N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-1 Short title
This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Cosmetology and Hairstyling Act of 1984." L.1984, c. 205, s. 1.
N.J. Stat. tit. 45, ch. 5B
N.J. Stat. tit. 45, ch. 5B
in effectN.J. Stat. § 45:5B-2 Legislative findings and declarations
The Legislature finds and declares that it is a valid public purpose: a. To establish a single board which shall administer, coordinate and enforce this act and regulations promulgated pursuant to this act relating to the practices of cosmetology, hairstyling, barbering and beauty culture, the premises at which those services are rendered and the schools at which instruction in those practices may be obtained; b. To protect those persons of the general public who are direct recipients of the services regulated by this act and registered students receiving instruction at licensed schools of cosmetology and hairstyling from unsafe, fraudulent and deceptive practices, as well as practices which reduce competition; c. To maintain and ensure standards of competency and integrity for the occupations of cosmetology and hairstyling; and d. To ensure that registered students at cosmetology and hairstyling schools receive thorough and reliable instruction. L.1984, c. 205, s. 2.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-3 Definitions.
3. As used in P.L.1984, c.205 (C.45:5B-1 et seq.): a. "Barber" means any person who is licensed to engage in any of the practices encompassed in barbering. b. "Barbering" means any one or combination of the following practices when performed on the human body for cosmetic purposes and not for the treatment of disease or physical or mental ailments and when performed for the general public, primarily for male customers: (1) shaving or trimming of the beard, mustache, or other facial hair; (2) shampooing, cutting, arranging, relaxing, or styling of the hair; (3) singeing, dyeing, tinting, coloring, bleaching of the hair; (4) applying cosmetic preparations, antiseptics, tonics, lotions, or creams to the hair, scalp, face, or neck; (5) massaging, cleansing, or stimulating the face, neck, or scalp with or without cosmetic preparations, either by hand, mechanical, or electrical appliances; or (6) cutting, fitting, coloring, or styling of hairpieces or wigs, to the extent that the services are performed while the wig is being worn by a person. c. "Beautician" means any person who is licensed to engage in any of the practices encompassed in beauty culture. d. "Beauty culture" means any one or combination of the following practices when performed on the human body for cosmetic purposes and not for the treatment of disease or physical or mental ailments and when performed for the general public, primarily for female customers: (1) shampooing, cutting, arranging, dressing, relaxing, curling, permanent waving, or styling of the hair; (2) singeing, dyeing, tinting, coloring, bleaching of the hair; (3) applying cosmetic preparations, antiseptics, tonics, lotions, creams, or makeup to the hair, scalp, face, neck, or upper part of the body; (4) massaging, cleansing, or stimulating the face, scalp, neck, or upper part of the body, with or without cosmetic preparations either by hand, mechanical, or electrical appliances; (5) removing superfluous hair from the face, neck, arms, legs, or abdomen by the use of depilatories, waxing, or tweezers, but not by the use of electrolysis; (6) manicuring the fingernails, nail-sculpturing, or pedicuring the toenails; or (7) cutting, fitting, coloring, or styling of hairpieces or wigs to the extent that the services are performed while the wig is being worn by a person. e. "Board" means the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling. f. "Board of Barber Examiners" means the State Board of Barber Examiners established pursuant to P.L.1938, c.197 (C.45:4-27 et seq.). g. "Board of Beauty Culture Control" means the Board of Beauty Culture Control established pursuant to Chapter 4A of Title 45 of the Revised Statutes. h. "Clinic" means a designated portion of a licensed school in which members of the general public may receive cosmetology and hairstyling services from senior students in exchange for a fee. The clinic shall clearly post the fees for the cosmetology and hairstyling services and provide notice to consumers that the services provided in the clinic are performed by senior students under the supervision of licensed instructors. i. "Cosmetologist-hairstylist" means any person who is licensed to engage in the practices encompassed in cosmetology and hairstyling. j. "Cosmetology and hairstyling" means any one or combination of the following practices when performed on the human body for cosmetic purposes and not for the treatment of disease or physical or mental ailments and when performed for the general public, for male or female customers: (1) shaving or trimming of the beard, mustache, or other facial hair; (2) shampooing, cutting, arranging, dressing, relaxing, curling, permanent waving, or styling of the hair; (3) singeing, dyeing, tinting, coloring, bleaching of the hair; (4) applying cosmetic preparations, antiseptics, tonics, lotions, creams, or makeup to the hair, scalp, face, or neck; (5) massaging, cleansing or stimulating the face, neck, or upper part of the body, with or without cosmetic preparations, either by hand, mechanical, or electrical appliances; (6) removing superfluous hair from the face, neck, arms, legs, or abdomen by the use of depilatories, waxing, or tweezers, but not by the use of electrolysis; (7) manicuring the fingernails, nail-sculpturing, or pedicuring the toenails; (8) cutting, fitting, coloring, or styling of hairpieces or wigs to the extent that the services are being performed while the wig is being worn by a person. (9) (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2018, c.126) k. "Manicurist" means a person who holds a license to engage in only the practice of manicuring. l. "Manicuring" means any one or combination of the following practices when performed on the human body for cosmetic purposes and not for the treatment of disease or physical or mental ailments and when performed for the general public, for male or female customers: (1) manicuring of the fingernails; (2) pedicuring of the toenails; (3) nail sculpturing; or (4) removing superfluous hair from the face, neck, arms, legs, or abdomen by the use of depilatories, waxing, or tweezers, but not by the use of electrolysis. m. "Owner" means any person, corporation, firm, or partnership who has a financial interest in a school or shop entitling him to participate in the promotion, management, and proceeds thereof. It does not include a person whose connection with a school or shop entitles him only to reasonable salary or wages for services actually rendered. "Owner" shall also mean any person, corporation, firm, or partnership who has a financial interest in a hair braiding shop entitling the person, corporation, firm, or partnership to participate in the promotion, management, and proceeds thereof. n. "Practicing licensee" means any person who holds a license to practice barbering, beauty culture, cosmetology and hairstyling, manicuring, or as a skin care specialist. o. "Registered student" means a person who is engaged in learning and acquiring a knowledge of any of the practices included in the definition of cosmetology and hairstyling, including beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, and skin care specialty, under the direction and supervision of a person duly authorized under P.L.1984, c.205 (C.45:5B-1 et seq.) to teach cosmetology and hairstyling and who is enrolled in a program of instruction at a licensed school of cosmetology and hairstyling, completion of which may render him eligible for licensure pursuant to P.L.1984, c.205 (C.45:5B-1 et seq.), but does not mean a person who is enrolled in a public school vocational program in cosmetology and hairstyling approved by the State Board of Education or in any other cosmetology and hairstyling program approved by the State Board of Education. p. "Registration card" means a document issued by the board to a registered student upon receipt of documentation from a licensed school of cosmetology and hairstyling that the student is enrolled. q. "School" means an establishment or place licensed by the board to be maintained for the purpose of teaching cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding, or skin care specialty to registered students. r. "Senior student" means a registered student who has successfully completed one-half of the total hours of instruction required for licensure as a cosmetologist-hairstylist, beautician, barber, manicurist, or skin care specialist in a licensed school of cosmetology and hairstyling, as determined by the board pursuant to regulation, or in any public school vocational training program approved by the State Board of Education. s. "Student permit" means a permit issued to a registered student at a licensed school of cosmetology and hairstyling or enrolled in an approved vocational training program, which enables the student to practice cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, skin care specialty, or hair braiding, as appropriate, based on the course of instruction in which the student is enrolled. t. "Shop" means any fixed establishment, mobile facility, or place where one or more persons engage in one or more of the practices included in the definition of cosmetology and hairstyling, barbering, beauty culture, manicuring, hair braiding, or skin care specialty. u. "Teacher" means any person who is licensed by the board to give instruction or training in the theory or practice of cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, or skin care specialty. v. "Temporary permit" means a permit issued to applicants for licensure awaiting scheduling or results of an examination. w. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2009, c.162) x. "Skin care specialist" means a person who holds a license to engage in only the practices included in the definition of skin care specialty. y. "Skin care specialty" means any one or combination of the following practices when performed on the male or female human body for cosmetic purposes and not for the treatment of disease or physical or mental ailments and when performed for the general public, primarily for male customers: (1) applying cosmetic preparations, antiseptics, tonics, lotions, creams, or makeup to the scalp, face, or neck; (2) massaging, cleansing, or stimulating the face, neck, or upper part of the body, with or without cosmetic preparations, either by hand, mechanical, or electrical appliances; or (3) removing superfluous hair from the face, neck, arms, legs, or abdomen by the use of depilatories, waxing, or tweezers, but not by the use of electrolysis. z. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2009, c.162) aa. "Hair braider" or "hair braiding specialist" means a person who holds a license to engage in only the practice of hair braiding. bb. "Hair braiding" means the twisting, wrapping, weaving, extending, locking, or braiding of hair by hand or with mechanical devices. "Hair braiding" may include the use of: natural or synthetic hair extensions or fibers, decorative beads, and other hair accessories; minor trimming of natural hair or hair extensions incidental to twisting, wrapping, weaving, extending, locking, or braiding hair; making of wigs from natural hair, natural or synthetic fibers, and hair extensions; and the use of topical agents in conjunction with performing hair braiding, including conditioners, gels, moisturizers, oils, pomades, and shampoos. cc. