How to Get a Hair Stylist License in Michigan

Individuals providing cosmetology services in Michigan must be licensed.

Individuals who are interested in becoming a hair stylist in the state of Michigan must become licensed in cosmetology in order to provide services. Cosmetology license applicants must be trained through individuals and facilities approved by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, which includes cosmetology schools and beauty shops. The training period, apprenticeship or course of study must be completed before the application process can be pursued.

Things You'll Need

• Processing and licensing fees
• Computer with Internet access
• Printer
• Paper
• Pen
• Application for Apprenticeship Training Program form
• Facility floor plan with labeled work areas
• Equipment list
• Telephone

Instructions

1. Apply for admission to an apprenticeship program or a cosmetology school. All applicants must be 17 years of age and possess a ninth-grade education to be considered for admission.

2. Complete an application for Apprenticeship Training Program form upon acceptance to the apprenticeship program or cosmetology school. The form can be accessed through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website or by visiting the Licensing Division in person. Submit the completed application with the application fee, which was $25 as of September, 2011. If you are apprenticing, you need to submit a copy of the facility's floor plan to show the training and any rest areas, along with a list of training equipment. These plans and equipment will be evaluated by the State of Michigan to determine if they meet the requirements for a training facility.

3. Attend and complete 24 months or 1,920 hours of education for a full cosmetology license. All education hours completed must result in a minimum score of 75 percent during examinations.

4. Register for the practical and theory examination. You can register on the MyLicense website, mylicense.mdch.state.mi.us, complete the application and pay the testing fee, which was $144 as of September, 2011. Or, you can download the Candidate Information Bulletin and complete the Michigan Cosmetology Examination Registration Form. Submit the completed application with the appropriate fee payment information to Performance Systems International Licensure (PSI), the examination group that proctors the theory and practical portions of the exam.

5. Call PSI at 800-733-9267 to schedule your examination. Place the call two business days after submitting your registration and fees.

6. Attend the theory and practical portion of the exam. Pass the exam with the appropriate score.

Tips & Warnings

• When you have completed both portions of the test with a passing score, you will be issued an identification. A license will be mailed to your within seven business days, to be displayed on the wall where you provide the cosmetology service.

References

• State of Michigan; Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
• State of Michigan; Cosmetology Examination Application Information
• State of Michigan; MyLicense
• PSI Exams; Michigan Cosmetologist Examination Candidate Information Bulletin
• State of Michigan; Instructions for Apprenticeship Training Programs