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Hawaii Cosmetology — Requirements & Free Practice

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Cosmetologist

Beauty operator license category for cosmetologist practice.

Licensing authority: Hawaii Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs · Application information

Additional classification through apprenticeship

At least one of the following alternatives:

Application
Submit the signed application, required supporting documents, and fees; obtain Board approval before registering for a PSI test.
Current License
Hold a current Hawaii beauty operator license in another category.
Disciplinary Disclosures
Disclose prior or pending license discipline and unexpunged criminal convictions, with the statements, orders, and other documentation the application requests.
Examination Alternatives
Pass the PSI National Cosmetology Theory test approved for Hawaii, or supply proof of a previously passed NIC National Cosmetology Theory examination under the Board application. Prior passage of the currently offered registered NIC examination remains an examination leaf. The PSI alternative is recorded below pending nationwide registration.
Foreign Documents
Documents not in English require the original English translation and translator declaration; the translator cannot be the applicant.
General Education
High school graduation or equivalent is required by HRS 439A-6.
Minimum Age
At least sixteen years of age.
Source Currency
The December 2025 instructions and 2026 PSI Hawaii guide predate the evaluation. HAR chapter 16-78 is the retained February 22, 2005 compilation under Act 73 section 5. The operator form also lists HAR chapter 16-79, while the current instructor and additional-classification forms identify chapter 16-78; that inconsistent reference does not identify an additional licensing examination.
Training
3600 apprenticeship hours for the additional category; document the training.
Unregistered Nationwide Examination
PSI National Cosmetology Theory Test: Hawaii uses this test for candidates taking the current licensing examination. No PSI version is supplied in sharedExamContext or knownRegistrations; the registered NIC versions belong to a different examination owner and cannot stand in for PSI.
Work Authorization
Must be a United States citizen, national, or alien authorized to work in the United States; supply the Social Security Number.
Additional classification through beauty school

At least one of the following alternatives:

Application
Submit the signed application, required supporting documents, and fees; obtain Board approval before registering for a PSI test.
Current License
Hold a current Hawaii beauty operator license in another category.
Disciplinary Disclosures
Disclose prior or pending license discipline and unexpunged criminal convictions, with the statements, orders, and other documentation the application requests.
Examination Alternatives
Pass the PSI National Cosmetology Theory test approved for Hawaii, or supply proof of a previously passed NIC National Cosmetology Theory examination under the Board application. Prior passage of the currently offered registered NIC examination remains an examination leaf. The PSI alternative is recorded below pending nationwide registration.
Foreign Documents
Documents not in English require the original English translation and translator declaration; the translator cannot be the applicant.
General Education
High school graduation or equivalent is required by HRS 439A-6.
Minimum Age
At least sixteen years of age.
Source Currency
The December 2025 instructions and 2026 PSI Hawaii guide predate the evaluation. HAR chapter 16-78 is the retained February 22, 2005 compilation under Act 73 section 5. The operator form also lists HAR chapter 16-79, while the current instructor and additional-classification forms identify chapter 16-78; that inconsistent reference does not identify an additional licensing examination.
Training
1800 beauty school hours for the additional category; document the training.
Unregistered Nationwide Examination
PSI National Cosmetology Theory Test: Hawaii uses this test for candidates taking the current licensing examination. No PSI version is supplied in sharedExamContext or knownRegistrations; the registered NIC versions belong to a different examination owner and cannot stand in for PSI.
Work Authorization
Must be a United States citizen, national, or alien authorized to work in the United States; supply the Social Security Number.
Licensure through beauty apprenticeship

At least one of the following alternatives:

