In order to be licensed as a hairdresser, esthetician or nail technician in the state of Alaska, students must complete the requirements listed below.

Note: All applications must be submitted to the Alaska Division of Occupational Licensing. For more information, contact them at:

P.O. Box 110806
Juneau, AK 99811-0806
(907) 465-2550
(907) 465-2974 (Fax)

Work Hour Requirements:

• Barber: 1650 hours
• Hairdresser: 1650 hours (hairdresser license includes limited esthetics, manicuring and pedicuring)
• Esthetician: 350 hours
• Manicurist: 120 hours
• Advanced Manicurist Endorsement: 250 hours
• Cosmetician: 350 hours

License Fees:

• Hairdresser $135- Biennial renewal $135
• Esthetician $135- Biennial renewal $135
• Manicurist $135- Biennial renewal $135
• Advanced manicurist endorsement $50
• Instructor $195- Biennial renewal $195
• Shop owner license $175- Biennial renewal $175

Reciprocity:
An applicant must have completed 1650 hours in a comparable state. Alaska will grant credit for work experience (500 hours for each year in the field). Note: A cosmetologist in Alaska may only do facial, hair removal and make-up. A hairdresser only works with the hair. Two licenses would be required to do all of these procedures.

Owner's License:
Shop owners are not required to take an exam for a shop license, but must either be a licensed practitioner or must employ a manager who is a licensed practitioner. A licensed shop must meet sanitary health requirements and may not be in a private residence unless the shop is located in a separate room apart from the living quarters.