The South 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 SC, 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 South Carolina Board of Cosmetology are listed below:

State Board Members

Member Position Location Area
LaQuita W. Clark-Horton Member Cassatt, SC Cosmetologist
Marcia R. Delaney Member West Columbia, SC Esthetician
Eddie L. Jones Member Blythewood, SC Cosmetologist
Stephanie A. Nye Member Columbia, SC General Public
Melanie C. Thompson Chairman Myrtle Beach, SC Nail Technician
Patricia Walters Member Cayce, SC 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 South Carolina, check out the South Carolina Cosmetology License page for additional information. The list of categories the state board issues licenses for are below:

  • Available License Categories
  • Registered Cosmetologist
  • Nail Technician
  • Esthetician
  • Instructors

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 South 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.

Initial Licensure
License Type Initial License Fee
Booth Renter $100
School $300
Salon Fees Change Fee
Salon Initial Licensure $100
Salon Location Change $100
Salon Ownership Change $100
Salon Name Change $100
Salon Renewal $72 ($50 Late Fee)
Endorsement/Reciprocity
License Type Endorsement Reciprocity Fee
Registered Cosmetologist $60
Nail Technician $60
Esthetician $60
Instructors $80
Renewals
License Type Renewal/Reinstatement Fee
Registered Cosmetologist $52/$152
Nail Technician $52/$152
Esthetician $52/$152
Instructors $82/$182
Booth Renter $72/$122
Salon $72/$122
School $122/$172
Miscellaneous Fees
Fee Description Fee
Duplicate License $10 Limit 1
License Verification $5 Each
Licensee List Request $10 Per License Type
Reactivation Fee (From inactive status) $100

South 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 South Carolina by visiting verify.llronline.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 South Carolina 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.

A complaint against a licensee, or an unlicensed person practicing a profession or occupation that requires a license, may be made on the attached online complaint form. The form may be obtained by clicking here or by calling 803-896-4470. The complaining party is responsible for ensuring that all necessary information is included on the form. In completing the form, you are referred to as the complainant. The individual or business you are filing a complaint against is referred to as the respondent.

They ask that you state all facts briefly and clearly. Also, include the name, address and phone number of all witnesses, and the specific information they possess to substantiate the complaint. Please include copies of any documents, records, statements or contracts that may assist this agency to conduct an inquiry. When filling out the complaint form online, simply click on "submit" when finished to file the complaint with the agency.

Upon receipt of the complaint and jurisdiction is established, a thorough investigation is conducted to determine whether a violation has occurred. If a violation of the practice act is found, the respondent may be offered a consent agreement, or a hearing may be held before the appropriate Board or Commission to resolve the findings of the agency's investigation. Although this action is between the State and the Respondent, the complainant should be prepared to testify, as requested, at a hearing before the Board or Commission if the matter has not been otherwise resolved. The complaint will be dismissed by the Board or Commission if a violation is not found or the case does not present evidence that would sustain a legal procedure.

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

  • State Board Office Location
  • South Carolina Board of Cosmetology
    110 Centerview Drive
    Columbia, SC 29211

  • State Board Office Phone
  • You can reach the office by calling the South Carolina State Board of Cosmetology phone number 803-896-4568. Their fax number is 803-896-4484.

  • State Board Website
  • You can acccess the South Carolina state board online by going to www.llr.state.sc.us.