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2023, c.231) dd. "Mobile facility" means a shop capable of being moved from one place to another as or by a motor vehicle that shall be properly registered, insured, and inspected in accordance with all applicable motor vehicle laws and regulations and in compliance with all appropriate municipal laws and regulations including, but not limited to, licensing and land use approvals and permits, if applicable. ee. "Chair or booth rental" means a business arrangement entered into by a written contract whereby a practicing licensee rents or leases a chair or booth from the owner of a licensed shop. ff. “Junior student” means a registered student who has completed less than one-half of the total hours of instruction for licensure as a cosmetologist-hairstylist, beautician, barber, manicurist, skin care specialist, or hair braider in a licensed school of cosmetology and hairstyling, as determined by the board pursuant to section 6 of P.L.1984, c.205 (C.45:5B-6), or in any public school vocational program approved by the State Board of Education. gg. “Shampoo permit” means a permit issued to a registered student at a licensed school of cosmetology and hairstyling or enrolled in an approved vocational program, which enables the student to shampoo and rinse hair if the student is a cosmetology-hairstyling, beauty culture, or barbering student who has successfully completed 60 hours of relevant coursework pursuant to section 4 of P.L.1984, c.205 (C.45:5B-4). hh. “Shampoo technician” means an individual who is certified to provide hair washing services, including shampooing, conditioning, and glazing, in a shop licensed pursuant to section 9 of P.L.1984, c.205 (C.45:5B-9). ii. “Limited cosmetic retail service license” means a license issued to a cosmetic retail service establishment for the purposes of providing cosmetic retail services in exchange for compensation for the services pursuant to P.L.2025, c.171 (C.45:5B-9.2 et al.). jj. “Cosmetic retail service establishment” means any fixed retail establishment wherein the primary business conducted is the offering for sale to the general public of skincare, hair care, makeup, and cosmetic products to consumers, which products may include: cosmetic preparations, antiseptics, tonics, lotions, creams, or makeup for application to the hair, scalp, face, neck, fingernails, toenails, or other parts of the body, and tools or small appliances attendant to beauty culture, and which provides cosmetic retail services to consumers. kk. “Cosmetic retail services” means the provision of any one or combination of the following practices by a licensed skin care specialist: (1) applying cosmetic preparations, antiseptics, tonics, lotions, creams, or makeup to the face or neck; (2) massaging, cleansing, or stimulating the face or neck, with or without cosmetic preparations, by hand; or (3) removing superfluous hair from the face or neck by the use of depilatories or tweezers, but not by waxing or the use of electrolysis. ll. “Textured hair” means hair that is coiled, curly, or wavy. L.1984, c.205, s.3; amended 1995, c.82, s.1; 1995, c.262; 2000, c.159, s.1; 2009, c.162, s.1; 2018, c.126, s.1; 2019, c.334; 2021, c.275, s.1; 2023, c.231, s.1; 2025, c.18, s.1; 2025, c.171, s.1; 2025, c.207, s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-4 New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling.
4. There is created within the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling. The board shall consist of 13 members who are residents of the State, three of whom shall be public members, two appointed pursuant to subsection b. of section 2 of P.L.1971, c.60 (C.45:1-2.2) and one additional public member, and one of whom shall be a State executive department member appointed pursuant to subsection c. of section 2 of P.L.1971, c.60 (C.45:1-2.2). Of the remaining nine members, six shall hold practicing licenses issued by the board and shall have been engaged in the practice of beauty culture, barbering, or cosmetology and hairstyling for at least five years prior to their appointments, but shall not have been engaged in the conduct of or teaching at a licensed school of beauty culture or cosmetology and hairstyling, and two shall own or operate a hair braiding shop in this State. Of the six members with practicing licenses issued by the board and the one member licensed by the board as a teacher, one shall have experience and training in providing services to individuals with textured hair prior to their appointment. The remaining one member appointed by the board created by this act shall hold a teacher's license issued by the board and shall have been engaged in the teaching of beauty culture or cosmetology and hairstyling or shall have been involved in the conduct of a licensed school of beauty culture or school of cosmetology and hairstyling in this State for at least five years prior to the appointment. L.1984, c.205, s.4; amended 2009, c.162, s.2; 2018, c.126, s.2; 2025, c.207, s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-5 Board members; appointment; terms; compensation.
5. The Governor shall appoint members to the board with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Governor shall appoint each member for a term of three years. Each member shall hold office until his successor has been qualified. Any vacancy in the membership of the board shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment for the unexpired term only. No member of the board may serve more than two successive terms in addition to any unexpired term to which he has been appointed. Members of the board shall be compensated and reimbursed for expenses and provided with office and meeting facilities pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1977, c.285 (C.45:1-2.5). The board shall annually elect from among its members a chairman and vice chairman. The board shall meet six times per year and may hold additional meetings as necessary to discharge its duties. L.1984, c.205, s.5; amended 2009, c.162, s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-6 Duties of board.
6. The board shall: a. Review the qualifications of applicants for licensure; b. Devise examinations for licensure which include practical and written portions; c. Administer and grade examinations or employ competent examiners to administer and grade examinations but in no case shall the board permit a person having any affiliation with a licensed school to examine or grade an applicant who has been a registered student at the school with which the examiner has an affiliation; d. Issue and renew licenses of any cosmetologist-hairstylist, beautician, barber, manicurist, skin care specialist, teacher, shop, chair or booth rental, or school; e. Issue student permits to registered students, which permits shall remain valid during the period that the student is registered at a licensed school or enrolled in an approved vocational training program; f. Issue temporary permits to applicants for licensure who are awaiting scheduling for or results from an examination; g. Issue registration cards to registered students; h. Suspend, revoke or refuse to renew a license and exercise investigative powers pursuant to the provisions of P.L.1978, c.73 (C.45:1-14 et seq.); i. Appoint and employ an executive director and an assistant executive director subject to the approval of the Attorney General, and other employees as necessary to carry out the provisions of this act; j. Determine the duties that the executive director and the assistant executive director shall perform; k. File with the Attorney General a petition to remove any executive director or assistant executive director for cause, which petition shall be acted upon by the Attorney General in a manner which he deems appropriate; l. Establish fees for initial licensure, permits, renewals and restoration of licenses as well as for duplication of lost licenses pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1974, c.46 (C.45:1-3.2); m. Maintain records of all practicing licensees and all licensed teachers. Records shall include the latest work address of each licensee, as provided on applications for licensure and renewals thereof; n. Maintain a record of all registered students and all persons holding student permits; o. Maintain a record of all shops licensed by the board to offer one or more of the services encompassed within the definition of cosmetology and hairstyling; p. Maintain a record of all schools licensed by the board to offer courses of instruction or training in the practice and theory of cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding and skin care specialty to registered students, which courses shall be approved by the board for the awarding of credit for licensure; q. Make available for public inspection all records required to be kept pursuant to this section; r. Promulgate regulations governing the practice and teaching of cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding and skin care specialty as are necessary to implement P.L.1984, c.205 (C.45:5B-1 et seq.) and to insure that cosmetology and hairstyling services and instruction in those services are being offered both in a manner which is sanitary and safe and in a manner which is not intended to deceive or mislead the general public; s. Promulgate regulations governing the conduct of shops, including, but not limited to, mobile facilities, chair or booth rentals, and schools as are necessary to implement P.L.1984, c.205 (C.45:5B-1 et seq.), including, but not limited to, regulations that ensure that all schools offer instruction on cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding and skin care specialty by instructors who are knowledgeable in the practice and teaching of cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding and skin care specialty, as the case may be, and to assure that cosmetology and hairstyling services and instruction in those services are being offered both in a manner that is sanitary and safe, and in a manner not intended to deceive or mislead the general public, students of the schools, or organizations awarding financial aid to the students and to clarify or define any term used in the act and to define any activity included in hairstyling and cosmetology, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding and skin care specialty; t. Review curricula offered by licensed schools in courses of instruction offered to registered students and approve those curricula which offer comprehensive training in cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding and skin care specialty; u. Direct the conduct of inspections and investigations of all licensed shops, including shops with chair or booth rentals, and schools; v. Direct the conduct of inspections or investigations of any premises from which the board may have reason to believe that cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding and skin care specialty services are being offered, or that courses of instruction are being offered to registered students; w. Establish criteria and standards for education and experience required for licensure; and x. Maintain a record of all individuals holding chair or booth rental licenses. L.1984, c.205, s.6; amended 1995, c.82, s.2; 2009, c.162, s.4; 2018, c.126, s.3; 2021, c.275, s.5; 2023, c.231, s.2; 2025, c.18, s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-6.1 Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling to establish requirements for students in training, textured hair, services.