Application
Submit the signed application, required supporting documents, and fees; obtain Board approval before registering for a PSI test.
Disciplinary Disclosures
Disclose prior or pending license discipline and unexpunged criminal convictions, with the statements, orders, and other documentation the application requests.
Examination Alternatives
Pass the PSI National Cosmetology Theory test approved for Hawaii, or supply proof of a previously passed NIC National Cosmetology Theory examination under the Board application. Prior passage of the currently offered registered NIC examination remains an examination leaf. The PSI alternative is recorded below pending nationwide registration.
Foreign Documents
Documents not in English require the original English translation and translator declaration; the translator cannot be the applicant.
General Education
High school graduation or equivalent is required by HRS 439A-6.
Minimum Age
At least sixteen years of age.
Source Currency
The December 2025 instructions and 2026 PSI Hawaii guide predate the evaluation. HAR chapter 16-78 is the retained February 22, 2005 compilation under Act 73 section 5. The operator form also lists HAR chapter 16-79, while the current instructor and additional-classification forms identify chapter 16-78; that inconsistent reference does not identify an additional licensing examination.
Training
3600 supervised registered apprentice training hours; submit completed progress and completion/withdrawal reports.
Unregistered Nationwide Examination
PSI National Cosmetology Theory Test: Hawaii uses this test for candidates taking the current licensing examination. No PSI version is supplied in sharedExamContext or knownRegistrations; the registered NIC versions belong to a different examination owner and cannot stand in for PSI.
Work Authorization
Must be a United States citizen, national, or alien authorized to work in the United States; supply the Social Security Number.
New licensure at least five years after revocation

At least one of the following alternatives:

Application
Submit the signed application, required supporting documents, and fees; obtain Board approval before registering for a PSI test.
Disciplinary Disclosures
Disclose prior or pending license discipline and unexpunged criminal convictions, with the statements, orders, and other documentation the application requests.
Discretionary Waiver
The authority may waive applicable education or examination requirements upon documentation of equivalent maintained knowledge, competence, and qualifications through work, training, or education.
Examination Alternatives
Pass the PSI National Cosmetology Theory test approved for Hawaii, or supply proof of a previously passed NIC National Cosmetology Theory examination under the Board application. Prior passage of the currently offered registered NIC examination remains an examination leaf. The PSI alternative is recorded below pending nationwide registration.
Foreign Documents
Documents not in English require the original English translation and translator declaration; the translator cannot be the applicant.
General Education
High school graduation or equivalent is required by HRS 439A-6.
Minimum Age
At least sixteen years of age.
Revocation
At least five years must have elapsed since revocation; comply with all current new-applicant requirements.
Source Currency
The December 2025 instructions and 2026 PSI Hawaii guide predate the evaluation. HAR chapter 16-78 is the retained February 22, 2005 compilation under Act 73 section 5. The operator form also lists HAR chapter 16-79, while the current instructor and additional-classification forms identify chapter 16-78; that inconsistent reference does not identify an additional licensing examination.
Unregistered Nationwide Examination
PSI National Cosmetology Theory Test: Hawaii uses this test for candidates taking the current licensing examination. No PSI version is supplied in sharedExamContext or knownRegistrations; the registered NIC versions belong to a different examination owner and cannot stand in for PSI.
Work Authorization
Must be a United States citizen, national, or alien authorized to work in the United States; supply the Social Security Number.
Licensure based on an existing license in another jurisdiction

At least one of the following alternatives:

Application
Submit the signed application, required supporting documents, and fees; obtain Board approval before registering for a PSI test.
Disciplinary Disclosures
Disclose prior or pending license discipline and unexpunged criminal convictions, with the statements, orders, and other documentation the application requests.
Examination Alternatives
Pass the PSI National Cosmetology Theory test approved for Hawaii, or supply proof of a previously passed NIC National Cosmetology Theory examination under the Board application. Prior passage of the currently offered registered NIC examination remains an examination leaf. The PSI alternative is recorded below pending nationwide registration.
Foreign Documents
Documents not in English require the original English translation and translator declaration; the translator cannot be the applicant.
General Education
High school graduation or equivalent is required by HRS 439A-6.
Minimum Age
At least sixteen years of age.
Source Currency
The December 2025 instructions and 2026 PSI Hawaii guide predate the evaluation. HAR chapter 16-78 is the retained February 22, 2005 compilation under Act 73 section 5. The operator form also lists HAR chapter 16-79, while the current instructor and additional-classification forms identify chapter 16-78; that inconsistent reference does not identify an additional licensing examination.
Training
Provide the license or licensing-board verification. Substantially equivalent training is recognized under HRS 439A-6(i). Where the licensing jurisdiction required fewer hours than Hawaii, provide evidence of at least one year of licensed operator experience or complete the missing training.
Unregistered Nationwide Examination
PSI National Cosmetology Theory Test: Hawaii uses this test for candidates taking the current licensing examination. No PSI version is supplied in sharedExamContext or knownRegistrations; the registered NIC versions belong to a different examination owner and cannot stand in for PSI.
Work Authorization
Must be a United States citizen, national, or alien authorized to work in the United States; supply the Social Security Number.
Reactivation after paying active renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Additional Requirements
No additional requirement is listed for cosmetologist, hairdresser, esthetician, or nail technician reactivation.
Application
Submit the signed reactivation application, documents, and the fee applicable to this status.
License Held
This Hawaii license is on inactive status.
Renewal Paid
Active renewal has been paid.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation after paying inactive renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Additional Requirements
No additional requirement is listed for cosmetologist, hairdresser, esthetician, or nail technician reactivation.
Application
Submit the signed reactivation application, documents, and the fee applicable to this status.
License Held
This Hawaii license is on inactive status.
Renewal Paid
Inactive renewal has been paid.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

License renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fees
Submit the renewal application and renewal fee.
License Held
Hold this Hawaii license.
Renewal Period
Biennially by December 31 of each odd-numbered year.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration within three years after forfeiture
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File a complete restoration application with valid signature.
Controlling Rule
HRS 439A-14(c) supplies the three-year restoration boundary. Older HAR 16-78-5.5 describes a written explanation after three years, but the current statute requires a new application after that point.
Fees
Pay all delinquent fees and the penalty fee.
Forfeiture
Apply within three years after forfeiture.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure through beauty school

At least one of the following alternatives:

Application
Submit the signed application, required supporting documents, and fees; obtain Board approval before registering for a PSI test.
Disciplinary Disclosures
Disclose prior or pending license discipline and unexpunged criminal convictions, with the statements, orders, and other documentation the application requests.
Examination Alternatives
Pass the PSI National Cosmetology Theory test approved for Hawaii, or supply proof of a previously passed NIC National Cosmetology Theory examination under the Board application. Prior passage of the currently offered registered NIC examination remains an examination leaf. The PSI alternative is recorded below pending nationwide registration.
Foreign Documents
Documents not in English require the original English translation and translator declaration; the translator cannot be the applicant.
General Education
High school graduation or equivalent is required by HRS 439A-6.
Minimum Age
At least sixteen years of age.
Source Currency
The December 2025 instructions and 2026 PSI Hawaii guide predate the evaluation. HAR chapter 16-78 is the retained February 22, 2005 compilation under Act 73 section 5. The operator form also lists HAR chapter 16-79, while the current instructor and additional-classification forms identify chapter 16-78; that inconsistent reference does not identify an additional licensing examination.
Training
1800 beauty school training hours; submit the transcript showing subjects and hours.
Unregistered Nationwide Examination
PSI National Cosmetology Theory Test: Hawaii uses this test for candidates taking the current licensing examination. No PSI version is supplied in sharedExamContext or knownRegistrations; the registered NIC versions belong to a different examination owner and cannot stand in for PSI.
Work Authorization
Must be a United States citizen, national, or alien authorized to work in the United States; supply the Social Security Number.

