The Iowa 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 IA, 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 Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences are listed below:

State Board Members

Member Position
Jacquelyn Hein Esthetician, Electrologist
Nichole Origer Cosmetologist
Don Nguyen Public Member
Robert Thompson Cosmetologist
Mary Clausen Cosmetologist
Jerry Akers Public Member
Cynthia Hummel Instructor, Esthetician, Cosmetologist

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 Iowa, check out the Iowa Cosmetology License page for additional information. The list of categories the state board issues licenses for are below:

  • Available License Categories
  • Cosmetology
  • Electrology
  • Esthetics
  • Instructor
  • Nail Technology

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 Iowa 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.

Barbering License Fees
License fee for an initial license to practice barbering, license by endorsement, license by reciprocity or an instructor's license is $60
Biennial renewal fee for a barber license or barber instructor license is $60
Temporary permit fee is $12
Practical examination fee is $75
Demonstrator permit fee is $45 for the first day and $12 for each day thereafter for which the permit is valid
Barber school license fee is $600
Barber school annual renewal fee is $300
Barbershop license fee is $72
Biennial renewal fee for a barbershop license is $72
Late fee for failure to renew before expiration is $60
Reactivation fee for a barber license is $120
Reactivation fee for a barbershop license is $132
Reactivation fee for a barber school license is $360
Duplicate or reissued license certificate or wallet card fee is $20
Verification of license fee is $20
Returned check fee is $25
Disciplinary hearing fee is a maximum of $75
Cosmetology Arts and Sciences License Fees
License fee for license to practice cosmetology arts and sciences, license by endorsement, license by reciprocity, or an instructor's license is $60
Biennial license renewal fee for each license for each biennium is $60
Late fee for failure to renew before expiration is $60
Reactivation fee for applicants licensed to practice cosmetology is $120, for salons $144 and for schools $330
Duplicate or reissued license certificate or wallet card fee is $20
Fee for verification of license is $20
Returned check fee is $25
Disciplinary hearing fee is a maximum of $75
Fee for license to conduct a school teaching cosmetology arts and sciences is $600
Fee for renewal of a school license is $270 annually
Salon license fee is $84
Biennial license renewal fee for each salon license for each biennium is $84
Demonstrator and not-for-profit temporary permit fee is $42 for the first day and $12 for each day thereafter that the permit is valid
An initial fee or a reactivation fee for certification to administer microdermabrasion or utilize a certified laser product or an intense pulsed light (IPL) device is $25 for each type of procedure or certified laser product or IPL device
An initial fee or a reactivation fee for certification of cosmetologists to administer chemical peels is $25
To see the full list of fees, Licensure Fees

Iowa 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 Iowa by visiting ibplicense.iowa.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 Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences 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 professional licensing board has the authority to license and regulate the professionals under its jurisdiction. Protection of the public is their primary responsibility. Complaints are a method of informing the board about a professional's action. A uniform complaint procedure assures consistency in processing complaints. It also assures confidentiality, efficiency and accountability. Complaints can be filed in one of the following ways:

  • Persons may file a complaint online at: https://IBPLicense.iowa.gov/. From there, click on the "General Public" link. Then click "File a Complaint"
  • Or, persons wishing to file a complaint can download it here. Once downloaded, open the complaint form and fill out the information in the highlighted fields, print the form, sign and mail to the licensure office
  • Persons calling in with a specific complaint will be asked if they wish to file a written complaint. If the person chooses to file a complaint, a complaint form and pre-addressed envelope stamped "confidential" will be mailed to them. The office accepts only written complaints

Upon receipt of the complaint in the board office, the Bureau Chief opens the envelope, reviews, prioritizes the complaint and gives it to an administrative assistant. The administrative assistant will send a letter to the complainant acknowledging that the complaint has been received and that it has been given to the board for action. The letter states that another letter will follow regarding the board's decision. All complaints received are acted on. All staff are bound by confidentiality.

How a Complaint is Processed

Anyone may file a complaint against a licensee by filling out the complaint form found here. Complete the form with as much detail as necessary. The Bureau of Professional Licensure receives complaints for nineteen regulatory boards. It is important to understand the investigation of a complaint is a lengthy process and in some cases may take up to a year.

Under Iowa law board members are not allowed to discuss the complaint with anyone. If you have questions it is best to contact the board administrator for direction. All complaints received in the office are given a case number and are treated as confidential even to the person complaining and the licensee. A letter of receipt is mailed to the person filing the complaint.

All complaints needing investigation are referred to the Department of Inspections and Appeals. The Department of Inspections and Appeals completes an investigative report for review and evaluation by the appropriate board. After reviewing the investigation, the Board may decide to:

  • Close the case
  • Close the case by writing a confidential letter of education to the licensee
  • Make a probable cause determination and proceed to a Statement of Charges against the licensee

Statement of Charges are available to the public upon request. Prior to the Statement of Charges the Board can not acknowledge that a complaint has been filed. A formal hearing before the Board of Examiners or settlement agreement follows the statement of charges. The Board issues a decision following the hearing. Decisions and settlement agreements are available to the public upon request.

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 Iowa Board Of Cosmetology phone number, office address and how to access their departments website.

  • State Board Office Location
  • Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences
    321 E. 12th Street Lucas Building 5th Floor
    Des Moines, IA 50319

  • State Board Office Phone
  • You can reach the office by calling the Iowa State Board of Cosmetology phone number 515-281-0254. Their fax number is 515-281-3121.

  • State Board Website
  • You can acccess the Iowa state board online by going to idph.iowa.gov.