North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners

NC Governor | Secretary of State | Office of State Personnel
NC Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners

House Bill 291 signed into law

During the last session of the North Carolina General Assembly a bill was passed and signed into law by Governor Bev Perdue to create a new licensure for natural hair care specialists. This new license will require 300 hours of training at an approved cosmetic art/natural hair care school. Once the law goes into effect July 1, 2010 current natural hair care practitioners will have 1 year to obtain licensure by passing the state board examination developed by NIC, the Board’s testing provider. Natural hair care salons will also be required to become licensed within the year. The Board and its committees are hard at work developing curriculum and regulations to guide this portion of the cosmetic art industry. Many experts in the area of natural hair care have volunteered time to service for the Board and have participated in early planning sessions to help ensure a solid foundation is established for this soon to be regulated licensure class.

How to become licensed as a natural hair care stylist (July 1, 2010-June 30, 2011)

Pass the written and practical examinations with a score of 75 or higher and file the license application confirming experience as a natural hair care specialist, pay $20 license fee to the NC Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners 1201 Front Street Suite 110 Raleigh, NC 27609.

To schedule an examination please call 1-800-733-9267

Candidate Information Bulletins can be found at the link to examinations as a guide to both the written and practical examinations.

How to become licensed as a natural hair care stylist (July 1, 2011 and after)

Complete a 300 hour natural hair care styling course in a NC approved cosmetic art school, pass the written and practical examinations with a score of 75 or higher and pay the $20 license fee to the NC Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners 1201 Front Street Suite 110 Raleigh, NC 27609.

How to license a natural hair care styling salon
Fill out the Salon License Application and pay the license fee to the NC Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners 1201 Front Street Suite 110 Raleigh, NC 27609. Inspection to follow for approval, licensure subject to Board rules and regulations. Additional information

How to license a natural hair care styling school
Fill out the School License Application, Guarantee Bond/alternative and submit to the NC Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners 1201 Front Street Suite 110 Raleigh, NC 27609. Review of application, payment of fees and inspection to follow for approval, licensure subject to Board rules and regulations. Additional information

Natural Hair Care Specialists do not need continuing education at this point. CE courses for Natural Hair Care Specialists credit will not be approved.

Cosmetic Art licensees, including Natural Hair Care Specialists must be aware of all Board rules and regulations. Please click the link to review rules specific to Natural Hair Care Specialists

NC Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners