Frank Trieu
Vice President of Business Development & Industry Relations

Frank Trieu is a cosmetology industry leader, and despite his accomplishments and accolades, he still prioritizes students on the Evergreen campus. Through building relationships within the community and local salons, retail stores, and spas, he helps facilitate job placements for aspiring beauty professionals using his expansive network.

Share:
Happy Evergreen Beauty College Students

GET STARTED ON YOUR NEW CAREER PATH TODAY

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

170 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Duane
Duane
4 years ago

So, can I work at a nail shop if I am not getting paid? I am doing it to learn the business.

John
John
4 years ago
Reply to  Duane

It is illegal even if not paid.

Redliky
Redliky
2 years ago
Reply to  John

If my manager has an unlicensed employee working in her shop .can they go to jail for it.

Elaine
Elaine
1 year ago
Reply to  Redliky

I went to a beauty salon a beautician I thought did not hear and left the color on too long and I broke out in the scope and other horrible things found out she was not liking can I sue

Ethan
Ethan
1 year ago
Reply to  John

I honestly agree a license should be needed to cut hair & for any jobs that has a sanitary code and to right off taxes. But the government doesn’t make it easy in the way of expenses to pursue to getting a license they make any excuses to make money off of people. Honestly it’s hard out here to make a living and some people are really talented and don’t have the money to go to barber school. They can’t afford it. What should I do I need guidance I’m 19 years old from Brooklyn NY and I’m trying to make a living.

paula price
paula price
1 year ago
Reply to  Ethan

people can get pell grants that pay for their schooling so theres no reason to NOTget a license

K Joia
K Joia
4 years ago
Reply to  Duane

See if your state offers apprenticeships, here in Washington. It takes some investigating but is worth checking into. I know Washington, Colorado, California, and others offer the option. Most importantly if you work an approved salon you get paid while you learn
Good luck

Robin yates
Robin yates
3 years ago
Reply to  Duane

You must contact state licensing first. It’s called apprentice ship. The salon must be approved for this program. If it is, then you can train on the job. Depends on the state too.

Redliky
Redliky
2 years ago
Reply to  Robin yates

If the apprenticeship is not approved can that employee still work.

Lily
Lily
4 years ago

Would it be legal to practice hair braiding since it does not permanently or dramatically alter/effect their appearance (they can remove it and brush it out and it looks like nothing happened) without a license and what I mean is would it be legal charge money to do it on people

Marissa
Marissa
4 years ago
Reply to  Lily

It is still illegal, the law actually sees no difference in braiding ,coloring, cutting etc. Of course I’d check the exact law in whatever state you are in but most likely its illegal

ashley
ashley
4 years ago
Reply to  Lily

it is illegal to charge unless you go online a complete the natural haircare course of study packet go to the health licensing agency and take the natural hair care test and state laws test to get a certified authorization certificate to do so

Emily Flan
Emily Flan
3 years ago
Reply to  Lily

In my state, it is legal to braid hair and install wigs without a license

KH3
KH3
3 years ago
Reply to  Lily

Depends on each state – as of 2019 only 7 states still require a license for braiding. Check this article out AND also check under your states’ licensing and regulatory affairs for cosmetology.

knowledgecenter.csg.org/kc/content/should-licensing-reformers-still-be-talking-about-african-hair-braiding#:~:text=In%202019%20only%207%20states,reduced%20amount%20of%20training%20required.

Alana Martinez
Alana Martinez
2 years ago
Reply to  Lily

Hair braiding does not need a license. You can charge people as long as you never use or apply any chemical treatments.

Kiara Strayhorn
Kiara Strayhorn
4 years ago

Can I color hair extensions without a license ?

Ccc
Ccc
4 years ago

What a fu@$ing joke….

John
John
4 years ago
Reply to  Ccc

Not really!

Tori
Tori
4 years ago
Reply to  Ccc

People can genuinely get hurt if they are going to someone not trained in sanitation, what a reaction to color looks like, diseases, etc. It’s more about preventing diseases from being spread and keeping people from going to the hospital from burns and reactions.

K Joia
K Joia
4 years ago
Reply to  Tori

Not if the person has taken the time to actually learn ALL about nails. If you take it seriously you will have spent a tremendous amount of time learning everything about our craft. I’m not practicing, but I’m learning all I can about nails, sanitation, organizing, technique, ethics, and all the skills that would make me successful. Do your part to learn all you can about what you want to do. Better yet change the way we can learn and learn from reliable sources, get a proper education and read the text books that cover the basic skills. See what you can learn on your own to challenge our help you gain a spot.

victoria a cotillo
victoria a cotillo
3 years ago
Reply to  K Joia

you can learn the trade but if it is ilegal to practice it without a liscense. you can take a course check youtube videos etc . the only thing it makes you prepare to practice is get your liscense . people like to cut corners and call experts ..wrong

