D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 17, § 3703
3703.1 To qualify for licensure under this chapter an applicant must meet the following requirements:
3703.2 An applicant for a license by examination as a cosmetologist shall furnish proof satisfactory to the Board that the applicant has successfully completed:
| SUBJECT | HOURS |
|---|---|
| Manicuring/Pedicuring | 50 |
| Pressing | 50 |
| Croquinole Wave/Styling | 70 |
| Braiding | 20 |
| Shampooing | 40 |
| Permanent Wave | 100 |
| Wet Curls | 70 |
| Facials/Massage | 50 |
|---|---|
| Scalp Treatments | 25 |
| Dye and Bleach | 100 |
| Haircutting | 100 |
| Hairpieces | 10 |
| Chemical Straightening | 200 |
| Electrology | 75 |
| Waxing | 50 |
| Personal Hygiene | 20 |
| Ethics, Salesmanship, Courtesy, and Conduct | 25 |
| D.C. Law | 20 |
| Anatomy, Physiology, Bacteriology, Pathology, Chemistry, and Electricity | 125 |
| Sanitation | 50 |
| Total hours | 1,250 |
or
(b) Training and experience equivalent in the judgment of the Board to one thousand two hundred fifty (1,250) hours.
3703.3 The equivalency requirement of § 3703.2(b) shall be met by furnishing proof satisfactory to the Board that the applicant is licensed in another jurisdiction within the United States of America and has one thousand two hundred fifty (1,250) hours in combined experience and training.
3703.4 An applicant for a license by examination as a hairstylist shall furnish proof satisfactory to the Board that the applicant has successfully completed:
(a) One thousand (1,000) hours of training in a licensed school or school otherwise acceptable to the Board, which shall include the following courses of study and hours:
| SUBJECT | HOURS |
|---|---|
| Pressing | 50 |
| Croquinole Wave/Styling | 70 |
| Braiding | 20 |
| Shampooing | 40 |
| Permanent Wave | 100 |
| Wet Curls | 70 |
| Scalp Treatments | 25 |
| Dye and Bleach | 100 |
| Haircutting | 100 |
| Hairpieces | 10 |
| Chemical Straightening | 200 |
| Personal Hygiene | 20 |
| Ethics, Salesmanship, Courtesy, and Conduct | 25 |
| D.C. Law | 20 |
| Anatomy, Physiology, Bacteriology, Pathology, Chemistry, and Electricity | 100 |
| Sanitation | 50 |
| Total hours | 1,000 |
or
(b) Training and experience equivalent in the judgement of the Board to one thousand (1,000) hours.
3703.5 The equivalency requirement of § 3703.4(b) shall be met by furnishing proof satisfactory to the Board that the applicant is licensed in another jurisdiction within the United States of America and has one thousand (1,000) hours in combined experience and training.
3703.6 A cosmetologist may not hold himself or herself out to the public as a specialist in any cosmetology specialty unless the cosmetologist has passed the examination for that specialty. A cosmetologist may take the examination(s) for any specialty cosmetology license at any time after passing the cosmetologist examination(s).
3703.7 An applicant for a license by examination as a barber shall furnish proof satisfactory to the Board that the applicant has acquired:
(a) One thousand two hundred fifty (1,250) hours of training in a licensed school or school otherwise acceptable to the Board, which shall include the following courses of study and hours:
| SUBJECT | HOURS |
|---|---|
| Shaving/Beard Trimming | 100 |
| Styling | 100 |
| Shampooing | 40 |
| Permanent Wave | 100 |
| Wet Curls | 70 |
| Facials/Massage | 50 |
| Scalp Treatments | 25 |
|---|---|
| Dye and Bleach | 100 |
| Haircutting | 210 |
| Chemical Straightening | 200 |
| Personal Hygiene | 20 |
| Ethics, Salesmanship, Courtesy, and Conduct | 25 |
| D.C. Law | 20 |
| Anatomy, Physiology, Bacteriology, Pathology, Chemistry, and Electricity | 100 |
| Sanitation | 50 |
| Hairpieces | 10 |
| Shop Management | 30 |
| Total hours | 1,250 |
or
(b) Training and experience equivalent in the judgement of the Board to one thousand two hundred fifty (1,250) hours.
3703.8 The equivalency requirements of § 3703.7(b) shall be met by furnishing proof satisfactory to the Board that the applicant is licensed in another jurisdiction within the United States of America and has one thousand two hundred and fifty (1,250) hours in combined experience and training.
3703.9 Upon application, the Board shall give a licensed barber who wishes to become a licensed cosmetologist in accordance with § 3703.2 up to one thousand (1,000) hours of credit for subjects previously covered in the barber training course as set forth in § 3703.7. Before being permitted to take the cosmetology practical and theory exam, the applicant shall have successfully completed two hundred fifty
(250) training hours in pressing, waxing, electrolysis, and manicuring and pedicuring.
