The Minnesota 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 MN, 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 Minnesota Board of Cosmetology are listed below:

State Board Members

Member Position
Rhonda Besel (Board Chair) Cosmetologist Member
Chelsey Anderson (Vice Chair) Esthetician Member
Kurt Deile Public Member
Mary Finnegan Public School Instructor Member
Jodi Friendshuh Nail Technician Member
Donna Dungy Private School Instructor Member
Stephen Adams 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 Minnesota, check out the Minnesota Cosmetology License page for additional information. The list of categories the state board issues licenses for are below:

  • Available License Categories
  • Cosmetologist
  • Esthetician
  • Manicurist

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 Minnesota 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.

Written Examination Information
Examination Fee
Cosmetologist Combo Exam
(General Theory Exam $35)
(State Exam $25)
(Written Practical Exam $30)
$90
Nail Technician Combo Exam
(General Theory Exam $35)
(State Exam $25)
(Written Practical Exam $30)
$90
Esthetician Combo Exam
(General Theory Exam $35)
(State Exam $25)
(Written Practical Exam $30)
$90
Eyelash Extension Exam
(General Theory Exam $25)
(State Exam $25)
(Written Practical Exam $30)
$80
Salon Manager Exam $50
School Manager Exam $50
License Type Fee
Duplicate License $20

Minnesota 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 Minnesota by visiting bcegl.hlb.state.mn.us. 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 Minnesota Board of 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.Complaint Committee

3 Board members and Board staff meet approximately 4 times a year to review complaint investigations. After reviewing the complaint investigation, the Committee may decide:

  • There is not enough evidence to determine if a violation happened, complaint dismissed
  • The evidence shows that a violation did not happen, complaint dismissed
  • The evidence shows that a violation did happen, disciplinary action is determined. a) Civil Penalty: Fine of up to $2,000 per violation b) Cease and Desist Order: order to immediately stop violation c) Other Actions: deny, refuse to renew, suspend, temporarily suspend, or revoke an application, license or certificate; censure or reprimand the person; or condition/limit the person's practice; or any other actions described in MN Statute 155A

Disciplinary action is public information and is posted on the state boards website.

The BCE has the authority to investigate and take action when a violation of the Statues 155A or Rules 2105 and 2110 has occurred and been proven. The BCE has no authority to refund money or offer compensation to clients of our licensees. To submit a complaint, the following are required:

  • Complete the Complaint Form
  • Sign the Authorization to Release Information Form
  • Sign and Date the Statement of Complaint

NOTE: Complaints cannot be submitted anonymously. If you do, your complaint will not be reviewed.

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

  • State Board Office Location
  • Minnesota Board of Cosmetology
    1000 University Ave West Suite 100
    St. Paul, MN 55104

  • State Board Office Phone
  • You can reach the office by calling the Minnesota State Board of Cosmetology phone number 651-201-2742. Their fax number is 651-649-5702.

  • State Board Website
  • You can acccess the Minnesota state board online by going to mn.gov.