Cosmetology, Hair Braiding, Shampoo Technology, and Hair Design are four of ten individual branches of cosmetology licensed and regulated in Nevada. The other six are Esthetics, Advanced Esthetics, Electrology, Cosmetic Demonstrations, Makeup Artistry, and Threading. Cosmetologists are authorized to practice all branches of cosmetology (except advanced esthetics, electrology, and threading).

Cosmetologists scope of practice includes:

a) Cleansing, stimulating or massaging the scalp or cleansing or beautifying the hair by use of cosmetic preparations, antiseptics, tonics, lotions or creams,

b) Cutting, trimming, or shaping the hair.

c) Arranging, dressing, curling, waving, cleansing, singeing, bleaching, tinting, coloring or straightening the hair of any person with the hands, mechanical or electrical apparatus or appliances, or by other means, or similar work incident to or necessary for the proper carrying on of the practice or occupation provided by the terms of this chapter.

d) Removing superfluous hair from the surface of the body of any person by the use of electrolysis where the growth is a blemish, or by the use of depilatories, waxing, tweezers or sugaring, except for the permanent removal of hair with needles.

e) Manicuring the nails of any person.

f) Beautifying, massaging, stimulating or cleansing the skin of the human body by the use of cosmetics preparations, antiseptics, tonics, lotions, creams or any device, electrical or otherwise, for the care of the skin.

g) Giving facials or skin care or applying cosmetics or eyelashes to any person.

(Does not include the practice of threading)

Hair Design scope of practice includes:

a) Cleansing, stimulating or massaging the scalp, or cleansing or beautifying the hair by the use of cosmetic preparations, antiseptics, tonics, lotions or creams.

b) Cutting, trimming or shaping the hair

c) Arranging, dressing, curling, waving, cleansing, singeing, bleaching, tinting, coloring or straightening the hair of any person with the hands or mechanical or electrical apparatus or appliances, or by other means or similar work incident to or necessary for the proper carrying on of the practice or occupation of the hair designer provided by the terms of this chapter.

Hair Braiders scope of practice includes:

​a) Cleansing of the scalp.

b) A natural form of hair manipulation by braiding, cornrowing, extending, lacing, locking, sewing, twisting, weaving or wrapping human hair, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, and hair extensions. (This practice may be performed by hand or by using simple braiding devices, including, without limitations, clips, combs, hairpins, scissors, needles, and thread.)

Shampoo Technologist scope of practice includes:

​a) Cleansing of the hair or scalp, including, without limitation:

i) Brushing and combing the hair;

ii) Applying shampoo and conditioner to the hair; and

iii) Rinsing the hair, including, without limitation, rinsing the hair to remove shampoos, conditioners, tints, relaxers, and other solutions.

b) Removing rollers, permanent rods, hairpins, clips or similar hair fasteners from the hair.

c) Cleaning and disinfecting the shampoo bowl.

Look for Licenses

Salons are required to post the salon license in plain view of the public. Nail Technologists are required to display a license in plain view of the public at the station where the nail technologist performs his or her work. These licenses must be posted in public view and the licenses must be originals, not photocopies. The license issued by the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology has the name and recent photo of the licensee printed on the license.

Under Nevada State law, it is illegal for a salon or individual to offer services without a license.

Choosing a Salon

​The simplest and best way to find a reputable salon is to ask friends, family, or coworkers. Ask them if they are satisfied with the services they receive. Whether you select a licensed professional through word of mouth or by advertising, or just take a chance on a new salon, take the time to ask about the licensed professional’s experience with all the services that interest you. Seek their professional opinion, but don’t let that be the final word. If you don’t feel comfortable with what the licensed professional suggests, don’t feel pressured to get the service at that time. A second opinion can be just as important here as in other areas of your life.

​Safety Tips in the Hair Salon

A hair service should be a safe and relaxing experience for everyone to indulge in. We would appreciate your assistance in keeping sanitation practices diligent and infection control practices followed by reporting unsanitary and unsafe conditions on our Consumer Complaint Form. We want to keep Nevada safe from any chance of bacterial skin infection and are thankful that Nevada has avoided these outbreaks. We want to keep it that way, but we need your help. We have an active public education campaign that highlights cosmetology salon safety, health, and infection control.

​Cosmetology, Hair Braiding, Shampoo Technology, and Hair Design are four of nine individual branches of cosmetology licensed and regulated in Nevada. The other five are Aesthetics, Electrology, Cosmetic Demonstrations, Makeup Artistry, and Threading. Cosmetologists are authorized to practice all branches of cosmetology (except electrology and threading).