3. The board shall establish requirements, as part of the current curriculum provided by schools licensed pursuant to section 6 of P.L.1984, c.205 (C.45:5B-6), to teach and train all students preparing for licensure in cosmetology-hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, and hair braiding, on providing services to individuals with textured hair. The requirements shall include training on: a. working with hair with various coil, curl, or wave patterns; b. hair strand thickness; and c. volumes of hair. L.2025, c.207, s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-7 Services requiring license; exceptions.
7. No person shall render any of the services encompassed within the definition of cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding and skin care specialty services, without first having secured a license from the board which permits the offering of that service in accordance with the authority provided by the license, except for the following persons when acting within the scope of their profession or occupation: a. Persons authorized by the laws of this State to practice medicine and surgery, dentistry, chiropractic and acupuncture; b. Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, nurses' aides, physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, and other licensed health care professionals; c. Personnel employed by, and providing services in facilities regulated by, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or the United States Department of Defense; d. Persons employed to render cosmetology and hairstyling services in the course of and incidental to the business of employers engaged in the theatrical, radio, television or motion picture production industries, modeling or photography; e. Persons employed to demonstrate, recommend or administer cosmetic preparations, lotions, creams, makeup or perfume intended for home use for the purposes of effecting retail sales if those persons neither accept payment from the consumer for that demonstration nor make the demonstration contingent upon the purchase of any product or service; f. Registered students holding a student permit, provided that those services are rendered in a school clinic or licensed shop during hours that the student does not have scheduled classes; and g. Persons employed as shampoo technicians. L.1984, c.205, s.7; amended 2009, c.162, s.5; 2018, c.126, s.4; 2025, c.18, s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-8 Premises exceptions.
8. No person shall offer or render any of the services encompassed within the definition of cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding, skin care specialty services, and cosmetic retail services in a place which is not licensed as a shop or school, except that a practicing licensee, duly licensed pursuant to P.L.1984, c.205 (C.45:5B-1 et seq.), may render the services which he is licensed to offer: a. Upon patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other licensed health care facilities; b. Upon inmates and residents of institutions of the Department of Corrections or the Department of Human Services; c. Upon a person with a disability in the person's place of residence, if the practicing licensee is sponsored by a licensed shop and a record of those services is maintained by that shop; d. Upon performers or models prior to, in anticipation of, or during a performance; or e. Upon potential consumers of cosmetic preparations, lotions, creams, makeup, or perfume which are intended for home use if the application of the product is made for the purposes of effecting a retail sale and the person neither accepts payment from the consumer for the service nor makes the provision of the service contingent upon the purchase of any product or service. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to preclude a student enrolled in a school of cosmetology and hairstyling licensed in this State, or in a public school approved by the State Board of Education to offer a vocational program in cosmetology and hairstyling, or a student enrolled in a cosmetology and hairstyling program approved by the State Board of Education from engaging in any activities incident to the instruction provided in such school or program. L.1984, c.205, s.8; amended 1995, c.82, s.3; 2009, c.162, s.6; 2018, c.126, s.5; 2021, c.275, s.2; 2025, c.171, s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-9 Shop licenses.
9. a. No person, firm, corporation, partnership, or other legal entity shall operate, maintain, or use premises for the offering of or rendering of any one or more of the services encompassed in the definition of cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding, skin care specialty, and cosmetic retail services without first having secured a shop license from the board. b. No licensed shop owner shall permit any person: (1) to be in the shop owner’s employ; (2) under the shop owner’s supervision or control; or (3) as an independent contractor in the shop; and practice cosmetology, hairstyling, or other ancillary services who does not possess the appropriate requisite license or registration issued by the board. L.1984, c.205, s.9; amended 1995, c.82, s.4; 2009, c.162, s.7; 2018, c.126, s.6; 2023, c.231, s.8; 2025, c.171, s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-9.1 Mobile facility operation, structure requirements, ADA compliance; chair or booth rental license, scope of services.
4. a. To be licensed as a shop pursuant to section 9 of P.L.1984, c.205 (C.45:5B-9), a mobile facility shall comply with the federal "Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990" (42 U.S.C. s.12101 et seq.) and additionally shall display a permanent sign indicating the name of the shop, which shall be clearly visible to the general public from the exterior of the shop, and shall contain: (1) a minimum of 75 square feet of floor space; (2) one lavatory including a toilet, hand washing facilities, and a door; (3) one shampoo basin with hot and cold running water and a reclining chair; (4) a designated area for cleaning and disinfecting implements and tools; (5) one ultrasonic unit for cleaning metal implements and tools; (6) a clean, closed receptacle for storage of sanitized implements and tools at each work station; (7) a closed container for clean linens; (8) a closed container for soiled linens; (9) a closed waste container accessible to each work station; (10) hair drying facilities or hair drying equipment; (11) a dispensary or place where supplies are prepared and dispensed; and (12) any other equipment necessary to provide the services offered by the shop in a safe and sanitary manner. b. A mobile facility licensed as a manicuring or skin care specialty shop by the board shall be required to have at least one sink in the work area with hot and cold running water but shall be exempt from the requirement for a shampoo basin required pursuant to subsection a. of this section. c. A mobile facility licensed as a barbering shop shall be required to contain at least one chair with an adjustable headrest suitable for performing shaving services. d. A mobile facility shall maintain a stationary position whenever an individual therein is engaged in one or more of the practices included in the definition of cosmetology and hairstyling, barbering, beauty culture, manicuring, hair braiding or skin care specialty. e. A mobile facility wherein an individual is engaged in one or more of the services included in the definition of cosmetology and hairstyling, barbering, beauty culture, manicuring, hair braiding or skin care specialty shall not operate within 300 feet of a shop licensed by the board to perform such services and that is not a mobile facility unless the mobile facility is: (1) parked outside the home of a customer receiving services; (2) lawfully participating in an event, including, but not limited to, a municipal or county function; or (3) affiliated with the licensed shop. f. A mobile facility shall require a chair or booth rental license and the practitioner license to be clearly displayed for a practicing licensee with a chair or booth rental license and who has a business arrangement to rent a chair or booth from the mobile facility. g. A practitioner who holds a chair or booth rental license who provides services in a mobile facility under a chair and booth rental arrangement shall not offer services beyond the scope of services that the mobile facility is licensed to provide. L. 2021, c.275, s.4; amended 2023, c.231, s.6.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-9.2 Limited cosmetic retail service license, parameters.
