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United States Licensing Requirements for Sugaring Hair Removal

When it comes to licensing requirements for sugaring, most countries do not have stringent requirements.

In the United States, however, you are generally required to have an esthetician license, though a cosmetology license is accepted in some states.

Plus to order supplies from professional sugaring manufacturers you will need a valid certificate to prove you can provide safe services and use the products effectively.

What are the differences?
  • Esthetician license: To specialize in skincare and/or hair removal.
  • Cosmetology license: To perform services like cutting or styling hair, nail services, or hair removal (in some cases).
  • Sugaring certification: To perform the service and order sugaring hair removal supplies.

    Below is a snapshot comparison of the licensing requirements by state:
    • Cosmetology license accepted
    • Select states: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
    Esthetician license accepted
    • All states, including: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

    Given regulations change, please verify requirements with your state's Board of Cosmetology. The National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology website can help you locate your regulator.

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