How to become a barber in Louisiana
Louisiana barbers are licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Barber Examiners. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed barber in Louisiana, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Part of the state's website could not be reached when we checked, so some details come from Louisiana law and official forms. Confirm them on the official page before you apply.
Who can become a barber in Louisiana?
- At least 18 years of age
- Good moral character and temperate habits
- Barber college students must be at least 16
Louisiana barber license requirements
| Licensed by | Louisiana State Board of Barber Examiners |
|---|---|
| License name | Registered Barber (certificate of registration) |
| Education or training | Graduation from a Board-approved barber college requiring at least 1,500 hours completed within nine months; alternatives are a current Louisiana cosmetologist certificate or completing the Barber Apprenticeship Program registered with the Apprenticeship Council of Louisiana Works. |
| Exam | Board examination with a practical demonstration and a written and oral test, held every three months. |
| License term | Annual; certificates expire at midnight January 31 each year. |
| Reciprocity | A barber licensed in a state with equivalent requirements and reciprocal provisions may be licensed without further examination; other out-of-state barbers (17+, high school diploma or equivalent, practicing immediately before applying) may be examined (R.S. 37:369, amended 2024). |
How much does it cost?
| Examination (applicant from this state) | $40.00 |
|---|---|
| Examination (applicant from another state or country) | $80.00 |
| Annual renewal of barber's certificate | $50.00 |
| Late renewal of barber's certificate, prior to April 1 | $60.00 |
| Late renewal of barber's certificate on or after April 1 | $110.00 |
| Issuance or annual renewal of an apprenticeship certificate | $50.00 |
Fees as listed by the state. Schools, courses, exam prep, insurance and equipment cost extra and vary by provider.
Steps to become a barber in Louisiana
- Complete at least 1,500 hours at a Board-approved barber college (or a registered barber apprenticeship)
- Apply to the Board for examination and pay the exam fee (waived for Louisiana barber college graduates holding a registered student certificate)
- Pass the practical, written and oral Board exam
- Receive your certificate of registration
- Renew by January 31 each year
How do you check a barber's license in Louisiana?
- Ask for the license number and confirm it with the Louisiana State Board of Barber Examiners.
- Check that the status is active and the name matches the person or company you're hiring.
- Ask how long they've been licensed and whether any complaints or discipline are on record.