District of Columbia

The District of Columbia (DC) requires licensure for beauty services through an approved formal training program at any licensed school in the state. Barbers and cosmetologists also have the option to challenge the examination through apprenticeships if they don’t want to pursue the training route.

Non-Regulated Beauty Services in District of Columbia, USA:

Regulated Beauty Services in District of Columbia, USA

Hairstylist

Hairstylists are under the cosmetologist license, along with many other areas like manicuring or pedicuring, facials and electrology. Cosmetologists need 1,500 training hours to take the examination. They may also challenge any specialty licensure exam under cosmetology once they pass the licensure exam.

Cosmetologists licensed from another state can take the examination in DC if they have proof of training or other similar credentials that satisfy the board and have reached 1,500 hours of training experience.

Licensed cosmetologists can also become licensed barbers in DC. The board gives them 1,000 training hour credits for the same subjects given during their cosmetology training.

Cosmetologists should then complete a number of training hours for the following subjects:

  • Sanitation – 40 hours
  • Shop management – 50 hours
  • Haircutting – 210 hours
  • Hairstyling – 100 hours
  • Shaving or beard trimming – 100 hours

Barber

Like cosmetologists, barbers should also complete 1,500 training hours. Those licensed from another US state can also become licensed in DC if they show proof of their training credentials or any similar qualifications and satisfy the board. Fifteen hundred hours of training and experience are also required for out-of-state licensed barbers.

Licensed barbers can also become licensed cosmetologists in the state. They are given 1,000 training hour credits for the same subjects covered during their barbering training.

From here, they must complete a number of training hours required for the following subjects:

  • Electrology – 75 hours
  • Haircutting – 100 hours
  • Hairstyling – 100 hours 
  • Sanitation – 40 hours
  • Braiding – 35 hours
  • Pressing – 100 hours
  • Manicuring – 50 hours

Nail Technician (Manicuring, Pedicuring)

The manicurist license in DC covers manicuring and pedicuring with salesmanship, laws, personal hygiene and the science of nails. It requires applicants to complete 350 training hours to challenge the exam. Out-of-state licensed manicurists can take the licensure exam in DC if they have proof of training or any similar qualifications that satisfy the board and must have 350 hours of training and experience.

Facialist / Waxing Technician / Makeup Artist

These services are covered under the esthetician operator license, which also has multiple subject areas like the cosmetologist license. Applicants must complete 600 training hours to challenge the licensure examination.

For estheticians licensed from another state, they must provide proof of professional training or other similar credentials that satisfy DC’s board and should have 600 hours of training and experience.

Further details about the licensing requirements for these services are provided here:

https://www.dcregs.dc.gov/Common/DCMR/RuleList.aspx?ChapterNum=17-37

Massage Therapist

Massage therapists are regulated by the DC Board of Massage Therapy and are expected to finish 500 training hours. They should then take any examinations approved by the board, that is, the MBLEx and other approved exams. Exams provided by the FSMTB and NCCA may be approved by the board.

Non-Regulated Beauty Services in District of Columbia, USA

Spray Tanning Technician

DC is not yet regulated for spray tanning. Aspirants can learn professional skills for this industry from online or in-person training providers across the globe. Becoming certified is a great way to start a career in spray tanning.

Lash Technician

Lash technicians offer eyelash extensions, lifting and perming. DC doesn’t have licensing regulations for lash extension artists, so anyone interested in providing lash extensions can learn from any course provider. The same goes for lash techs offering lash lifts and lash tinting and perming.