In order to obtain a license as a cosmetologist, esthetician or manicurist in the state of Missouri, students must complete the requirements listed below. Please contact the Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners for more information.

Requirements
Applicants for a cosmetology license in the state of Missouri must be persons of good moral character, have an education equivalent to the successful completion of the 10th grade and be at least 17 years of age.

Apprentices (who have served under the supervision of a licensed cosmetologist) must have no less than:

• 3000 hours for cosmetologists
• 1500 hours for estheticians
• 800 hours for manicurists

Students (of a licensed school) must have no less than:

• 1500 hours’ training for cosmetologists (1220 hours training from a public vocational technical school)
• 750 hours’ training for estheticians
• 400 hours’ training for manicurists

Reciprocity
The Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners will grant without examination reciprocal licenses to practice cosmetology. Applicant must hold a current license issued by another state, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia whose requirements for licensure are substantially equal to the licensing requirements in Missouri. Applicants are also eligible if they have practiced cosmetology for at least 2 consecutive years in another state, territory of the United States or the District of Columbia.

Contact Information
Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
3605 Missouri Boulevard
P.O. Box 1062
Jefferson City, MO 65102-1062
573.751.1052 Telephone
866.762.9432 Toll Free
573.751.8167 Fax
800.735.2966 TTY
800.735.2466 Voice Relay
cosbar@pr.mo.gov