The Kentucky 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 KY, 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 Kentucky Board of Cosmetology are listed below:

State Board Members

Member Position
Regina Kay Swanner (Board Chair) Technical Education
Jeanetta Thornbury School Owner
Rashida Thompson Salon Owner
Denise Sadler Salon Owner
Margaret Meredith Consumer

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

  • Available License Categories
  • Cosmetologist
  • Nail Technician
  • Esthetician
  • Apprentice Instructor
  • Cosmetology Instructor

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 Kentucky 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 Fees
Title Fee Renewal Fee Restoration Fee
Cosmetologist $25 $20 $75
Nail Technician $25 $20 $75
Apprentice Instructor $35 $25 $75
Cosmetology Instructor $50 $35 $100
Esthetician $75 $50 $125
Dual Cosmetologist/Esthetician $100 $70 $140
Esthetic Instructor $100 $75 $150
Beauty Salon $35 $25 $75
Nail Salon $35 $25 $75
Esthetic Salon $125 $75 $150
Cosmetology School $1,500 $150 $750
Examination Fees
Title Fee Retake Fee
Cosmetologist $75 -
Esthetician $125 -
Instructor $100 -
Nail Technician $75 -
Out of State Cosmetologist $120 -
Out of State Esthetic Instructor $200 -
Out of State Esthetician $175 -
Out of State Instructor $200 -
Other Fees
Title Fee
Certification $20
Duplicate License $25
Demonstration Permits $50
Student Enrollment Permits $15

Kentucky 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 Kentucky by visiting secure.kentucky.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 Kentucky 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.

You can file your complain online by clicking here. The information you provide on this online complaint form will be used by the state board in an effort to resolve your problem and may be shared with the party against which you have complained. Pursuant to 201 KAR 12:060, all complaints must be submitted in writing and list the name of the person(s) filing the complaint. Any information provided on the online complaint form may be subject to public disclosure under the Kentucky Open Records Act.

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

  • State Board Office Location
  • Kentucky Board of Cosmetology
    111 St. James Court Suite A
    Frankfort, KY 40601

  • State Board Office Phone
  • You can reach the office by calling the Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology phone number 502-564-4262. Their fax number is 502-564-0481.

  • State Board Website
  • You can acccess the Kentucky state board online by going to kbc.ky.gov.