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 Board of Hairdressing and Barbering to deny licensure. The Board of Hairdressing 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 Rhode Island is not responsible for students denied licensure.

state licensing requirements

To get a license in Rhode Island, you must meet the following requirements: 

  • Be at least 18 years old 
  • Be a US citizen or have legal entry to the country 
  • Have good moral character 
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent 
  • Complete a course of instruction in an approved school of cosmetic therapy 
  • Pass a written and practical exam 
  • Complete the required hours of continuous study and practice 

The required hours of training are:

  • Barber: 1,000 hours
  • Esthetician: 600 hours
  • Cosmetology: 1,000 hours
  • Manicurist: 300 hours 

To become a cosmetology instructor in Rhode Island, you must meet the following requirements: 

  • Hold a license as a hairdresser/cosmetologist, barber, manicurist, or esthetician for at least three years 
  • Complete 300 hours of instruction in teacher training for your chosen field, approved by the Department 
  • Pass an examination approved by the Department 
  • Submit a completed application and the required fee 
  • Send an official transcript from a qualifying school to the Board

The renewal deadline is the license holder's anniversary date every two years.