3703.10 Upon application the Board shall give a licensed cosmetologist who wishes to become a licensed barber in accordance with § 3703.7 up to one thousand (1,000) hours of credit for subjects previously covered in the cosmetology class A training course. Before being permitted to take the barber practical and theory exam, the applicant shall have successfully completed an additional two hundred fifty (250) training hours in haircutting, shaving/beard trimming, and shop management, and shall have passed both the theory and practical portions of the Board's cosmetology examination.
3703.11 Upon application, the Board shall give a licensed hairstylist who wishes to become a licensed cosmetologist in accordance with § 3703.2 up to one thousand (1,000) hours of credit for subjects previously covered in the hairstylist training course. Before being permitted to take the cosmetology practical and theory exam, the applicant shall have successfully completed an additional two hundred fifty (250) training hours in manicuring and pedicuring, facials/massage, electrolysis, and waxing, and shall have passed both the theory and practical portions of the Board's hairstylist examination.
3703.12 Upon application, the Board shall give a licensed hairstylist who wishes to become a licensed barber in accordance with § 3703.7 up to one thousand (1,000) hours of credit for subjects previously covered in the hairstylist training course. Before being permitted to take the barber practical and theory exam, the applicant shall have successfully completed an additional two hundred fifty (250) training hours in haircutting, shaving/beard trimming, shop management, and facial/massage, and shall have passed both the theory and practical portions of the Board's hairstylist examination.
3703.13 An applicant for a specialty license by examination as a natural hair and braider shall furnish proof satisfactory to the Board that the applicant has successfully completed:
(a) Two hundred (200) hours of training in a licensed school or school otherwise acceptable to the Board which shall include the following courses of study and hours:
| SUBJECT | HOURS |
|---|---|
| Bacteriology and Sanitation | 12 |
| Safety, Health and DC law | 6 |
| Basic Anatomy and Physiology | 5 |
|---|---|
| Shampoo, Rinses, and Procedure | 10 |
| Natural Hair Coloring (No Chemicals) | 6 |
| Structure of Hair | 6 |
| Scalp Disorders and Diseases | 8 |
| Hair and Scalp Care (applications Procedures) | 15 |
| Braiding | 16 |
| Extensions | 16 |
| Twisting/Locing | 16 |
| Blowdrying | 16 |
| Cutting and Trimming | 60 |
| Ethics, Salesmanship, Courtesy, and Conduct | 8 |
| Total | 200 |
Or
(b) Training and experience equivalent in the judgment of the Board to two hundred (200) hours of training.
3703.14 The equivalency requirement of § 3703.13(b) may be met by furnishing proof satisfactory to the Board that the applicant is licensed in another jurisdiction and has two hundred (200) hours combined experience and training.
3703.15 An applicant for a specialty license by examination as a manicurist shall furnish proof satisfactory to the Board that the applicant has acquired:
(a) Three hundred and fifty (350) hours of training in a licensed school or school otherwise acceptable to the Board, which shall include the Business, Occupations, and Professionals
following courses of study and hours:
| SUBJECT | HOURS |
|---|---|
| Manicuring (water and oil) | 100 |
| Pedicure | 25 |
| Personal Hygiene | 25 |
| Ethics, Salesmanship, Courtesy, Conduct, Communications Skills, D.C. Law | 35 |
| Anatomy, Physiology | 25 |
| Bacteriology, Pathology | 30 |
| Chemistry | 35 |
| Electricity | 20 |
| Sanitation | 30 |
| Total hours | 350 |
| or |
(b) Training and experience equivalent in the judgement of the Board to three hundred and fifty (350) hours.
3703.16 The equivalency requirement of § 3703.15(b) shall be met by furnishing proof satisfactory to the Board that the applicant is licensed in a jurisdiction within the United States of America and has three hundred and fifty (350) hours in combined experience and training.
3703.17 An applicant for a specialty license by examination as an electrologist shall furnish proof satisfactory to the Board that the applicant has completed high-school or passed the GED and acquired:
(a) Six hundred (600) hours of training in a licensed school or school otherwise acceptable to the Board, which shall include the following courses of study and hours:
| SUBJECT | HOURS |
|---|---|
| Anatomy and Physiology of Skin & Infection Control | 100 50 |
| Clinical Observation & Application | 300 |
| Modalities | 50 |
| Equipment Operation and Safety | 30 |
| Professional, Ethical and Legal Responsibilities | 70 |
| Total hours | 600 |
or
(b) Training and experience equivalent in the judgment of the Board to six hundred (600) hours.
3703.18 The equivalency requirement of § 3703.17(b) shall be met by furnishing proof satisfactory to the Board that the applicant is licensed in another jurisdiction within the United States of America and has six hundred (600) hours in combined experience and training.
3703.19 An applicant for an esthetician license by examination shall furnish proof, satisfactory to the Board, that the applicant has
(a) Completed six hundred (600) hours of instruction at a licensed school, or school otherwise acceptable to the Board, in a combination of the following subjects:
or
(b) Training and experience equivalent in judgement of the Board to six hundred (600) hours.