National Cosmetology Theory Examination

Provider
Developed by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC); computer-based testing administered by test administration companies and states upon approval and authorization of NIC
Format
Multiple-choice theory examination; each question has four answer options, only one of which is correct
Exam questions
110 items, of which 100 items are weighted and contribute to the final score
Time limit
90 minutes
Examination outline
  • Scientific Concepts (35% of items) (35%)
    • Infection control and safety practices — Identify cause/transmission of diseases and infections
    • Infection control and safety practices — Identify the purpose and differentiate among the categories of infection control: Sanitation; Disinfection; Sterilization
    • Infection control and safety practices — Recognize how cross-contamination occurs and how it can be prevented (e.g., single use and multi-use items)
    • Infection control and safety practices — Apply blood exposure procedures
    • Infection control and safety practices — Identify requirements of government agencies: OSHA; EPA
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify function and structure of the: Hair and scalp; Skin; Nails
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Recognize signs and symptoms of conditions, disorders, and diseases related to: Hair and scalp; Skin; Nails
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify muscles and joints and their functions related to: Head and face; Arms and hands; Legs and feet
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify functions of: Nervous system; Circulatory system
    • Basic chemistry used in Cosmetology — Recognize purpose and effects of ingredients
    • Basic chemistry used in Cosmetology — Recognize interactions between chemicals
    • Basic chemistry used in Cosmetology — Recognize chemical reactions (e.g., overexposure, chemical burn)
    • Basic chemistry used in Cosmetology — Recognize the values of the pH scale
  • Hair Care and Services (45% of items) (45%)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Evaluate condition of client’s hair and scalp
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recognize conditions that would prohibit service (i.e., contraindications)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Utilize preliminary tests (e.g., predisposition and strand tests)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recommend services or products based on client needs
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Establish/Maintain client records (e.g., service history, client card, medical history)
    • Hair care and services- Tools used in hair care services — Identify purpose, function, and infection control procedures of items: Equipment (e.g., chair, workstation); Implements (e.g., razors, shears, combs/brushes); Supplies and materials (e.g., towels, drapes, neck strips); Electrical tools (e.g., irons, blow dryers, clippers)
    • Hair care and services- Tools used in hair care services — Demonstrate safe practices: Tools/Implements; Ergonomics
    • Hair care principles and procedures — Demonstrate shampooing and conditioning
    • Hair care principles and procedures — Demonstrate scalp treatments and scalp massage
    • Hair care principles and procedures — Demonstrate draping (e.g., chemical, shampoo, cutting, styling)
    • Hair care principles and procedures — Recognize differences in hair care principles and procedures based on various hair types and textures
    • Hair design principles and procedures — Demonstrate hair cutting and shaping
    • Hair design principles and procedures — Demonstrate hair styling: Wet styling; Thermal styling; Natural hair styling (e.g., braiding)
    • Hair design principles and procedures — Apply, maintain, and remove hair enhancements: Wigs and hairpieces; Hair additions (e.g., taping, bonding, fusion, linking)
    • Hair design principles and procedures — Apply principles of balance and hair design (e.g., facial shape, physical structure)
    • Hair design principles and procedures — Recognize differences in hair design principles and procedures based on various hair types and textures
    • Chemical services principles and procedures — Perform hair color services (e.g., virgin, retouch, lightening, foiling, balayage, color formulation, color correction)
    • Chemical services principles and procedures — Perform chemical hair relaxer/restructurizer and curl reduction (e.g., hydroxide, thio, keratin) service
    • Chemical services principles and procedures — Perform chemical waving/texturizing (e.g., alkaline, acid, non-thio) services
    • Chemical services principles and procedures — Understand the chemical products used for the various hair texture types
  • Skin Care and Services (10% of items) (10%)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Evaluate client’s skin: Type; Condition
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recognize conditions that would prohibit service (i.e., contraindications)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recommend services or products based on client needs
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Establish/Maintain client records (e.g., service history, client card, medical history)
    • Tools used for skin care services — Identify purpose, function, and infection control procedures of items: Equipment (e.g., chair, steamer); Implements (e.g., tweezers, brushes, extractors); Supplies, products, and materials (e.g., creams, masks, towels, wax, head coverings)
    • Tools used for skin care services — Demonstrates safe practices: Tools/Implements; Ergonomics
    • Skin care principles and procedures — Apply knowledge of a basic facial
    • Skin care principles and procedures — Apply knowledge of hair removal
    • Skin care principles and procedures — Apply knowledge of makeup application
    • Skin care principles and procedures — Apply knowledge of electrical equipment
  • Nail Care and Services (10% of items) (10%)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Evaluate condition of client’s nails
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recognize conditions that would prohibit service (i.e., contraindications)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recommend services or products based on client needs
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Establish/Maintain client records (e.g., service history, client card, medical history)
    • Tools used for nail care services — Identify purpose, function, and infection control procedures of items: Equipment (e.g., workstation, pedicure basin); Implements (e.g., nippers, file); Supplies, products, and materials (e.g., towels, creams, polish)
    • Tools used for nail care services — Demonstrates safe practices: Tools/Implements; Ergonomics
    • Nail care service principles and procedures — Apply knowledge of a basic manicure and pedicure
    • Nail care service principles and procedures — Apply, maintain, and remove nail enhancements
Examination sources