BDunbar
BDunbar
2 years ago
Reply to  K Joia

Lmao! You do know people get hurt even with a license. I always say licensing is a public agreement and will hold ppl accountable when upheld. You’re referring to these “self taught” ppl who THINK they have learned “all about nails” when in fact the miss the key concepts. You cannot watch YouTube and say you know enough to ensure that you are CARING for the nails properly, you’re not an expert, nor have you been deemed fit to perform services by those who are considered experts. Licensing departments are in place so that there is a minimum standard to keep all parties safe while services are exchanged. If you can’t agree to get licensed I don’t think you deserve to service others and put them at risk.I mean if you now so much, just get the dang license…

Last edited 2 years ago by BDunbar
Sylvia
Sylvia
4 years ago

What us the number to call and report someone

Cami Jones
Cami Jones
3 years ago
Reply to  Sylvia

It varies from state to state, but it would be the cosmetology board in each state.

Klm
Klm
4 years ago

Bla bla I cut hair all the time been doing it for 30+ years. Do I have a license? Nooooo

Cami Jones
Cami Jones
3 years ago
Reply to  Klm

You shouldn’t be.

Ksoaejd
Ksoaejd
3 years ago
Reply to  Klm

Mothers cut hair on their kids and husbands and aunties and cousins. What’s wrong with that?

raphael cotillo
raphael cotillo
3 years ago
Reply to  Ksoaejd

you can do it in your home with your family members . we are talking about as a business

Iyanna
Iyanna
4 years ago

As an assistant could you wash out color without an license

Taz
Taz
4 years ago

If you want to change it, just need to start getting signatures and go to your state regulatory board as every year there’s a chance to vote against the licensure of each field.
Licensing is nothing else, but economist steps to set up oligarchys in every profession and keep the gap between rich and poor, make it even harder to ever get a chance in life if you weren’t born in a well off family. Besides the licensing proceeds of course benefiting state budgets that’s why they support it.
Ok, just so everybody is clear on the topic. Yes most of personal services, especially where you phisically touch your client (even just the hair) are licensed and more and more profession being licensed every year. Yes there are serious consequences for practicing without license.
But is it a joke? Absolutely. Is it really to protect consumers?? ABSOLUTELY NOT. Unless we talk about areas where people can really get hurt getting service from untrained person. Such professions, all types of physicians, surgeons, mental health practioners, lawyers, law enforcement, and certain engineers. Other than the above mentioned, professions being licensed because some priviliged, but skill-less people always lobbying for licensing for their own interest. Goverment ordered statistics showed that licensing did not decrease the number of accidents and injuries or report of customer dissatisfaction. The only thing licensing does is giving the authority (backed by law enforcement) into people’s hand who already have schooling to decide what are the requirements and whats right or wrong in that specific field. The problem these people actively practice, which means they just find ways to ride out the competition.

Sonia Villalobos
Sonia Villalobos
3 years ago
Reply to  Taz

🙌🙌🙌

Deb
Deb
3 years ago
Reply to  Taz

Taz, I believe that you are one of those who feel the “Man” is holding you back from being successful. Well let me tell you differently. There are many many people that are born into poor living situations that struggle to make ends meat but that struggle pays off and they become what they believe is successful. I yes sometimes your dreams don’t come true no matter how hard you work and study or whatever the situation is. But if you choose to blame everyone else for not becoming successful then you are the problem NOT the solution. Pick yourself up and keep trying. No one gets rewards for things being handed to them. No they have to work for them. And sometimes they don’t succeed but if they truly want it they keep trying. If you want to get out of the ghetto do something about it don’t keep blaming others for it. Their are grants galore that you don’t have to pay back to get an education or start a business. Do your due diligence. Keep looking for some way. There is always a way if you really want it.

MissyG
MissyG
3 years ago
Reply to  Taz

You’ve never been to Cosmo school have you? You would unmistakably see and understand what an education and required licensing protects if you had.

As for it supposedly not being accessible to those with no pot to pee in… I’m calling your bluff – I was struggling to keep a roof over my head and food on the table (with a toddler and a baby), and received a Pell Grant from the state of CA that paid fully for my education. This CAN happen for the less fortunate.

BDunbar
BDunbar
2 years ago
Reply to  MissyG

OMG! I LOVE YOU! THIS IS WHAT I TRY TO TELL PPL ALLLLLL THE TIME! You can’t say a license is necessary if you have never gone to get one…

Sheila
Sheila
3 years ago
Reply to  Taz

Also look at having a license as accountability. Some unlicensed people do the same work and charge the same price. That is unfair to people who actually went to school and earned their license. When they mess up it’s nothing you can do. You would be just as liable for going to a person without a license. Would you go to a doctor without a license or certification?

BDunbar
BDunbar
2 years ago
Reply to  Taz

Lmao! no. Licensing is protection for both parties. Its become a money hungry game because ppl are not educated on either side and ppl just jump in for the money. Nail technicians are NAIL CARE professionals. Everyone seems to forget that. They are an extension of the medical field! If you wouldnt let just anyone slice you open for surgery why is it any different when it comes to messing with your nails?! Like no one cares about a license until something serious happens and they want someone to blame. I don’t understand how ppl will follow some rules so hard then just not care about others. Its comical at this point. If you want to make a difference then DO SOMETHING! You don’t seem to be doing anything to fix the issue but you will scream from the rooftops about how licensing is…opressive?! There is no privilege behind getting a license lmaooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo You either figure it out or you don’t. You either want to be seen as a legit, licensed entity, or you don’t. Too many excused for ppl not to have a license an y’all don’t seem to understand what it is meant to do. Like read some books. Girl bye! *insert eyeroll*

L. Ave
L. Ave
4 years ago

I had a girl working for me who provided me with fraudulent licenses. I fired her and reported her to DOL and they did nothing. So badically there aren’t many ramifications other than being fired aside from the fact that I was paying her on a licensed scale AND she put me in a HUGE liability position.

BDunbar
BDunbar
2 years ago
Reply to  L. Ave

So the issue is no pressure on the necks of those in those positions. If ppl stepped up then things would change. Thats why I have no clue how ppl get licensed and say their school was no good lie its nothing. If school taught you nothing, why wouldnt you say something or stand up for that to change. Its super weird to me. I hope to start getting active with the licensing board and nail community because that’s how this will evolve. Id love to open a legit school that really puts out quality techs but its an uphill battle sometimes…

Pam
Pam
1 year ago
Reply to  L. Ave

Must be NC

Kat
Kat
4 years ago

I’m a licensed nail tech and have a salon at my home separate from living quarters. I’m wanting to host a ladies night on proper care and ending the night with teaching my technique to paint nails so the ladies would bring a friend and they would paint each other’s nails. Curious if I’m allowed to do this or not or how that works. I would charge a very little fee to cover cost of their nail file and buffers

Desirae Dempsey
Desirae Dempsey
3 years ago

Can I do nails at my home if I am not taking payments?

Kkn
Kkn
3 years ago
Reply to  Kat

Can I run a home base salon in my garage if it’s in it’s own legit cubical
Blocking the rest of the garage off and making just that room?

Olivia
Olivia
4 years ago

If I do my own nails does it count?

Jay
Jay
4 years ago

Could a teen do polygel nails at school without a license?

Barbara
Barbara
4 years ago
Reply to  Jay

Hello my name is Barbara I studied cosmetology black in 2003 here in Atlanta GA, I took the state board test, and passed the practical part and failed the written part. With life’s situations I ended up in a different field if work. I wanted to know if I can still take the written test at this point.
Thanks,

Tierra L Loftus
Tierra L Loftus
4 years ago

I have a developmentally disabled female living with me. She likes me to do her hair. I don’t charge her, Is that illegal, or do they not count people who have a secondary relationship with the person?

Tay
Tay
4 years ago

Hello! I have a client who wants me to teach her how to cut her husbands hair. Would I be breaking any law? I would be worried if she tried to take hair cutting to other people.

Juanita
Juanita
4 years ago

I have a doctorate degree in physical therapy. I am contemplating enrolling in a course for laser lipo used for body contouring that is being offered by a licensed esthetician in hopes of being able to provide the service myself. Do I have to become a licensed cosmetologist or esthetician to provide this service although I have a more extensive degree? I really do not want to go back to school lol.

Juanita
Juanita
4 years ago

I have a doctorate degree in physical therapy. I will be taking a course on laser lipo for body contouring offered by an esthetician for certification to be able to provide this services myself. Do I have to become a licensed esthetician to provide this service even though I have a higher education in health science?

Cori’el
Cori’el
4 years ago

Is doing nails as a small business, as a teen without a license illegal

Kkn
Kkn
3 years ago

Even if u say u don’t charge or take payment and they tip u outta there own good self, is it illegal?

Diana
Diana
3 years ago

I live in California ., can I do nails from home ? If I have my license??

Amy
Amy
3 years ago

Hi, I’m a high school student and I plan on going to an esthetician school when I graduate. I hope to one day open a small business providing esthetic services, but I’d also like to expand to some cosmetic services. I feel that cosmetology and esthetics go together and would make a fine business. If i wanted to do that, would I also have to go to cosmetology school as well and get my license even if I, myself, WON’T be the one giving the cosmetic services, but instead hire employees with cosmetology license to do them. Would that be allowed? Someone let me know, please and thanks!.

Also, if it helps, I live in Virginia, but I hope on opening this business in Texas.