​Cosmetologists scope of practice includes:

​a) Cleansing, stimulating or massaging the scalp or cleansing or beautifying the hair by use of cosmetic preparations, antiseptics, tonics, lotions or creams,
b) Cutting, trimming, or shaping the hair.
c) Arranging, dressing, curling, waving, cleansing, singeing, bleaching, tinting, coloring or straightening the hair of any person with the hands, mechanical or electrical apparatus or appliances, or by other means, or similar work incident to or necessary for the proper carrying on of the practice or occupation provided by the terms of this chapter.
d) Removing superfluous hair from the surface of the body of any person by the use of electrolysis where the growth is a blemish, or by the use of depilatories, waxing, tweezers or sugaring, except for the permanent removal of hair with needles.
e) Manicuring the nails of any person.
f) Beautifying, massaging, stimulating or cleansing the skin of the human body by the use of cosmetics preparations, antiseptics, tonics, lotions, creams or any device, electrical or otherwise, for the care of the skin.
g) Giving facials or skin care or applying cosmetics or eyelashes to any person.
(Does not include the practice of threading)

Hair Design scope of practice includes:

a) Cleansing, stimulating or massaging the scalp, or cleansing or beautifying the hair by the use of cosmetic preparations, antiseptics, tonics, lotions or creams.
b) Cutting, trimming or shaping the hair
c) Arranging, dressing, curling, waving, cleansing, singeing, bleaching, tinting, coloring or straightening the hair of any person with the hands or mechanical or electrical apparatus or appliances, or by other means or similar work incident to or necessary for the proper carrying on of the practice or occupation of the hair designer provided by the terms of this chapter.
​
Hair Braiders scope of practice includes:

a) Cleansing of the scalp.
b) A natural form of hair manipulation by braiding, cornrowing, extending, lacing, locking, sewing, twisting, weaving or wrapping human hair, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, and hair extensions. (This practice may be performed by hand or by using simple braiding devices, including, without limitations, clips, combs, hairpins, scissors, needles, and thread.)

Shampoo Technologist scope of practice includes:

a) Cleansing of the hair or scalp, including, without limitation:
i) Brushing and combing the hair;
ii) Applying shampoo and conditioner to the hair; and
iii) Rinsing the hair, including, without limitation, rinsing the hair to remove shampoos, conditioners, tints, relaxers, and other solutions.
b) Removing rollers, permanent rods, hairpins, clips or similar hair fasteners from the hair.
c) Cleaning and disinfecting the shampoo bowl.
​
Look for Licenses

Salons are required to post the salon license in plain view of the public. Nail Technologists are required to display a license in plain view of the public at the station where the nail technologist performs his or her work. These licenses must be posted in public view and the licenses must be originals, not photocopies. The license issued by the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology has the name and recent photo of the licensee printed on the license. Under Nevada State law, it is illegal for a salon or individual to offer services without a license.

Choosing a Salon

The simplest and best way to find a reputable salon is to ask friends, family, or coworkers. Ask them if they are satisfied with the services they receive. Whether you select a licensed professional through word of mouth or by advertising, or just take a chance on a new salon, take the time to ask about the licensed professional’s experience with all the services that interest you. Seek their professional opinion, but don’t let that be the final word. If you don’t feel comfortable with what the licensed professional suggests, don’t feel pressured to get the service at that time. A second opinion can be just as important here as in other areas of your life. Visit our Verify a License page to check for health and safety violations on licensed business and individuals.

Safety Tips in the Hair Salon

​• Ask to see the salon establishment license and the license of the person providing the service (if it is not already visible)
• Do a visual check of the salon: Look at the general cleanliness of the salon. Floors, walls, counters, and chairs should be clean and in good condition. Are towels scattered around the salon? Soiled towels must be stored in a labeled container and not used until properly laundered and sanitized. Clean towels need to be stored in a closed, clean cabinet. Is there an accumulation of waste? Avoid any salon that is visibly dirty.
• Look for sanitation control. Salon owners and hairdressers are required to take extra precautions with bottles, tubes and jars that contain beauty products. Beauty salons must also clean and disinfect scissors, combs, brushes, hair rollers, electric razors, tweezers and nail clippers with detergents or disinfectants between customers. Disinfecting solutions must be emptied and refilled on a weekly basis to prevent the growth of bacteria.
• Be sure to notify the hairstylist of any sensitivities you may have to certain chemicals and tools. If you are trying a new product that you are unsure about, insist on a patch test before proceeding.
• If you have a complaint involving unlicensed practice, gross negligence, or unsanitary conditions in the hair salon, the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology can help. Contact us at either our Las Vegas (702-508-0015) or Reno (775-688-1442) office, or via email at info@nvcosmo.com. We respond to every inquiry and have the authority to take disciplinary action against licensed cosmetology professionals, businesses, and schools. Ask to see the salon establishment license and the license of the person providing the service (if it is not already visible)

Click on the Health & Safety Resources to view Services Regulated by the Board and Services Not Regulated by the Board.