6. a. The board shall issue a limited cosmetic retail service license to a cosmetic retail service establishment provided that the premises shall: (1) comply with the federal “Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990” (42 U.S.C. s.12101 et seq.); (2) display a permanent sign indicating the name of the cosmetic retail services establishment, which shall be clearly visible to the general public from the exterior of the shop; (3) have a minimum of 750 square feet of floor space; (4) have one lavatory including a toilet, hand washing facilities, and a door; (5) have one sink basin with hot and cold running water; (6) have a designated area for cleaning and disinfecting implements and tools; (7) have one ultrasonic unit for cleaning metal implements and tools; (8) have a clean, closed receptacle for storage of sanitized implements and tools at each work station; (9) have a closed container for clean linens; (10) have a closed container for soiled linens; (11) have a closed waste container accessible to each work station; and (12) have a dispensary or place where supplies are prepared and dispensed. b. A cosmetic retail service establishment licensed by the board pursuant to this section shall be permitted to have up to four workstations with chairs for the performance of cosmetic retail services , provided that all of the workstations are situated in proximity to one another. c. The issuance of a limited cosmetic retail service license to a cosmetic retail service establishment shall not change the pre-existing use and occupancy classification of an establishment under the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code. d. It shall be unlawful for: (1) a licensee to provide services beyond those within the definitions of cosmetic retail services while on the premises of a cosmetic retail service establishment; and (2) a cosmetic retail establishment licensed by the board to permit any licensee by the board to provide services beyond those within the definition of cosmetic retail establishment while on the premises of the cosmetic retail establishment. e. The board may promulgate rules and regulations pursuant to the “Administrative Procedure Act,” P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.) to effectuate the provisions of this section. L.2025, c.171, s.6.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-10 Licenses for schools required.
10. No person, firm, corporation, partnership or other legal entity shall operate, maintain or use premises at which courses of instruction in cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding and skin care specialty services are offered to registered students without first having secured a school license from the board. Nothing herein shall prohibit the offering of educational programs and courses in cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding and skin care specialty to practicing licensees or teachers at unlicensed premises. However, no course offered at an unlicensed premises shall be recognized by the board in satisfaction of licensure eligibility requirements. All educational programs and courses offered at unlicensed premises shall be conducted by practicing licensees.
L.1984, c.205, s.10; amended 2009, c.162, s.8; 2018, c.126, s.7.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-10.1 Licensed school of cosmetology and hairstyling, distance learning.
1. A licensed school of cosmetology and hairstyling may administer courses with theory-related subject matter to registered students through distance learning technology. A course that involves instruction using practical demonstration shall only be provided in-person. For the purposes of this section, distance learning means those courses taught by a licensed school of cosmetology and hairstyling to a registered student who is at a location separate and apart from the school. L.2023, c.301.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-11 Practicing license requirement.
11. A shop licensed by the board shall employ at least one experienced practicing licensee to generally oversee the management of the shop. The practicing licensee shall: a. Hold a cosmetologist-hairstylist license and have three years of experience as a cosmetologist-hairstylist; or b. (1) If the shop performs only beauty culture services, hold a cosmetologist-hairstylist or beauty culture license and have three years of experience as a cosmetologist-hairstylist or beautician; or (2) If the shop performs only barbering services, hold a cosmetologist-hairstylist or barbering license and have three years of experience as a cosmetologist-hairstylist or barber; or c. If the shop performs only manicuring services, hold a cosmetologist-hairstylist, beautician, or manicurist license and have three years of experience as a cosmetologist-hairstylist, beautician, or manicurist; or d. If a shop performs only skin care specialty services or cosmetic retail services, hold a cosmetologist-hairstylist, beautician, or skin care specialty license and have three years of experience as a cosmetologist-hairstylist, beautician, or skin care specialist; or e. If a shop performs only hair braiding services, hold a cosmetologist-hairstylist, beautician, or hair braiding license and have three years of experience as a cosmetologist-hairstylist, beautician, or hair braiding specialist. A shop which satisfies the requirements of this section by employing a practicing licensee who holds a beautician, barber, manicuring, hair braiding, or skin care specialty license is precluded from employing senior students other than those being trained in the practice for which the practicing licensee holds a license unless the shop also employs a practicing licensee who holds a license as a cosmetologist-hairstylist and has at least three years of experience as a cosmetologist-hairstylist. L.1984, c.205, s.11; amended 1987, c.92, s.1; 1998, c.88; 2000, c.159, s.2; 2009, c.162, s.9; 2018, c.126, s.8; 2025, c.171, s.4.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-11.1 Chair or booth rental arrangements, licenses, scope of services.
4. a. No licensed shop owner shall enter into a chair or booth rental arrangement with a practicing licensee unless the practicing licensee holds a license to provide cosmetology and hairstyling services for which the shop is licensed and holds a chair or booth rental license. A practitioner who holds a chair or booth rental license and who provides services in a licensed shop under a chair or booth rental arrangement shall not offer services beyond the scope of services that the shop owner is licensed to provide. b. An individual performing cosmetology, hairstyling, or other ancillary services in a licensed shop shall be deemed an employee of the shop, unless the following applies: (1) a written agreement exists between the individual and the shop specifying the following: (a) that the individual is an independent contractor; (b) that the shop has no right to control the methodology used by the individual to produce a given result; and (c) the amount of rent to be paid by the individual to the shop, whether calculated at a fixed percentage of the individual's gross receipts or a flat fee. (2) the individual possesses a booth rental permit issued by the board; and (3) the individual has paid a booth rental permit fee to the board. c. The licensed shop shall maintain complete records of all rental payments to the shop and all distributions to the individual. d. No individual who has been issued a booth rental permit pursuant to section 5 of P.L.2023, c.231 (C.45:5B-31.1) shall be recognized as an employee of a shop by the board. L.2023, c.231, s.4.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-12 Unlawful practices; persons.
12. In addition to any practice declared unlawful pursuant to P.L.1978, c.73 (C.45:1-14 et seq.), it shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the following practices: a. Advertise in a manner which would tend to mislead consumers of cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding, skin care specialty services, or cosmetic retail services; b. Advertise, practice, or attempt to practice under another's name or trade name; c. Continue to practice while knowingly having an infectious, contagious, or communicable disease which could reasonably be expected to be transmitted during the course of rendering cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding, or skin care specialty services; d. Engage in fraudulent practices for the purpose of securing financial aid from any institution or agency offering that aid to students of cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding, or skin care specialty; e. Aid, abet, or knowingly permit a person not licensed pursuant to P.L.1984, c.205 (C.45:5B-1 et seq.) to render any of the services encompassed within the definition of cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding, or skin care specialty; f. Fail to display a practicing license at any place at which the licensee renders services; or g. Engage in one or more of the practices included in the definition of cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding, skin care specialty services, or cosmetic retail services in premises not licensed as a shop or a school, except as provided in section 8 of P.L.1984, c.205 (C.45:5B-1 et seq.). L.1984, c.205, s.12; amended 1995, c.82, s.5; 2009, c.162, s.10; 2018, c.126, s.9; 2025, c.171, s.5.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-12.1 License under act required for certain practices.
14. a. No person shall represent himself or hold himself out as engaging in the practices encompassed in cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding or skin care specialty, unless licensed under this act. b. No person shall use the title or designation "cosmetologist-hairstylist," "beautician," "barber," "manicurist," "hair braider or hair braiding specialist" or "skin care specialist" or any other title or designation suggesting that the person is a cosmetologist-hairstylist, beautician, barber, manicurist, hair braider or skin care specialist unless licensed under this act, and unless the title or designation corresponds to the license held by the person pursuant to this act. L.1995, c.82, s.14; 1995, c.82, s.14; amended 2009, c.162, s.11; 2018, c.126, s.10.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-12.2 Display of license without showing home address.
1. Any license displayed pursuant to P.L.1984, c.205 (C.45:5B-1 et seq.) may be displayed in a manner which prevents the public display of the licensee's home address, provided that the license is not permanently defaced or altered and the license and all of the information contained thereon, including the address of record, can be presented upon the request of a person conducting an investigation. L.2003,c.297,s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-13 Unlawful practices; shops, owners.
13. In addition to any practice declared unlawful pursuant to P.L.1978, c.73 (C.45:1-14 et seq.), it shall be unlawful for a licensed shop or shop owner to engage in the following practices: a. Advertise in a manner which would tend to mislead consumers of cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding or skin care specialty services; b. Advertise, operate a shop or attempt to operate a shop under another's name or trademark; c. Knowingly permit any practicing licensee to render services when that licensee has an infectious, contagious or communicable disease which could reasonably be expected to be transmitted during the course of rendering cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding or skin care specialty services; d. Aid, abet or permit a person not licensed pursuant to this act to render any of the services encompassed within the definition of cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding or skin care specialty; e. Maintain a shop in a manner which is unsafe or unsanitary; f. Fail to display, in a conspicuous place, its shop license; or g. Fail to employ one person with the required experience as provided in section 11 of this act. L.1984, c.205, s.13; amended 1995, c.82, s.6; 2009, c.162, s.12; 2018, c.126, s.11.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-14 Unlawful practices; schools, owners.
14. In addition to any practice declared unlawful pursuant to P.L.1978, c.73 (C.45:1-14 et seq.), it shall be unlawful for a licensed school or school owner to engage in the following practices: a. Advertise in a manner which would tend to mislead potential students or consumers of cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding or skin care specialty services offered within the school's clinic; b. Advertise, operate a school or attempt to open a school under another's name or trade name; c. Permit students to practice upon each other or members of the public while knowingly having an infectious, contagious or communicable disease which could reasonably be expected to be transmitted during the course of teaching or rendering cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding or skin care specialty services; d. Permit teachers to demonstrate cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding or skin care specialty services on students while knowingly having an infectious, contagious or communicable disease which could reasonably be expected to be transmitted during the course of teaching or rendering cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding or skin care specialty services; e. Engage in fraudulent practices for the purpose of securing financial aid from any institution or agency offering aid to students of cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding or skin care specialty; f. Aid, abet, or permit a person not licensed pursuant to this act to teach any of the services encompassed within the definition of cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding or skin care specialty to registered students; g. Maintain any premises from which the practice of cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding or skin care specialty is offered, or the teaching of cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding or skin care specialty is offered in a manner which is unsanitary or unsafe; h. Fail to display, in a conspicuous place, its school license; i. Fail to maintain accurate records of attendance by any registered student for at least five years after the student's enrollment ends, which records shall be subject to inspection by the board; j. Fail to notify the board on forms it may prescribe of any student who obtains a leave of absence, fails to attend classes for a period of more than 90 consecutive days or withdraws from school; or k. Fail to maintain the required bond during all periods of operation. L.1984, c.205, s.14; amended 1995, c.82, s.7; 2009, c.162, s.13; 2018, c.126, s.12.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-15 Unlawful practices; teachers.
15. In addition to any practice declared unlawful pursuant to P.L.1978, c.73 (C.45:1-14 et seq.), it shall be unlawful for a licensed teacher to engage in the following practices: a. Advertise in a manner which would tend to mislead potential students or consumers of cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding or skin care specialty services offered in the school clinic; b. Advertise, teach or attempt to open a school under another person's name; c. Knowingly permit students to practice upon each other or members of the public while having an infectious, contagious or communicable disease which could reasonably be expected to be transmitted during the course of rendering cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding or skin care specialty services; d. Demonstrate cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding or skin care specialty services on students while knowingly having an infectious, contagious or communicable disease which could reasonably be expected to be transmitted during the course of rendering cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding or skin care specialty services; e. Engage in fraudulent practices for the purpose of securing financial aid from any institution or agency offering aid to students of cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding or skin care specialty; f. Aid, abet or permit a person not licensed pursuant to this act to teach any of the services included in the definition of cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding or skin care specialty to registered students; g. Teach cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding or skin care specialty in a manner which is unsatisfactory or unsafe; h. Fail to display in a conspicuous place a valid teacher's license at the school; or i. Fail to accurately and truthfully record attendance by registered students. L.1984, c.205, s.15; amended 1995, c.82, s.8; 2009, c.162, s.14; 2018, c.126, s.13.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-16 Application for licensure.
16. Each applicant for initial licensure as a practicing licensee shall submit to the board satisfactory evidence, on forms as the board requires, that he: a. Is of good moral character; b. Is at least 17 years of age; c. Does not have any communicable, contagious or infectious disease which could reasonably be expected to be transmitted during the course of rendering cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding or skin care specialty services; and d. Has successfully completed high school or has successfully passed an examination developed by the General Education Development (GED) Testing Service. L.1984, c.205, s.16; amended 1995, c.82, s.9; 2009, c.162, s.15; 2018, c.126, s.14.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-17 Licensure as cosmetologist-hairstylist.
17. An applicant seeking licensure as a cosmetologist-hairstylist shall: a. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2009, c.162) b. Demonstrate successful completion of a course in cosmetology and hairstyling consisting of: (1) Instruction at a school of cosmetology and hairstyling licensed in this State, the curriculum for which shall be established by the board pursuant to regulation; or (2) A program in a public school approved by the State Board of Education to offer a vocational program in cosmetology and hairstyling, or other cosmetology and hairstyling program approved by the State Board of Education; or (3) Instruction at a school of cosmetology and hairstyling licensed in another state or a foreign country which, in the opinion of the board, offers curricula which is substantially similar to that offered at licensed schools within the State; and c. Take and pass an examination conducted by the board, as provided by this act. L.1984, c.205, s.17; amended 1985, c.272, s.1; 2009, c.162, s.16.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-20 Initial licensure as beautician.
20. An applicant seeking initial licensure as a beautician shall: a. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2009, c.162) b. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2009, c.162) c. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2009, c.162) d. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2009, c.162) e. Demonstrate successful completion of a course of instruction in beauty culture consisting of: (1) Instruction at a school of cosmetology and hairstyling licensed in this State, the curriculum for which shall be established by the board pursuant to regulation; or (2) A program in a public school approved by the State Board of Education to offer a vocational program in cosmetology and hairstyling or beauty culture, or other cosmetology and hairstyling or beauty culture program approved by the State Board of Education; or (3) Instruction at a school of cosmetology and hairstyling or beauty culture licensed in another state or a foreign country which, in the opinion of the board, offers curricula which are substantially similar to that offered at licensed schools within the State; and f. Take and pass an examination conducted by the board. L.1984, c.205, s.20; amended 1985, c.272, s.2; 2009, c.162, s.17.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-21 Initial licensure as barber.
21. An applicant seeking initial licensure as a barber shall: a. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2009, c.162) b. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2009, c.162) c. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2009, c.162) d. Demonstrate successful completion of a course of instruction in barbering consisting of: (1) Instruction at a school of cosmetology and hairstyling licensed in this State, the curriculum for which shall be established by the board pursuant to regulation; or (2) A program at a public school approved by the State Board of Education to offer a vocational program in cosmetology and hairstyling or barbering, or other cosmetology and hairstyling or barbering program approved by the State Board of Education; or (3) Instruction at a school of cosmetology and hairstyling or barbering licensed in another state or a foreign country which, in the opinion of the board, offers curricula which are substantially similar to that offered at licensed schools within the State; and e. Take and pass an examination conducted by the board, as provided by this act. L.1984, c.205, s.21; amended 1987, c.92, s.5; 2009, c.162, s.18.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-22 Initial licensure as manicurist.
22. An applicant seeking initial licensure as a manicurist shall: a. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2009, c.162) b. Demonstrate successful completion of a course of instruction in manicuring, the curriculum for which shall be established by the board pursuant to regulation at: (1) a school of cosmetology and hairstyling licensed in this State; or (2) a public school approved by the State Board of Education to offer a vocational program in cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture or manicuring, or other cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture or manicuring program approved by the State Board of Education; or (3) a school of cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture or manicuring licensed in another state or foreign country which, in the opinion of the board, offers curricula which are substantially similar to that offered at licensed schools within this State; and c. Take and pass an examination conducted by the board. L.1984, c.205, s.22; amended 2000, c.159, s.3; 2009, c.162, s.19.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-22.1 Initial licensure as skin care specialist.
13. An applicant seeking initial licensure as a skin care specialist shall: a. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2009, c.162) b. Demonstrate successful completion of a course of instruction in the practice of a skin care specialty, the curriculum for which is to be established by the board pursuant to regulation at: (1) a school of cosmetology and hairstyling licensed in this State; or (2) a public school approved by the State Board of Education to offer a vocational program in cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture or skin care specialty or other cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture or skin care specialty program approved by the State Board of Education; or (3) a school of cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture or skin care specialty licensed in another state or foreign country which, in the opinion of the board, offers curricula which is substantially similar to that offered at licensed schools within this State; and c. Take and pass an examination conducted by the board. L.1995, c.82, s.13; amended 2009, c.162, s.20.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-22.2 Initial licensure as a hair braiding specialist.