3703.20 The equivalency requirement in § 3703.19(b) shall be met by furnishing proof satisfactory to the Board that the applicant is licensed in another jurisdiction within the United States of America and has six hundred (600) hours in combined experience and training.
3703.21 An applicant for a master esthetician license may apply for licensure by examination by meeting the following requirements:
(a) Applicants for licensure by examination shall furnish proof, satisfactory to the Board that the applicant has the training necessary to sit for the master esthetician's examination. Applicants shall furnish such proof by completing the application provided by the Board and providing all information requested by the Board. Proof shall include documentation that the applicant has completed the basic esthetician training set forth in 3703.23, passed the basic esthetics examination, and completed six hundred (600) hours of master esthetician training in the following subjects:
(1) Advanced sciences:
(A) Skin histology;
(B) Anatomy and physiology;
(C) Chemistry and biochemistry;
(D) Skin analysis (classification systems);
(E) Cosmetic ingredients (health, lifestyle, and nutrition);
(F) Physics (advanced modalities);
(2) Esthetics:
(A) Advanced facials;
(B) Advanced facial massage;
(C) Advanced body treatments;
(D) Advanced make-up;
(E) Advanced facial machines;
(3) Medical:
(A) Surgical procedures
(i) Plastic surgery procedures; and
(ii) Pre- and post-operation care;
(B) Non-surgical procedures;
(C) Medical terminology and intervention;
(4) Business:
(A) Business plan;
(B) Marketing;
(C) Business operations;
(D) Industry relations; and
(E) Compliance and safety.
(b) The Board may waive the training and examination requirements for a master esthetician license if the applicant holds:
(1) Either a current District esthetician license or cosmetologist license; and
Business, Occupations, and Professionals
(2) A National Esthetician Certification issued by the National Coalition of Estheticians Association.
3703.22 An applicant for a license by examination as a full wax and nails technician shall furnish proof satisfactory to the Board that the applicant has successfully completed:
(a) Four hundred (400) hours of training in a licensed school or school otherwise acceptable to the Board, which shall include the following courses of study and hours:
| SUBJECT | HOURS |
|---|---|
| Skin Care/Treatment | 30 |
| Manicure/Pedicure | 125 |
| Waxing | 50 |
| Personal Hygiene | 25 |
| Anatomy | 25 |
| Bacteriology | 25 |
| Chemistry | 35 |
| Electricity | 20 |
| Sanitation | 30 |
| Ethics, Salesmanship, Courtesy, and Conduct | 25 |
| D.C. Law | 10 |
| Total | 400 |
or
(b) Training and experience equivalent in the judgement of the Board to four hundred (400) hours.
3703.23 An applicant for a license by examination as a Wax Technician shall furnish proof satisfactory to the Board that the applicant has successfully completed:
(a) One hundred fifteen (115) hours of training in a licensed school or school otherwise acceptable to the Board, which shall include the following courses of study and hours:
| SUBJECT | HOURS |
|---|---|
| Skin Care | 15 |
| Skin Theory | 15 |
| Waxing | 47 |
| Wax Treatment | 20 |
| Salon Management | 5 |
| Client Consultation | 8 |
| D.C. Law | 5 |
| Total | 115 |
or
(b) Training and experience equivalent in the judgement of the Board to one hundred fifteen (115) hours.
3703.24 An applicant may obtain an instructor's license from the Board by passing the examination and providing proof satisfactory to the Board that they:
(a) (1) Hold an active license as a barber, cosmetologist, or specialty cosmetologist in good standing from the Board
(2) Have at least two (2) years of full-time, verifiable work experience, in the practice of barbering, cosmetology, or a cosmetology
specialty; and
(3) Provide the following documents:
(i) Sample lesson plans and training materials;
(ii) At least two (2) letters of recommendation or professional references from a licensed barber, cosmetologist, or specialty cosmetologist, or employer; and
(iii) Proof of satisfying the continuing education requirements as set forth in § 3730 or other similar professional development training approved by the Board; or
(b) (1) Are a recent graduate from a Board-approved barber or cosmetology school;
(2) Is a licensed barber, cosmetologist, or specialty cosmetologist; and
(3) Has completed a five hundred (500) hour course of instruction in teaching techniques that includes the following topics:
(i) Educational theory and pedagogy;
(ii) Lesson planning and curriculum development;
(iii) Classroom management and professional ethics; and
(iv) Teaching practical demonstrations and evaluating student performance.
3703.25 Each instructor's license shall be valid only for the specific practice area indicated on the license.
3703.26 Estheticians, cosmetologists, and specialty cosmetologists may manage a shop that provides services that must be provided by and supervised by individuals who possess a master esthetician license.
SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 50 DCR 7699 (September 12, 2003); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 57 DCR 512 (January 8, 2010); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 73 DCR 007846 (May 22, 2026).