The North Carolina 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 NC, 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 North Carolina State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners are listed below:

State Board Members

Member City Appointed As
Baldwin Ray Mitchell, Jr. Wilson, NC Cosmetologist, Chairman
Hope Keith Raleigh, NC Cosmetologist
Krista Rose Wilmington, NC Cosmetologist
Rosa Martin Greensboro, NC Cosmetologist
Diane Smith Granite Falls, NC Cosmetologist, 1st Vice Chair
Renee Byars Grover, NC Cosmetology Teacher, 2nd Vice Chair

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

  • Available License Categories
  • Cosmetologist
  • Cosmetologist Teacher
  • Apprentice
  • Manicurist Teacher
  • Manicurist
  • Esthetician Teacher
  • Esthetician
  • Natural Hair Teacher
  • Natural Hair
  • Electrologist

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 North Carolina 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.

Current Fees (In State)
Apprentice $20
Cosmetologist $49
Esthetician $20
Manicurist $20
Natural Hair Care Specialist $20
Instructor $20
Current Fees (Out of State)
Apprentice $35
Cosmetologist $64
Esthetician $35
Manicurist $35
Natural Hair Care $35
Teacher $35
Note: Over payments will be returned

North Carolina 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 North Carolina by visiting www.nccosmeticarts.com. 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 North Carolina State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners 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.

All complaints (consumer, licensee, and student) must be made in writing and can be submitted by fax, mail or email. Unfortunately, complaints cannot be accepted over the phone. All complaints are public record. Upon receipt of a complaint that contains complainant contact information the Board will respond indicating receipt. The Board's investigation process is as follows:

  • Determine jurisdiction
  • Assign investigator
  • Investigate complaint
  • Assess any penalty as appropriate for violation of Board rules or law
  • Report results of investigation to Enforcement department
  • Contact complainant regarding results of investigation
  • Note: All information submitted in a complaint is public record

By Mail: Attn: Complaints
1207 Front Street, Suite 110
Raleigh, NC 27609

By Fax: 919-733-4127

By Email: complaints@nccosmeticarts.com

To submit your complaint through an online form, click here. If you need a response to your complaint please include your email or mailing address in the complaint form field.

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

  • State Board Office Location
  • North Carolina State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners
    1207 Front Street Suite 110
    Raleigh, NC 27609

  • State Board Office Phone
  • You can reach the office by calling the North Carolina State Board of Cosmetology phone number 919-733-4117. Their fax number is 919-733-4127.

  • State Board Website
  • You can acccess the North Carolina state board online by going to www.nccosmeticarts.com.