Lash Extension Licensing and Regulations by State
Written by SuiteCal Team
Thinking of becoming a lash artist in the U.S.? Before you pick up your tweezers, make sure you know the rules.
Every state has its own regulations for lash technicians. Some require a full cosmetology or esthetician license, others have a specialty eyelash extension license, and a few have minimal or no requirements.
Here's a quick, state-by-state overview to help you stay compliant and confident as you grow your lash career.
Proper licensing and compliance ensure safe, professional service that keeps clients happy and coming back.
Alabama
No license is required to perform lash extensions in Alabama, but artists must follow state sanitation and safety rules for all beauty professionals. Always complete proper hygiene training before servicing clients.
Alaska
Lash technicians in Alaska must hold an Esthetician or Advanced Manicurist license. The state board requires 350–600 hours of approved training depending on the path chosen.
Arizona
You'll need an active Esthetician or Cosmetology license to apply lash extensions in Arizona. The state board also recommends lash-specific certification for safety and adhesion best practices.
Arkansas
Arkansas requires lash artists to hold an Esthetician license. Continuing education is encouraged to stay current with health and hygiene standards.
California
Lash extension services may only be performed by licensed Estheticians or Cosmetologists in California. Unlicensed application can lead to fines or salon closure.
Colorado
Colorado allows certified lash artists who hold either a Cosmetology or Esthetician license. Independent contractors must also register their business with the state.
Connecticut
Connecticut requires a Cosmetology or Esthetician license for lash extensions. Artists must display their license at their workstation.
Delaware
You must have a current Cosmetology or Esthetician license in Delaware. Out-of-state license holders can apply for reciprocity through the state board.
Florida
Florida mandates an Esthetician or Full Specialist license for lash extensions. Additional lash-specific training is strongly advised but not required by law.
Georgia
Only licensed Estheticians and Cosmetologists may apply lash extensions in Georgia. Training programs must include infection control and adhesive safety.
Hawaii
Hawaii requires lash artists to be licensed as Cosmetologists or Estheticians. The state encourages completion of accredited lash certification courses.
Idaho
You'll need a Cosmetology or Esthetician license in Idaho to perform lash extensions. Salons must also be registered and inspected for sanitation compliance.
Illinois
Illinois requires a current Esthetician or Cosmetology license. Mobile lash services are allowed if sanitation and client safety guidelines are met.
Indiana
Lash artists in Indiana can operate with either an Esthetician or Cosmetology license, or an approved lash certification recognized by the Department of Health.
Iowa
An Esthetician or Cosmetology license is required in Iowa. Salons are inspected regularly to ensure proper hygiene standards.
Kansas
Kansas requires a Cosmetology or Esthetician license. The state board also enforces strict sanitation procedures for adhesive and tool handling.
Kentucky
Lash artists must hold a Cosmetology or Esthetician license. Kentucky emphasizes proper documentation and consent forms for all lash services.
Louisiana
Louisiana requires an Esthetician or Cosmetology license. Lash artists may also obtain a specialty certificate for advanced techniques.
Maine
A current Esthetician or Cosmetology license is mandatory. Lash extension certifications must be displayed in the work area.
Maryland
Maryland requires either a Cosmetology or Esthetician license. Inspections focus on disinfecting implements and proper adhesive storage.
Massachusetts
You must hold an Esthetician license in Massachusetts. The state strongly encourages lash-specific certification from approved schools.
Michigan
An Esthetician or Cosmetology license is required. Mobile lash businesses must have a portable sanitation setup approved by the board.
Minnesota
Lash artists must be licensed as Estheticians or Advanced Practice Estheticians. Continuing education hours are mandatory for renewal.
Mississippi
Mississippi requires a Cosmetology or Esthetician license. Inspectors check for single-use microbrushes and disinfected tweezers.
Missouri
Missouri requires a Cosmetology or Esthetician license. Renewal is every two years; continuing-education hours are recommended.
Montana
Montana requires an Esthetician license. The Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists monitors lash services for hygiene compliance.
Nebraska
You need an Esthetician or Cosmetology license to apply lash extensions in Nebraska. Reciprocity is available for out-of-state artists.
Nevada
Nevada requires an Esthetician license or Cosmetology license. Artists also need to pass a practical exam that includes lash extension application techniques.
New Hampshire
Lash extensions may only be applied by licensed Estheticians or Cosmetologists. Independent contractors must register their business.
New Jersey
New Jersey requires a Cosmetology or Esthetician license. Shops are inspected regularly, and artists must maintain current CPR certification.
New Mexico
Licensed Estheticians and Cosmetologists can perform lash extensions. Sanitation and adhesive-handling training is strongly encouraged.
New York
New York requires an Esthetician or Cosmetology license and enforces strict hygiene rules. Lash training must come from a state-approved program.
North Carolina
A current Esthetician or Cosmetology license is mandatory. Artists should also complete a lash certification course to ensure safety compliance.
North Dakota
An Esthetician or Cosmetology license is required. Continuing education is recommended but not currently required by law.
Ohio
Only licensed Estheticians and Cosmetologists may apply lash extensions. Ohio requires schools to cover lash application as part of core training.
Oklahoma
Lash artists must hold a Cosmetology or Esthetician license. Specialty lash certifications can enhance professional credibility.
Oregon
Oregon requires an Esthetician or Cosmetology license and an additional safety training module specific to lash services.
Pennsylvania
Lash extensions may only be applied by licensed Estheticians or Cosmetologists. Salons undergo annual health and sanitation inspections.
Rhode Island
Lash technicians must be licensed Estheticians or Cosmetologists. Rhode Island enforces strict sanitation and adhesive safety rules.
South Carolina
A Cosmetology or Esthetician license is required. Artists should maintain proof of product safety data sheets on-site.
South Dakota
An Esthetician or Cosmetology license is required. Lash training should include sanitation best practices for tweezers, brushes, and adhesive handling.
Tennessee
Lash artists must hold an Esthetician or Cosmetology license. Specialty certification enhances client trust and safety awareness.
Texas
Texas offers a dedicated Eyelash Extension Specialist License requiring 320 hours of training and written/practical exams.
Utah
Utah requires an Esthetician or Cosmetology license. Students may begin lash training during approved school hours.
Vermont
A Cosmetology or Esthetician license is mandatory. Vermont's board also enforces annual sanitation checks for beauty professionals.
Virginia
Licensed Estheticians or Cosmetologists may perform lash extensions. The state promotes infection-control training for lash artists.
Washington
A current Esthetician or Cosmetology license is required in Washington. Lash artists must follow Department of Licensing sanitation standards.
West Virginia
Lash extensions can only be applied by licensed Estheticians or Cosmetologists. The state board monitors product use and cleanliness.
Wisconsin
No state license is required to perform lash extensions in Wisconsin, though sanitation and liability insurance are still essential.
Wyoming
You'll need an Esthetician or Cosmetology license to offer lash services. Wyoming encourages participation in accredited lash training.
District of Columbia
DC requires a Cosmetology or Esthetician license. Artists should also maintain written consent and client health forms for each service.
To Sum It Up
Licensing rules evolve, and new legislation is introduced every few years. Always verify your state's current requirements through its cosmetology board before offering lash services. Staying compliant not only keeps your business safe, it builds trust with every client who lies down in your lash chair.
Disclaimer:
This article is intended for informational purposes only. Lash extension licensing and regulation requirements may change over time and can vary by city or county within each state. Readers are strongly encouraged to verify all information directly with their state's cosmetology or health board before performing any lash services.