Sanille
Sanille
3 years ago

At the end of summer, our church provides free haircuts to kids heading back to school. We are always short of stylists and we have never used the many retired stylists em who are available. This is because they do not hold a current license. There is no form of compensation to the stylist whatsoever, so could we use these ladies to give free haircuts?

Flavia
Flavia
3 years ago

My youngest brother’s girlfriend is an unlicensed, “self taught” nail tech. I believe she misguided my parents into letting her accept clients in their home that has no qualifications for a salon. This is also during the Covid-19 pandemic and my parents are in their late 50s-60 and my mother is diabetic with the addition of a slew of other health issues. I am worried that the clients she brings in will also at some point bring in the virus. Additionally, I do not believe she has had any professional training and is unfit to be a nail technician. I am unsure of any laws or who I would go through to approach the situation. Any advice would be very helpful. Thank you I’m advance.

Bob
Bob
3 years ago

ONLY illegal if ANY form of compensation is given. Volunteering one’s time for free would not violate any laws

Kristal Aguirre
Kristal Aguirre
3 years ago

Thank you

Ariana
Ariana
3 years ago

If I am a self taught nail tech, can I do house calls legally if there is no compensation?

DiBabe
DiBabe
3 years ago

I am an in-home caregiver. Because the salons are closed now, the guardian of one of my clients wants me to cut my client’s hair. I wouldn’t be getting paid for the haircut itself, but I am paid to be caring for her. Would cutting her hair be legal?

Sheldon meyer
Sheldon meyer
3 years ago

Do you have to be licensed to style hair as a backstage personal for a theatrical tour?

Danelle
Danelle
3 years ago

Can a cosmetologist shave a beard without a barber license? It was a shaver not a razor. Also does anyone know if beards are even allowed to be shaved in Colorado right now because of the covid regulations? A lady just shaved my husband’s beard off yesterday! Without asking! Thanks!

Scott
Scott
3 years ago

What if your Governor is a dictator and has no moral compass for his constituents welfare over an exaggerated pandemic that hes trying to use to get federal aid he doesnt deserve (and was denied the aid) because he bankrupted the state years ago.. How about under those circumstances?

Kelly marcelino
Kelly marcelino
3 years ago

Can you challenge state board license if your exoired

ash
ash
3 years ago

I’m practicing nails on myself currently, my friends want me to practice on them… I will be taking cosmetology next year in high school. Is it illegal to practice on myself and friends?

Geo
Geo
3 years ago

So it’s illegal to work in a nail salon without taking compensation in Colorado?

Catherine Keefer
Catherine Keefer
3 years ago

There is this girl changing 20$ for nails and she hasn’t went to school and I refuse to continue to see her rip ppl off

Virginia R Hendrickson
Virginia R Hendrickson
3 years ago

I held a license in California and Hawaii. I was licensed cosmetology instructor in state of Washington from 1967 through 1997. I was so owner of Auburn Beauty School, and glorious Beauty School in Bellevue Washington. Bellevue beauty school was the first school in Washington State to be licensed to teach add license and esthetician program, Auburn was the second. I was a licensed cosmetology esthetician, Barber, and manicures licensed instructor, and school owner until 1985. I owned and operated Ginger Spice appearance Center in Federal Way and Wenatchee Washington. In 2000 I became an art teacher fo Wenatchee public school system until retiring. I would now like to perform haircuts only at the senior center in Wenatchee Washington. Not having a license for over 15 years what is the procedure for obtaining a hair cutting license only. At 78 years old, is there a grandfathering program at all? Hall, Weigel, and Hendrickson are last names of mine during that time and present

Jereisha Chapman
Jereisha Chapman
3 years ago

Hello, so I’ve been wanting to get into the business of making press on nails meaning I won’t be providing any face to face service just painting and designing a nail to sell what documents would I need for this?

Kai
Kai
3 years ago

Would you need a vendor or small business license for it?

Raffles Hospital
Raffles Hospital
2 months ago

Your well-being is our priority. Raffles Hospital in Singapore offers a wide range of specialties and treatments, delivered by a team of dedicated professionals. Visit us today!

Raffles Hospital
585 North Bridge Road Singapore, 188770
+65 6311 1111

Last edited 2 months ago by Raffles Hospital
Jillian martin
Jillian martin
3 years ago

A friend of mine told me she was a licensed cosmetologist after the First time of her doing my hair she told me the truth but then she told me she went to take a test which was a lie because now I let her do my hair and she completely damaged it

Michaela Browder
Michaela Browder
3 years ago

Can you work from home to be a nail artist and do it online classes from home ? or what

Taylor Embry
Taylor Embry
3 years ago

Who do you call when someone is operating with no license

Lisa Ramirez
Lisa Ramirez
3 years ago

I worked for a person who doesn’t have a barber’s license Nora Barber Shop permit and have barbers working without license I was the only one who had a legit barbers license is there anyway I can report them

Charlotte
Charlotte
3 years ago

If I were to treat a minor without any qualifications or evidence, what would the consequences be?