15. a. An applicant seeking initial licensure as a hair braiding specialist who demonstrates to the satisfaction of the board that the applicant has at least three years of prior experience as a hair braider shall: (1) Demonstrate successful completion of a course of instruction in hair braiding, the curriculum for which shall be established by the board pursuant to regulation but which shall not exceed 40 hours of instruction and shall include training in sanitization, decontamination, and infection control at: (i) a school of cosmetology and hairstyling licensed in this State; or (ii) a public school approved by the State Board of Education to offer a vocational program in cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, hair braiding, or other cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture or hair braiding program approved by the State Board of Education; or (iii) a school of cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture or hair braiding licensed in another state or foreign country which, in the opinion of the board, offers curricula which are substantially similar to that offered at licensed schools within this State; and (2) Take and pass an examination conducted by the board. b. An applicant seeking initial licensure as a hair braiding specialist who cannot demonstrate to the satisfaction of the board that the applicant has at least three years of prior experience as a hair braider shall: (1) Demonstrate successful completion of a course of instruction in hair braiding, the curriculum for which shall be established by the board pursuant to regulation but which shall not exceed 50 hours of instruction and shall include training in sanitization, decontamination and infection control, and technique, at: (i) a school of cosmetology and hairstyling licensed in this State; or (ii) a public school approved by the State Board of Education to offer a vocational program in cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, hair braiding, or other cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture or hair braiding program approved by the State Board of Education; or (iii) a school of cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture or hair braiding licensed in another state or foreign country which, in the opinion of the board, offers curricula which are substantially similar to that offered at licensed schools within this State; and (2) Take and pass an examination conducted by the board. L.2018, c.126, s.15.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-22.3 Prospective shampoo technician, requirements if not enrolled in a program leading to licensure.
5. An individual who is seeking employment as a shampoo technician and who is not currently enrolled in a program that leads to a professional license offered by the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling shall complete one of the following: a. a program for shampoo technicians of 60 hours offered by a school licensed by the board pursuant to section 10 of P.L.1984, c.205 (C.45:5B-10), or a public school vocational program approved by the State Board of Education; or b. training of 60 hours provided, for a reasonable fee, by a shop licensed pursuant to section 9 of P.L.1984, c.205 (C.45:5B-9) with a focus on shampooing and temporary rinses. L.2025, c.18, s.5.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-22.4 Practical examination, shampoo technicians.
6. a. An individual who completes a program pursuant to subsection a. of section 5 of P.L.2025, c.18 (C.45:5B-22.3) or training pursuant to subsection b. of section 5 of P.L.2025, c.18 (C.45:5B-22.3) shall be required to take and pass a practical examination. The examination may be: (1) taken at and administered by: (a) a licensed school; or (b) a public school offering a vocational program to be a shampoo technician; or (2) scheduled and administered by the board. b. In accordance with subsection c. of section 6 of P.L.1984, c.205 (C.45:5B-6), an examiner who has an affiliation with a licensed school shall not grade any portion of the practical examination of an individual who attended the licensed school where the examiner is affiliated. c. Upon passage of the examination, the board shall be notified, in a form and manner as it determines, for examinations graded by examiners at a licensed school or public school offering a vocational program to be a shampoo technician. Notification of examination passage shall include submission of: (1) proof of completion of a program offered pursuant to subsection a. of section 5 of P.L.2025, c.18 (C.45:5B-22.3); or (2) a notarized attestation demonstrating completion of training by an individual pursuant to subsection b. of section 5 of P.L.2025, c.18 (C.45:5B-22.3). d. Upon receipt of information required of subsection c. of this section, the board shall issue a certification, for a reasonable fee, to an individual to provide services as a shampoo technician. The certification is to be renewed on a biennial basis. L.2025, c.18, s.6.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-22.5 Reactivation, shampoo technician certification.
7. If an individual certified as a shampoo technician pursuant to P.L.2025, c.18 (C.45:5B-22.3 et al.) does not maintain certification and seeks reactivation, the individual shall: a. if the reactivation is sought after a period of fewer than 10 years, submit an application and pay a reactivation fee, as determined by the board; or b. if the reactivation is sought after a period of 10 years or more, sit for the examination required for initial certification pursuant to section 6 of P.L.2025, c.18 (C.45:5B-22.4) and upon passage, submit an application and pay a reactivation fee, as determined by the board. L.2025, c.18, s.7.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-22.6 Rules, regulations.
8. a. The board shall promulgate rules and regulations pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.) to effectuate the purposes of sections 5 through 7 of P.L.2025, c.18 (C.45:5B-22.3 through 45:5B-22.5). b. The regulations shall include, among other items, standards for: (1) qualifications to be a shampoo technician; (2) the individuals authorized to provide training in a licensed shop and to be examiners for the practical examination; and (3) the amount of the fees to be paid by individuals training as a shampoo technician through a licensed shop and for the issuance of an initial certification and the annual renewal of a certification. L.2025, c.18, s.8.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-23 Licensure as teacher of cosmetology and hairstyling.
23. An applicant for a license to teach cosmetology and hairstyling shall submit to the board satisfactory evidence that he: a. Is of good moral character; b. Is at least 18 years of age; c. Does not have a communicable, contagious or infectious disease; d. Has successfully completed high school or successfully passed the examination developed by the General Education Development (GED) Testing Service; e. Holds a cosmetologist-hairstylist license issued by the board; f. Has successfully completed a teacher training course, the curriculum for which shall be established by the board pursuant to regulation, consisting of 600 hours of instruction in the practice and theory of teaching conducted at a licensed school of cosmetology and hairstyling in this State or a school of cosmetology and hairstyling or beauty culture licensed in another state or foreign country which, in the opinion of the board, offers a curriculum which is substantially similar to that offered at licensed schools within this State; g. Has successfully completed a 30-hour teaching methods course conducted by a college approved by the Commission on Higher Education and recognized by the board or a substantially equivalent teaching methods course conducted by a college in another state which is approved by the higher education authorities of that state and recognized by the board; h. Has attained six months' employment experience in a licensed shop within this State which may be obtained prior to, at the same time as, or subsequent to the period during which the applicant is attending the teacher training course offered by a licensed school of cosmetology and hairstyling of this State or has attained six months' licensed employment in another state or foreign country; and i. Has successfully completed an examination conducted by the board. L.1984, c.205, s.23; amended 1987, c.92, s.2; 2009, c.162, s.21; 2024, c.46, s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-23.1 Regulations.
3. Notwithstanding the provisions of the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L. 1968, c. 410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), to the contrary, the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling and the New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy may adopt, immediately upon filing with the Office of Administrative Law, such regulations as they deem necessary to implement the provisions of P.L.2024, c.46 (C.45:5B-23.1 et al.), which regulations shall be effective for a period not to exceed 545 days from the date of filing. The boards shall thereafter amend, adopt, or readopt the regulations in accordance with the requirements of P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.). L.2024, c.46, s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-25 Eligibility to obtain student permit.
25. a. To be eligible to obtain a student permit, an applicant shall submit to the board satisfactory evidence that the applicant: (1) is a registered student in a course of instruction in cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding, or skin care, as appropriate; and (2) does not have a communicable, contagious, or infectious disease which could reasonably be expected to be transmitted during the course of rendering cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding, or skin care specialty services. b. A junior student in a course of instruction in cosmetology and hairstyling shall be eligible to obtain a shampoo permit for the purpose of shampooing and rinsing hair if the student submits to the board satisfactory evidence that the student: (1) completed at least 60 hours of relevant course instruction; and (2) does not have a communicable, contagious, or infectious disease which could reasonably be expected to be transmitted during the course of rendering shampoo and hair rinsing services. c. All permits shall remain valid only during the period that the student is registered at a licensed school of cosmetology and hairstyling or enrolled in an approved vocational program and shall expire upon a student's graduation, withdrawal, or leave of absence from the school or program for more than 90 consecutive days. L.1984, c.205, s.25; amended 1995, c.82, s.10; 2009, c.162, s.22; 2018, c.126, s.16; 2025, c.18, s.4.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-26 Application fee; examination; temporary permit
Upon submitting satisfactory evidence of eligibility for any practicing license, an applicant shall submit to the board a fee as required by the board. The applicant then shall be scheduled to sit for the examination conducted by the board in the practice in which he is seeking a practicing license. Upon scheduling, he shall be issued a temporary permit to engage in the practice for which the applicant is seeking a license. The permit shall remain valid for a period of no more than 120 days and shall expire upon receipt of a newly issued license by the licensee. Only one temporary permit shall be issued to an applicant. No temporary permit shall be issued to applicants awaiting scheduling of and results from the teacher examination. L.1984, c. 205, s. 26.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-27 Examinations
27. All examinations conducted by the board pursuant to this act shall consist of practical and written portions and may be administered in English, and in the case of practicing licensees, in Spanish or with the aid of a translator, if the board, in its discretion, deems that aid to be warranted. L.1984,c.205,s.27; amended 1991,c.313,s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-27.1 Textured hair, subject matter to be tested on, examination.
4. The examination required of an applicant for licensure in cosmetology-hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, or hair braiding shall include textured hair as part of the subject matter upon which the applicant is tested. The testing shall be part of the written and practical portions of the examination. L.2025, c.207, s.4.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-28 Licensure from another state, country; eligibility for licensure; three-year pilot program established
28. a. Applicants possessing a license to render services in another state or a foreign country, which services are included within the definition of cosmetology and hairstyling as set forth in P.L.1984, c.205 (C.45:5B-1 et seq.), may be issued a license as a cosmetologist-hairstylist, beautician, barber, manicurist, or hair braiding or skin care specialist, as appropriate, without examination, provided, however, that the state or country has established eligibility criteria substantially similar to those established in this State, and the applicant has paid a fee as required by the board and submitted certification from the licensing jurisdiction. A person possessing a license to practice cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding, or skin care specialty services issued by a licensing authority from another state or a foreign country which has established eligibility criteria with respect to cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding, or skin care specialty training which are, in the opinion of the board, less stringent than those required in this State may, nevertheless, be eligible for licensure without examination if he can present satisfactory evidence of prior practical experience of three years working in a licensed shop in the practice in which the applicant is seeking licensure. b. The three-year pilot program established pursuant to P.L.2019, c.20 (C.45:5B-28) shall be extended for an additional three-year period. The program shall continue to be administered by the board in consultation with the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety and be applicable to a pilot city. A temporary permit shall be issued to a person possessing a license to render barbering services in another state or foreign country or who certifies that, prior to moving to New Jersey, the person rendered barbering services in a professional capacity in another state or foreign country that does not issue licenses to render barbering services, which services are included within the definition of barbering as set forth in section 3 of P.L.1984, c.205 (C.45:5B-3), to practice as a barber upon first arrival in this State and while awaiting the issuance of a license as a barber pursuant to subsection a. of this section. A temporary permit issued under the pilot program pursuant to this subsection shall be valid for a period of 120 days, and shall be subject to extension if the applicant continues to meet the requirements of the pilot program and the application for the issuance of a license remains pending. A person who renders barbering services pursuant to a temporary permit issued under the pilot program pursuant to this subsection shall not be in violation of section 14 of P.L.1995, c.82 (C.45:5B-12.1) or any other provision of P.L.1984, c.205 (C.45:5B-1 et seq.) that prohibits the practice of barbering without a license, provided that the person has made a good faith effort to obtain a license in this State pursuant to the provisions of subsection a. of this section and the person is under the direct supervision of a barber licensed in this State pursuant to P.L.1984, c.205 (C.45:5B-1 et seq.). c. The board, in consultation with the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety, shall submit a report evaluating the effectiveness of the pilot program pursuant to subsection b. of this section to the Governor and, pursuant to the provisions of section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), the Legislature upon completion of the pilot program. d. As used in this section, “Pilot city” means the cities of Elizabeth, Passaic, Paterson, and Perth Amboy. L.1984, c.205, s.28; amended 2009, c.162, s.28; 2018, c.126, s.17; 2019, c.20; 2025, c.236.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-31 Application for licensure to open shop.
31. a. A person, corporation, firm or partnership intending to open a shop shall: (1) Make application to the board on forms as it may require demonstrating that the physical premises and the operation of the shop will meet minimum criteria as established by the board; (2) Permit an inspection of the premises; (3) Pay a fee as may be required by the board; (4) Employ a practicing licensee with the required experience pursuant to section 11 of P.L.1984, c.205 (C.45:5B-11). b. Nothing contained in P.L.1984, c.205 (C.45:5B-1 et seq.) shall be construed to preclude a person, corporation, firm or partnership from obtaining a shop license for a shop which offers only manicuring services as enumerated in subsection l. of section 3 of P.L.1984, c.205 (C.45:5B-3); provided the applicant for a manicuring shop license complies with the requirements of subsection a. of this section. The minimum criteria established by the board by regulation for such a shop shall be appropriate to the practice offered by the shop, without regard to the practices not offered by the shop. c. Nothing contained in P.L.1984, c.205 (C.45:5B-1 et seq.) shall be construed to preclude a person, corporation, firm or partnership from obtaining a shop license for a shop which offers only skin care specialty services as enumerated in subsection y. of section 3 of P.L.1984, c.205 (C.45:5B-3); provided the applicant for a skin care specialty shop license complies with the requirements of subsection a. of this section. The minimum criteria established by the board by regulation for such a shop shall be appropriate to the practice offered by the shop, without regard to the practices not offered by the shop. d. Nothing contained in this act shall be construed to preclude a person, corporation, firm or partnership from obtaining a shop license for a shop which offers only beauty culture services as enumerated in subsection d. of section 3 of P.L.1984, c.205 (C.45:5B-3); provided the applicant for a beauty culture shop license complies with the requirements of subsection a. of this section. The minimum criteria established by the board by regulation for such a shop shall be appropriate to the practice offered by the shop, without regard to the practices not offered by the shop. e. Nothing contained in P.L.1984, c.205 (C.45:5B-1 et seq.) shall be construed to preclude a person, corporation, firm or partnership from obtaining a shop license for a shop which offers only barbering services as enumerated in subsection b. of section 3 of P.L.1984, c.205 (C.45:5B-3); provided the applicant for a barber shop license complies with the requirements of subsection a. of this section. The minimum criteria established by the board by regulation for such a shop shall be appropriate to the practice offered by the shop, without regard to the practices not offered by the shop. f. Nothing contained in P.L.1984, c.205 (C.45:5B-1 et seq.) shall be construed to preclude a person, corporation, firm or partnership from obtaining a shop license for a shop which offers only hair braiding services as enumerated in subsection bb. of section 3 of P.L.1984, c.205 (C.45:5B-3); provided the applicant for a hair braiding shop license complies with the requirements of subsection a. of this section. The minimum criteria established by the board by regulation for such a shop shall be appropriate to the practice offered by the shop, without regard to the practices not offered by the shop. L.1984, c.205, s.31; amended 1995, c.86; 2000, c.159, s.4; 2009, c.162, s.24; 2018, c.126, s.18.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-31.1 Chair or booth rental license, application, requirements; rules, regulations.
5. a. An individual applying for a chair or booth rental license shall: (1) Make application to the board on forms as it may require; and (2) Pay a fee as required by the board. b. The board shall promulgate rules and regulations relating to the information to be submitted for a chair or booth rental license, including information regarding an applicant's compliance with State and federal tax laws, and the board shall issue a booth rental permit, to any person who holds a license, certificate of registration, or permit issued by the board, upon application and compliance with the following: (1) submission of a copy of the written agreement required by section 4 of P.L.2023, c.231 (C.45:5B-11.1); (2) inspection of the premises prior to the issuance of a chair or booth rental license; (3) payment of the booth rental permit fee and the booth rental inspection fee set forth by the board; and (4) receipt of an inspection report from the board indicating approval of the booth. c. A booth rental permit shall not be transferable except that when the shop changes location, a booth rental permit may be transferred by filing a new booth rental agreement and receipt of an inspection report from the board indicating approval of the booth. L.2023, c.231, s.5.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-32 Application to open school; inspection; bond; fee
A person, corporation, firm or partnership intending to open a school shall: a. Make application to the board on forms as it may require demonstrating the physical premises and the operation of the school will meet minimum criteria as established by the board; b. Permit an inspection of the premises; c. Post a bond in favor of the State in an amount which shall be determined on the basis of the school's enrollment, in accordance with regulations provided by the board, except in no case shall the bond posted by a school be in an amount less than $10,000.00; and d. Pay a fee as required by the board. L.1984, c. 205, s. 32.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-33 Bond for licensed schools; grievance against school; initiation of action on bond
A person, partnership, corporation or agency, department or political subdivision of State government including the board, may initiate an action on the bond required pursuant to section 32 of this act, if the person, partnership, corporation or agency, department, or political subdivision of State government is aggrieved, damaged or injured by any misconduct or violation for which the licensed school is held responsible. L.1984, c. 205, s. 33.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-34 Biennial license renewal.
