Cosmetologist, Natural Hairstylist, Esthetician, Nail Specialist, Waxing License in New York
Quick Answer
To become a licensed cosmetologist in New York, you must complete approximately 1,000 hours of training (one of the lower requirements nationally) and pass the exam. New York has a 4-year renewal cycle. CE is required. NYC is one of the world's top cosmetology markets. Estimated costs are approximately $175.
- Education Required
- 1000 hours
- Exam
- New York Cosmetology Exam
- Total Cost
- $175 (est.)
- Timeline
- 6-12 months
- Renewal
- Every 4 years
Requirements
Cosmetologist, Natural Hairstylist, Esthetician, Nail Specialist, Waxing license in New York
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $40
- Exam Fee
- $60
- Renewal Fee
- $40
- Total Estimated Cost
- $175
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Cosmetologist, Natural Hairstylist, Esthetician, Nail Specialist, Waxing license in New York. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the New York licensing board.
Cosmetologist, Natural Hairstylist, Esthetician, Nail Specialist, Waxing Salary in New York
Entry Level
$31,200
Median
$33,960
Experienced
$72,760
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Cosmetologist, Natural Hairstylist, Esthetician, Nail Specialist, Waxing in New York.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Specific course required
- 2
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$40.
- 3
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 6-12 months.
Cosmetologist, Natural Hairstylist, Esthetician, Nail Specialist, Waxing Licensing in New York: What to Know
New York covers cosmetology, natural hairstyling, esthetics, nail specialist, and waxing under a combined listing. CE is required for renewal. The scope includes hair services, skin treatments, nail care, and chemical applications. The NYS Department of State's Division of Licensing Services oversees cosmetology. New York has a 4-year renewal cycle and requires only about 1,000 hours of training. New York City is one of the world's top markets for cosmetology, with strong demand across all five boroughs and the fashion/entertainment industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Cosmetologist, Natural Hairstylist, Esthetician, Nail Specialist, Waxing license cost in New York?
- The estimated total cost is $175, including application fees, exam fees ($60), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Cosmetologist, Natural Hairstylist, Esthetician, Nail Specialist, Waxing license in New York?
- The process typically takes 6-12 months, depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Cosmetologist, Natural Hairstylist, Esthetician, Nail Specialist, Waxing license in New York?
- You need to pass the New York Cosmetology Exam. N/A
Considering another state?
Compare Cosmetologist, Natural Hairstylist, Esthetician, Nail Specialist, Waxing requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.