Charlotte Yarnall
Charlotte Yarnall
3 years ago

Either treating a minor or adult without any qualifications or evidence what would be the consequences? If there is a difference in consequence what would it be?

Charlotte Yarnall
Charlotte Yarnall
3 years ago

Okay thank you for helping!

Kenzie
Kenzie
3 years ago

I am doing nails home from I am 18 and have just started no I don’t have a license as of now , eventually I’ll be going to school. I wanted to start charging my girlfriends for nails most of them offer money to me! Basically what I’m asking is it okay to take money from my friends for doing there nails. I mean I do pay for all my product!

Tulip
Tulip
3 years ago

My cousin works at a hair salon under a supposed apprenticeship, and had been for two years, but hasn’t taken any schooling and is “waiting to take her exam”. Is this legal?

ROBIN YATES
ROBIN YATES
3 years ago

Can you work in a salon, IF…… You’ve completed cosmetology school, primary exam but still waiting on state boards? I have a student I want to hire but she is waiting on state boards, due to Covid. What can she legally do?

Ben wehrle
Ben wehrle
3 years ago

Can you run a nail salon in a apartment complex without telling the management

Vanessa
Vanessa
3 years ago

how do I report a person who does not have a license and works inside the apartment with body and facial aesthetics?

Kaitlin
Kaitlin
3 years ago

I want to offer haircuts and coloring FOR FREE without a license. Is that legal? It’s just something I want to do for experience and fun. I do not plan on charging at all.

Terri
Terri
3 years ago

I know someone who is practicing on a fake license listing a school that is now closed as the school they attended. How should I proceed to report them. They are practicing in New Mexico. Thanks

DeeDee
DeeDee
3 years ago

My 13 year old daughter and I were offered complementary services in a luxury department store. During the services a contract employee used an LED light therapy device for anti-aging sagging skin and wrinkles as well as an oxygen spray device on us. Since it was my daughter’s first facial experience I took photos as the facial progressed. And I have no idea how important those photos would end up being. The lady called me back and offered me another complementary facial again two months later. I went back to the department store and she did the same thing with the LED light therapy and the oxygen spray device. I ended up at the urgent care center with contact dermatitis. The swelling was so severe I was unrecognizable. I was in excruciating pain with the redness blisters and oozing pustules.
This happened over one year ago. I’ve been seeking treatment at my terminologist office and have had major headaches and I twitching.
The department store is telling me they did nothing wrong. I am very upset that I allowed my daughter in the hands of someone that could be so reckless. I had no idea the devices she brought in were not property of the department store and I had no idea she did not work directly for the department store. I asked the department store about this and asked if she had a license with the board of barbering and cosmetology in California. Their response was that they think she is license but it didn’t matter anyway since it was a complementary facial and no money was exchanged. Apparently anyone can perform services if it’s complementary and apparently they can bring in whatever devices they want.
I feel like an idiot for trusting someone in a luxury department store and can’t believe I did not ask more questions about the service. I repeatedly asked the department store to tell me the exact name of the devices. They recently told me I can look it up on Amazon it’s a skin rejuvenation device and the other device they still don’t know it didn’t bother to tell me. In my photos I can see the devices so I’ve been doing a lot of research on the Internet and it turns out that it appears both of these devices that were used on my daughter and I were not FDA approved or FDA cleared. They are both for anti-aging and skin wrinkles which clearly a 13-year-old wouldn’t have an issue with. I found the person on LinkedIn and she has two accounts one says that she’s a cosmetologist for 15 years and states that she went to a beauty college several years ago and then her second account doesn’t say anything about being a cosmetologist.
I reached out to the cosmetology board multiple times and it appears if she is not license there’s nothing they can do.
This is A nightmare and I hope that people will learn from my mistakes and ask questions so they don’t end up like me. I don’t know how in California this could possibly be legal in the department store can get away with it. I am have also reached out to several companies that carry similar devices and each of them have stated that these type of devices should not be used on a child. The manufacture of the LED light therapy device told me that the device would be too heavy to place on a child’s face. I am very thankful nothing happened to my daughter I just can’t believe that people at this way when you are putting your trust in them and think they are experienced and they are actually very reckless and putting people in danger.
I’m just extremely grateful that it was me who was injured and not my sweet daughter. Live and learn. Do you have any suggestions on how I can get such policies change so that people are more held accountable. Obviously if there are so many loopholes people get hurt and the department store takes advantage of innocent customers.

tracy
tracy
3 years ago

im a 13 year old girl and im really good at doing peoples nails but because of this pandemic i cant do my friends nails anymore and i was looking at amazon and i found a lot of good nails supplies and i was thinking i could do family and friends nails but i was doing some reading and i was looking into this and i was wondering if i need a liscense to do family and friends nails at home