34. a. All practicing licenses, chair or booth rental licenses, and teachers' licenses issued shall be renewable on a biennial basis on a date determined by the board. b. An application for renewal of a chair or booth rental license shall require, among other information, an indication if the rental license is for a chair or booth in a mobile facility and if so, the name and shop license number of the mobile facility. L.1984, c.205, s.34; amended 2000, c.159, s.5; 2009, c.162, s.25; 2023, c.231, s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-35 Renewal of shop, school license.
35. Shop and school licenses shall be renewed within 90 days following expiration. All shop licenses and school licenses issued shall be renewable on a biennial basis on a date determined by the board. Applicants for renewal of school licenses shall provide satisfactory evidence that a bond required pursuant to section 32 of P.L.1984, c.205 (C.45:5B-32) has been secured and shall remain valid through the next licensing period. No shop or school license may be restored after 90 days and an application for initial licensure shall be submitted. L.1984, c.205, s.35; amended 1987, c.92, s.3; 2009, c.162, s.26; 2018, c.126, s.19.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-35.1 Prior licenses valid.
4. The provisions of P.L.1984, c.205 (C.45:5B-1 et seq.) shall not affect the validity of any license issued by the Board of Beauty Culture Control or the Board of Barber Examiners prior to the effective date of P.L.1984, c.205 (C.45:5B-1 et seq.), however, a person holding a license issued by either board is subject to the provisions of P.L.1984, c.205 (C.45:5B-1 et seq.), as amended by P.L.2009, c.162. L.1987, c.92, s.4; amended 2009, c.162, s.27.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-36 Notification of change of location, ownership of shop, school.
36. a. A shop or school owner shall notify the board prior to initiating a change of location, a change of ownership, or such other change as the board may determine pursuant to regulation. The shop or school shall submit to the board an initial application for licensure. If a change of ownership results from the death or disability of a principal shareholder in a corporation, or partner in a partnership which holds a shop or school license, the new owner shall notify the board within six months after the change has been effected. For purposes of this section, a change of ownership shall be deemed to have occurred if more than 50% of the outstanding stock or other financial interest is transferred. b. (1) A shop that is a mobile facility shall publish on a website that is accessible to the public a 14-day location schedule at least 14 days in advance of the first scheduled date. The mobile facility may make changes to the schedule within the first seven days after posting it to the website. If the schedule changes after the first seven days, the mobile facility shall immediately notify the board of any change to that schedule. (2) A shop that is a mobile facility shall be equipped with and utilize an automatic vehicle location system to track the location of the vehicle with respect to compliance with the schedule required pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection, in such manner as may be established by the board. For purposes of this paragraph, "automatic vehicle location system" means an automated system, such as a global positioning system, for tracking the geographic location of a motor vehicle and transmitting that location information to an authorized receiving entity, and "global positioning system" means a reporting technology that is monitored by a network of electronic navigation components in which a vehicle may be identified and tracked via satellite. (3) It shall be unlawful for a shop that is a mobile facility to engage in services at a location other than the scheduled location as set forth in the schedule published pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection, unless the licensee shall demonstrate good cause for the failure to comply with this requirement. It shall not be unlawful pursuant to this paragraph for a mobile facility that is parked outside the home of a customer receiving services to not to be at the pre-determined location at the scheduled time. L.1984, c.205, s.36; amended 2009, c.162, s.28; 2021, c.275, s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-37 Lawful sales or services; inapplicability of law; regulations to prevent health hazards
Nothing in this act shall be construed to preclude the lawful sale of merchandise or the provision of services related to the beautification of the body or the enhancement of personal appearance which are not enumerated in the definition of cosmetology and hairstyling pursuant to section 3 of this act, from being undertaken within a licensed shop or school. To the extent that the board determines that certain ancillary beautification services pose a health hazard to the public, it may adopt regulations prohibiting the services, placing restrictions on the manner in which the services are offered or designating appropriate training levels which those offering the services shall have to attain. L.1984, c. 205, s. 37.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-38 Construction of act relative to right of State Board of Education to establish, operate, approve courses.
38. Nothing in this act shall be construed to limit in any way the right of the State Board of Education to establish, operate and approve courses in cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding and skin care specialty, to employ teachers, to determine the standards for teaching and the qualifications of teachers, to determine courses of study, to determine the standards for the admission, progress, certification and graduation of students, to determine any and all standards and rules as to location, supplies, equipment and anything whatsoever pertaining to the establishment, operation and maintenance of a course in cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding and skin care specialty operated by a public school. Nothing in this act shall be interpreted to give any person or agency other than the State Board of Education the right to prescribe any requirement of any kind whatsoever for courses of cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding and skin care specialty in public schools or for teachers or pupils in school courses. L.1984, c.205, s.38; amended 2009, c.162, s.29; 2018, c.126, s.20.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-39 Legal justification to inspect certain areas.
21. If an official, authorized by the board, inspects a hair braiding shop that is located within an owner's residence or located within an office space or facility shared with other business entities, the official conducting the inspection shall be required to have an independent and sufficient legal justification in order to inspect areas not used for the purposes of the hair braiding shop. L.2018, c.126, s.21.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-40 Construction of act relative to sale of merchandise, provision of certain services.
22. a. Nothing in P.L.2018, c.126 (C.45:5B-22.2 et al.) shall be construed to preclude the lawful sale of merchandise or the provision of services related to the beautification of the body or the enhancement of personal appearance in a hair braiding establishment, except that no services shall be rendered that are encompassed within the definition of cosmetology and hairstyling, beauty culture, barbering, manicuring, and skin care specialty. b. To the extent that the board determines that certain ancillary beautification services provided in a hair braiding establishment pose a health hazard to the public, it may adopt regulations prohibiting the services or placing restrictions on the manner in with the services are offered in the hair braiding establishment. L.2018, c.126, s.22; amended 2023, c.231, s.7.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5B-41 Supersedure.
23. a. The provisions of P.L.2018, c.126 (C.45:5B-22.2 et al.) shall supersede any county or municipal ordinance or regulation providing for the licensure, certification, or registration of, or otherwise regulating, a person who engages in the practice of hair braiding for the general public or an owner of an establishment in which a person or persons engage in the practice of hair braiding for the general public. No county or municipality shall have the authority to: inspect an establishment in which a person or persons engage in the practice of hair braiding for the general public; penalize a person who engages in the practice of hair braiding for the general public or penalize an owner of an establishment in which a person or persons engage in the practice of hair braiding for the general public; or otherwise regulate the standards and manners by which a person engages in the practice of hair braiding for the general public or by which an owner operates an establishment in which a person or persons engage in the practice of hair braiding for the general public. b. All fees, fines, or penalties imposed, prior to the effective date of P.L.2018, c.126 (C.45:5B-22.2 et al.) and with respect to the regulation of hair braiding, by any county or municipality, or by any department, division, bureau, board, council, agency, or authority of any county or municipality, on a person who engages in the practice of hair braiding for the general public or the owner of an establishment in which a person or persons engage in the practice of hair braiding, shall be waived. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as providing a person who engages in the practice of hair braiding for the general public or an owner of an establishment in which a person or persons engage in the practice of hair braiding for the general public with the right to a refund of the amount of any fees, fines, or penalties paid, prior to the effective date of P.L.2018, c.126 (C.45:5B-22.2 et al.), by the person or owner to a county or municipality with respect to the county's or municipality's regulation of hair braiding. L.2018, c.126, s.11.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislative-activity/statutesFetched: 10/17/2026