What more could you want than a fun, rewarding, and exciting career that you love? As a cosmetologist in Kansas you get to use your creativity, while working in an industry where being on the cutting-edge of beauty and fashion trends is considered a high virtue. Becoming a cosmetologist in Kansas may mean having an opportunity to work at places like Last Tangle in Overland Park or Salon 808 in Topeka, which both made it onto Elle magazine’s list of top 100 salons in the United States!
The Kansas Board of Cosmetology licenses beauty professionals, defining cosmetologists as hairstylists, makeup artists, and even general skincare and nail care professionals; however, specializing as a manicurist or esthetician will mean meeting a unique set of licensing requirements.
To become a licensed cosmetologist in Kansas, you will need to follow a few simple steps:
 | Graduate from Cosmetology School |
 | Pass the Kansas Board Cosmetology Exam |
 | Submit an Application for Licensure as a Cosmetologist in Kansas |
 | Renew your Kansas Cosmetology License |
Step 1. Graduate from Cosmetology School
Cosmetology school is a fun and exciting way to learn the in’s-and-outs of working with hair, makeup, and nails. Kansas is home to many exciting cosmetology schools, where you will get to work with experts in the field, and where you will meet the 1500 hours of educational training required by the Kansas Board of Cosmetology.
Enrolling in a cosmetology school is not hard, and you will get a chance to learn both the theoretical and practical art of hairstyling. You will take classes that cover:
- Hairstyling
- Cutting
- Perming
- Coloring
- Texture
- Facial and skin care
- Manicuring
- Shampooing
- Scalp treatments
You will even be given an opportunity push your limits by taking advanced classes in new trends and advanced texture.
Many schools even offer continuing education options, once you have become a fully licensed cosmetologist. These courses will help you stay in the know on what the latest trends are, and they will teach you the best practices on how to help your clients find the look that’s best for them. With continuing education options, you will never be left on your own to figure out how to do an ombre (and end up giving your clients bad ones!), but you will be taught the new styles so you can impress both your clients and your employer.
The school you choose will help you to be successful as you take your next step—taking the cosmetology exam. Many schools offer State Board Review courses, where you will get complete support in preparing to take the Board exam immediately after graduation.
Step 2. Pass the Kansas Board Cosmetology Exam
The second step toward attaining your licensure is taking and passing the written and practical examinations. The Kansas Board administers the exams for cosmetologists in the state through Ergometrics & Applied Personnel Research, Inc. The National Testing Network is the organization used to actually administer the exams.
While you are completing cosmetology school, you should contact your school, asking them to refer you to take this exam online. When they refer you, you should be at least 17 years old and no more than eighty (80) hours away from completing your cosmetology school program. By the time you actually take the exam, you must have finished your cosmetology program.
After they refer you, they will give you your username and password for registration and scheduling purposes. At that point, you will want to follow these steps:
- Read the Exam Guide fully
- Pay the $65 practical exam fee
- Pay the $50 written exam fee
After the exam fees have been received and you have completed the application form, you will receive a voucher allowing you to schedule both of your exams. The exams will cover content such as—
- Safety and Sanitation
- Implements, Tools, and Equipment
- Chemical and Facility Management
- Hair Care and Product Use
- Skin and Facial Care and Product Use
- Nail Care and Product Use
Specifically, in the practical exam, you will perform and demonstrate your ability to professionally work with hair, makeup, and nails by bringing a kit and head mannequins, and actually performing skills such as:
- Setting up and Sanitizing
- Draping
- Thermal Curling, Haircut, Chemical Waves, and Facial Services
- Hair Coloring, Lightening, and Chemical Relaxing
- Blood Spill Procedures
- Sculptured Nail
- Manicure
- Disinfection and Cleanup
Along with this, the written exam, which will take about two (2) hours, will cover the following:
- Professional Knowledge, which will be tested based on the information in the following books:
- Milady’s Standard Textbook of Cosmetology
- Salon Fundamentals: A Resource for Your Cosmetology Career
- Milady’s Standard Nail Technology
- Kansas Cosmetology Laws and Regulations
- You can find the general rules and regulations here.
Once you complete the exam, your scores will be online within one (1) week. You must receive at least 75% on these exams in order to pass and apply for licensure.
Step 3. Submit an Application for Licensure as a Cosmetologist in Kansas
Finally, the last step before you become a legally licensed cosmetologist is to simply submit your application for licensure! To obtain your licensure, you will want to follow these simple steps:
- Submit Application
- Submit High School Graduation Verification
- Verify Education and Instructional Hours
- Verification of Kansas Board Exam Scores
- Submit Name Change Documents
- Submit $45 Application Fee
Anything that you mail should be mailed to the Board at the following address:
Kansas Board of Cosmetology
714 SW Jackson, Suite 100
Topeka, KS 66603
Step 4. Renew your Kansas Cosmetology License
You will get a renewal notice before your license expires, and you must renew your license in order to keep practicing as a cosmetologist. You may renew online here.
Although there are no continuing education requirements for a cosmetologist licensee, you will want to keep taking courses whenever you get the chance. Staying up to date on the trends and techniques will keep your clients happy, and happy clients means happy tips.
Once you’re licensed, you’ll find tons of great opportunities for employment in Kansas. Some of the top salons can be found in the metropolitan areas, especially in Kansas City. Some of the top salons in Kansas are:
- The Skyline Downtown Salon, located in Kansas City
- Studio 39 Salon, located in Kansas City
- Belle Epoque, located in Kansas City
- Roca Salon and Spa, located in Kansas City
- Last Tangle, located in Overland Park
- Salon 808, located in Topeka