Stephanie
Stephanie
3 years ago

I started an apprenticeship program in 2019, I was studying under a licensed cosmetologist at a salon. It was a completely unpaid apprenticeship. I did not receive any compensation for any of my time. My compensation was supposed to be obtaining my license. I worked for this cosmetologist for just shy of 8 months. I kept a basic log myself of the days I worked and hours etc. Basically my schedule was Mon-fri 9:30am-5:30pm and then Saturday from 9am-4pm. Obviously some days varied and I would be there longer/shorter depending on the cosmetologist’s “client schedule”. I also had the standard book/workbook and would only have time to work on those things at home. I did not count the hours spent taking tests and or workbook hours, I only kept track of the hours in the salon. While at the salon there was no time allowed for bookwork etc. After 3-4 months ( I was well over my 200 hours needed) I should have been able to be “on the floor”. The salon did not offer “walk-in’s” which meant if I wanted to practice and or be on the floor, I would have to schedule these practices during salon hours. But the stylist would only allow me to make appointments to be on the floor after her clients were completed for the day, which meant later in the evening. Most days she double booked her clients and kept her schedule extremely busy. The stylist had just purchased the salon from the previous owner about 2 months after I started the apprenticeship and she gave me a key to the salon because after her day was finished and her last client left, she left also. Leaving me in the salon ALONE to finally practice or be on the floor. There were many times when I’d be there until late into the evening. As a student I was still learning and wasn’t “quick” so it would obviously take me some time to complete some of the processes. Especially when it was a color process. These would include hair cuts sometimes, but most of the time this was a “color”process. Then I was required to lock the salon up and she would ask me to send her the “before and after pictures” of each of these “practice clients”. I still had not received my apprenticeship certificate or any paperwork but I trusted that the stylist said “it was coming and it may take time”. Honestly, I clearly trusted more than I should I have from what I believed was a professional. At first everything went fairly smoothly and I was just washing and drying/styling the clients. Then after the stylist realized I had a “talent” and could do a lot of things on my own, the stylist took full advantage of this and I was basically doing her clients hair while the stylist did “other” things around the salon. Shortly after she bought the salon, the stylist started talking to me about charging clients. At first I was excited at the thought of finally being “on the floor”. But the stylist was pushing for me to decide “booth rent or commission”. She wanted me to pay $100 a week booth rent and or 50% commission. And charge people prices, as if I were a licensed cosmetologist. I was nervous about it. So I continued only charging for the cost of product’s and at that point the only $ I was making were tip’s if they chose to leave one. I was required to pay for and purchase ALL of my own products and she even expected me to use my own products on her clients as well. Even though she was not paying me and the $ to pay for these products was coming from my other job. The stylist started becoming frustrated with me because I was not charging “clients”. And or was not ready to pay a booth rent or commission. Even though she wanted to make $ off of me, that was crystal clear, she still expected me to first take care of her clients for the day and then schedule clients only when she did not need me. So I still was unable to be on the floor at a normal business time and was expected to “start” my schedule at 5pm. I was being 100% used! And to be frank I was busting my ass for this stylist! FOR FREE! Because I did not have my apprenticeship certificate STILL, She would either accompany me to the salon products store or she would send me to the store to pick up these items that she had “called in” for me and I would purchase all the things I need etc. She filled out paperwork at these salon products store’s naming me her “apprentice”, so that’s the only way I was able to purchase anything. I did keep all of my receipts for my records. After about 6 months I began getting frustrated that I had not received my certificate or any information. She continued to reassure me that the “state takes forever sending stuff like that out” and I believed her. She was pushing increasingly hard for me to pay booth rent and or commission and when I continued only charging for the products used, again which I paid for, her frustration was easily noticed. At one point she even reached out to my fiancé and asked about booth rent or commission! She continued to allow me to use her salon only after her day was done and she had left. And my days were becoming insanely long at that point. I’ve always had a natural “talent” and a true passion for this field and this stylist saw that and took full advantage. And I was so excited and “grateful” for the opportunity, I can only explain my stupidity as willful ignorance! For the most part I kept my mouth shut and did what I was told! However, I was beginning to feel very used and was extremely disappointed with a lot of the things that were happening. I was still working my other job obviously, as this was completely unpaid and at that point it was costing me $ to do the apprenticeship. I had a set schedule at my other job but the apprenticeship came first. During the week Wednesday-Saturday I would go to the salon at 9:30am-5:30pm and then I would drive straight to my other job to be there by 6pm and work until 1:30-2am. Monday & Tuesday I did not work my other job so on those days the hours were longer at the salon. The stylist I was studying under was a blonde specialist/color specialist and that was ALL she did! This stylist does not have a love/passion for this field! This meant she only used her time doing things she could charge “what she was worth”. And in our area, this stylist is well known and it’s also known that if she does your hair it’s going to cost a lot! Many people/clients have made comments related to this stylist, and that she “charges too much” or “her prices are not worth it” etc. And I will admit, within the area we live her prices are not anything close to average they are EXTREME. And her attitude about it is also just as EXTREME! Maybe this is why I believed and or trusted her as much as I did, with her being well known. Still, even though she felt “entitled” to charge outrageous prices, she did not know how to do “up-do’s” whatsoever, her focus was $ and those were the only services she offered. She rarely did a simple haircut etc. So many times I would try to learn from the other stylist’s in the salon. The previous owner still worked in the salon and she showed me several different techniques and would try to pull me away from the other stylist to learn new things. But the stylist I studied under kept me busy with her clients and or doing everything related to the clean up after her clients etc. As I explained I’ve always had a passion and or talent for this field and I’ve always been able to do special occasion hair styles etc. Even prior to the apprenticeship I had already assisted with many wedding parties. I had studied under her for 8 months and usually when she asked me to assist with a wedding party, the stylist would allow me to keep the fee and tip for the special occasion style. We hadn’t done many wedding parties but that was always the expectation. At this point she was undeniably “pissed” that she was not making extra $$ off of me, and the stylist said she wanted to “ do things by the book”, so she wasn’t going to charge me booth rent or commission and we would continue doing what I had been as far as practice clients only paying for products and if they chose to tip. This was a relief at first, then she explained that she was going to start charging a “fee”. So the stylist wanted me to pay for and provide all my own products and equally find my own practice clients/ participant’s, which I had already been doing, and basically the stylist was going to charge my “clients” for not only the products and if they chose to tip but the fee would be a price point she felt was accurate for a studying stylist. And the “salon” which she owned would keep that “fee”. And I would get my products cost and or the tip. Still I felt relieved because I was under so much pressure to pay high booth rent when I wasn’t even allowed to “book clients” until after 4-5pm. This specific Friday the stylist asked me if I would “assist” in a wedding party and asked me if I was willing to be at the salon at 8am the next day. (Saturday) I asked her if she was still allowing me to keep the fee’s from special occasion styles and she said no you will only get the tip if they choose to give you one. I can admit that at this point, I was truly frustrated and we had a “serious” discussion about these issues with her trying to make money off of me, but she explained that the “fee” she would be charging “practice clients” would be the prices listed at the schools for studying cosmetologist related to whichever service etc. And she said I would be allowed to let people know that I only receive the tip and the fee is the “salons”. Because I was not comfortable with asking my clients for additional “fees” and I wanted them to know I was NOT CHARGING them! The wedding party was not “studying” for me! The bottom line was the stylist couldn’t do it and had a large wedding party booked and she NEEDED my help to finish these clients on time. So as usual I agreed to help. I worked that Friday nite after I left the salon as always and it was a very late nite for me. I also have 3 children. And I was spending so much time working and doing the apprenticeship I barely saw them! The stylist and I had a “friendship” or so I thought because we often spent time out of the salon together. And my family had even helped her with watching her children on a regular basis. So after my late nite at work getting home at 3am and needing to be to the salon by 8am, exhausted doesn’t describe how I felt during those several months! I got to the salon and I had found a list of pricing for students in our area and I gave it to her prior to the wedding parties arrival. The stylist told me that she was charging “full price” for the styles because these clients were already “pre-booked” and it wouldn’t be fair for some of them to pay less then others. I ended up doing 3 special occasion styles for her clients. While I was working on the up-do’s the stylist was sitting in her own chair and or walking around, drinking mimosas, that she had brought in for the wedding party. She charged each person a $60 “fee” for the up-do’s. She did not reimburse me for the products I had used or anything. The stylist charged people full price. And those “fee’s” were for the “salon”. After the wedding party had left, the stylist had one more appointment, an “all over color”. Since she no longer needed my assistance and it being nearly 3pm and honestly being absolutely livid about the continued manipulation related to her using me, I asked the stylist if I could possibly leave after “we” applied the color to her client, because my oldest daughter was waiting for me, we had plans. Even though inside I was livid I never lashed out or did anything to this woman! She wanted me to stay and do her clients hair, while she did ??? who knows what? Drink more mimosas I guess! By then she hadn’t had to bother with much! She would apply the bleach or possibly the color, but if she felt I could do something I did it while she was else where. And that went on for months! Which meant for the past several months she had been allowing me to do the majority of the work on her clients while she collected her outrageous prices. She did not come right out and say that she wanted me to do her clients hair that Saturday and she certainly did not need help nor was it necessary for me to be there in order for her to wash and or dry her clients hair! The color had already been applied and I