How to become a cosmetologist in Alaska
Alaska cosmetologists are licensed by the Alaska Board of Barbers and Hairdressers (Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing, Dept. of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development). Here is what it takes to work as a licensed cosmetologist in Alaska, 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 Alaska law and official forms. Confirm them on the official page before you apply.
Who can become a cosmetologist in Alaska?
- No minimum age or education level is stated in AS 08.13 or 12 AAC 09 for this license
- Complete board-approved school or apprenticeship training (apprentices need a board-approved student permit before hours count)
Alaska cosmetologist license requirements
| Licensed by | Alaska Board of Barbers and Hairdressers (Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing, Dept. of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development) |
|---|---|
| License name | Hairdresser (Alaska's term for cosmetologist; the license also covers manicuring, hair braiding and limited esthetics) |
| Education or training | 1,650 hours at a board-approved school, or a 2,000-hour apprenticeship in a board-approved shop (12 months minimum, 2 years maximum), or an approved combination. |
| Exam | Written NIC National Hair Design Test, scheduled through Prov; 75% passes (no practical exam currently in the rules). |
| License term | 2 years (biennial license period) |
| Continuing education | No continuing education requirement appears in AS 08.13 or 12 AAC 09 (checked November 2026). |
| Reciprocity | Licensed hairdressers from another state can get a license by waiver of examination with proof of a current license, a passed written exam in that state, and equivalent training (1,650 school hours, 2,000 apprenticeship hours, or work experience plus at least 1,000–1,500 training hours); a temporary permit is available while the application is pending. |
How much does it cost?
| Nonrefundable application fee (initial license) | $150 |
|---|---|
| Initial biennial license fee (hairdresser) | $180 |
| Biennial renewal fee (hairdresser) | $180 |
| Student permit or apprenticeship (1 year) | $100 |
| Student permit or apprenticeship (2 years) | $125 |
| Temporary permit (out-of-state licensee) | $100 |
| Written exam fee | Set by and paid directly to Prov |
Fees as listed by the state. Schools, courses, exam prep, insurance and equipment cost extra and vary by provider.
Steps to become a cosmetologist in Alaska
- Enroll in a board-approved school (1,650 hours) or have a licensed instructor in a licensed shop enroll you as an apprentice and wait for your student permit before training.
- Complete the required hours and pass the school's or instructor's proficiency test.
- Submit the notarized license-by-examination application with training records and the $150 application fee.
- After the division preauthorizes you, schedule and pass the NIC written exam through Prov (paid directly to Prov).
- Pay the $180 initial biennial license fee to receive your license.
- Renew every two years ($180).
How do you check a cosmetologist's license in Alaska?
- Search the name or license number on the official Alaska cosmetologist license lookup.
- 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.