The California Board Of Cosmetology is in charge of enforcing laws and regulations through inspections, investigation into complaints submitted by consumers and conducts hearings, imposes penalties and enforces actions when they deem necessary. Through education and the enforcement of the cosmetology laws in CA, the state board ensures the safety, welfare and public health by regulating the salons, schools and individuals who practice cosmetology. The list of the board members who are part of the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology are listed below:

State Board Members

Name Position
Dr. Kari Williams President (Industry Member)
Lisa Thong Vice President (Public Member)
Bobbie Anderson Public Member
Charles Ching Public Member
Polly Codorniz Industry Memeber
Jacquelyn Crabtree Industry Member
Andrew Drabkin Public Member
Joseph Federico Industry Member
Steve Weeks Public Member

They also issue licenses for to individuals who qualify for reciprocity or through the state boards administration of a written and practical examination to schools and salons. To find out how to apply for a new license, renew an existing one or find out how many hours for cosmetology license in California, check out the California Cosmetology License page for additional information. The list of categories the state board issues licenses for are below:

  • Available License Categories
  • Cosmetologists
  • Barbers
  • Manicurists (nail care)
  • Estheticians (skin care)
  • Electrologists (permanent hair removal)
  • Apprentices
  • Establishments (Places where barbering, cosmetology, electrology, and other related services are performed)

If you need to obtain a cosmetology license, renew an existing one, or want to open up a salon or go to school, then in most cases there are fees involved. We list all available fees for this state below. We recommend to call the California State Board Of Cosmetology if you cannot find the fee information you are looking for below, or if you need to know how to pay your fees and what type of payments they accept.

License Type Fee
Barber application for examination and initial license $125
Cosmetologist application for examination and initial license $125
Electrologist application for examination and initial license $125
Esthetician application for examination and initial license $115
Manicurist application for examination and initial license $110
Application for re-examination $75
Application for reciprocity and initial license
  • Barber $50
  • Cosmetologist $50
  • Electrologist $50
  • Esthetician $40
  • Manicurist $35
Request for certification of California license $10
Request for duplicate license $10

California Cosmetology License Lookup

If you are planning to setup an appointment with a local salon, it is recommended that you first verify the professional or business license. You can do that online for the state of California by visiting search.dca.ca.gov. From there you can search for the person or business and see if there are any disciplinary actions on record. This will allow you to make an informed decision about the person and or business providing your service.

Filing a Complaint

Part of the duties of the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology is receiving and investigating consumer complaints involving unlawful acts which may include:

  • False advertisement
  • Violations of health
  • Deceptive statements
  • Sanitation regulations
  • Unlicensed person
  • Malpractice or incompetence

If you feel like you have experienced one of these issues listed above, or have information about a specific incident, then you would need to submit your complaint. If you have issues or questions about the complaint process outlined below, then it is recommended you contact the state board for assistance.

The Board of Barbering and Cosmetology handles complainants involving:

  • Gross negligence and/or incompetence
  • Unsanitary conditions in establishments and schools of barbering, cosmetology, and electrology
  • Unlicensed practice of barbering, cosmetology, and electrology
  • Misrepresentation/false advertising of services

Complaints which provide detailed information can be addressed more efficiently and effectively. A complaint can be filed anonymously, however the Board may have a difficult time investigating these complaints. If the Board is unable to obtain documentation or evidence of the complaint allegations, the Board may not be able to pursue the complaint.

Gross Negligence and/or Incompetence complaints should include

The establishment name and address, the operator's name and license number, details of the incident, photographs, medical records, and receipt for services.

Unsanitary Condition complaints should include

The establishment name and address along with a detailed description of the unsanitary conditions at the salon or school and if applicable the station where you saw the violations.

Unlicensed Activity complaints should include

The establishment name and address, unlicensed operator's names, and days of the week and time of day the unlicensed operator(s) are performing services.

Misrepresentation/False Advertising of Service complaints should include

The establishment name and address along with a detailed description of alleged violation.

All complaints must be submitted to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology in writing. Complaints may be submitted either electronically through www.breeze.ca.gov or by US Mail using a Consumer Complaint Form or other written document addressed to:

Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
P.O. Box 944226
Sacramento CA, 94244-2260

To register comments/complaints about the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, use the Citizens Complaint Form.

Here are some tips on preparing your complaint. Make a list of things you want to say. Try your best to separate your feelings from the facts. Present the events in the order of which they happened, use dates and times if possible. When submitting your complaint, please make sure to provide copies of documents, for example contracts, letters, advertisements, sakes slips, cancelled checks, warranties and any other documentation that can support your claim. Only provide copies, keep the original copies for your own record. Please remember, the complaint should describe the event or practice which misled you. If you can, please also state why the practice was misleading.

If you still have questions or issues about your complaint or about cosmetology, then use the contact information listed below. We provide the California Board Of Cosmetology phone number, office address and how to access their departments website.

  • State Board Office Location
  • California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
    2420 Del Paso Road Suite 100
    Sacramento, CA 95834

  • State Board Office Phone
  • You can reach the office by calling the California State Board of Cosmetology phone number 800-952-5210. Their fax number is 916-575-7281.

  • State Board Website
  • You can acccess the California state board online by going to www.barbercosmo.ca.gov.