was not in need of knowing how to wash/dry or style as I had done that for every single one of her clients since I started the apprenticeship. But I could tell she was “expecting” it. The stylist hesitatingly allowed me to leave but there was an obvious attitude directed towards me. When I left the salon that Saturday afternoon I did not expect to find out what I did! The salon products store was offering a “color class” which all of us at the salon were supposed to attend that coming Monday. Unfortunately I did not make it to that additionally offered class! After 8 months and still not receiving my certificate, I contacted LARA( state licensing), I had worked for absolutely FREE for 1,500+ hours (salon hours only) not including the time spent at home doing tests and book work. 8 months of busting my ass and doing this stylist’s job and then some! Only to find out that the stylist had never turned in my application for my apprenticeship! She had not logged 1 single hour with the state, after 8 months! My tests were not turned in NOTHING! LARA had absolutely NO knowledge of my apprenticeship whatsoever! I contacted the stylist and she tried to sell me some garbage about how LARA was mistaken and she was going to contact LARA herself and have all my paperwork(my logged hours and my mysterious apprentice certificate) “sent to me in the mail”. Obviously I did not receive anything. The apprenticeship was supposed to be 2000 hours/2 years. And I was so close to those hours and so close to what I considered a life long dream! I’ve always wanted to be a cosmetologist! I worked so hard to achieve this goal! I won’t say that I didn’t learn anything from the cosmetologist I studied under, I learned a lot from her and the other ladies in the salon, I had obviously spent a great deal of time and effort for this apprenticeship. But all of that hard work and knowledge does nil, when I never received a “piece of paper” acknowledging my sacrifices! I’m 36 years old, I won’t say that I come from poverty level but I didn’t always have the opportunity or luxury of going to school. This wasn’t anyone’s fault specifically, but I had to work and get PAID! I had to be employed and be earning an actual income. When this stylist was looking for an “assistant”, I saw what I thought was an opportunity! I reached out to her and asked if she would be willing to do an apprenticeship rather then me being her “assistant”, although I was willing to be a paid assistant as well. When she contacted me back she told me she was willing to do the apprenticeship and it was unpaid etc. I met with the stylist, filled out the apprenticeship application, everything I was supposed to do or that she asked of me I did! She often “claimed” to have sent in my monthly hour log as well because I no doubt asked! My fiancé and this stylist went to high school together and knew each other, so I really did trust the things she was saying and doing for such a long time! I’m not an ignorant person! I trusted this “professional stylist” and she conned me! She stole well over 1000 hours of my life for NOTHING! I did not get paid hourly I did not receive any compensation WHATSOEVER! I filed a complaint through the state (LARA) and they have done absolutely nothing! It’s been almost a year now waiting for the state to “investigate”. Is this not a CRIME?! How can she be allowed to continue on with her life after she did something like this? Then adding insult to injury, recently I received a copy of text messages (there validity is questionable) still I believe they are from this stylist, she told someone that the reason the “apprenticeship didn’t work out was because “I” wanted to charge people and that’s illegal and I was always late.” Even if that were true, which it is not, there is not an acceptable excuse to string someone along working them beyond full time hours, 6 days a week, for 8 months, without any pay! Allowing someone to believe that the light at the end of the tunnel is they will be a “licensed cosmetologist!” I saved every text message, every receipt, she posted my work on the salons website announcing me as her apprentice, and there is a never ending line of credible witnesses to these crimes! Why is this issue not being taken more seriously? This should be considered a severe offense and she should no longer be allowed to hold a license or the title of a cosmetologist! Regardless of her recent “excuses” she had an obligation to log my hours! And if she had done that, I would’ve been able to simply contact LARA and find another salon that would allow me to finish my apprenticeship. Which I had already done when I attempted to contact them! If this was a “trial” apprenticeship position and after only a few days or even a couple weeks, she had said “it didn’t or wasn’t going to work out” and she hadn’t logged any hours MAYBE …. MAYBE I would be understanding. But not after 8 months! Not after 1500+ hours of my time unpaid! It seems unbelievable to me that I’m not legally allowed to do hair because this stylist failed to even notify the state of my apprenticeship and that if I did I could face consequences! So while my life sits on hold because of this “stylist’s” actions and while I hope and pray for a positive resolution, the stylist has continued on happily with her career as if nothing ever happened! No big deal right? I honestly don’t know what to even do at this point or what more legally I can do?!?!?!? But I can not allow this to just be ignored! I simply can NOT! To say this has been devastating and detrimental to me is an understatement! Please if there is any additional information or expertise advice, I truly need the help! I’ve continued to act in a professional manner regarding what happened. There has not been any childishness or “smear campaigns” against this stylist. But if I’m being honest at this point I’m ready to start making it very public! Including naming her and the salon in which she owns etc! Again I appreciate any help!

Tisa
Tisa
3 years ago

If my license was taken from the board in 2006 due to my drug addiction and the fact that I was working on clients while under the influence can I now get it back