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United States Licensing Requirements for Sugaring Hair Removal

To offer sugaring services and order supplies from professional manufacturers in the US, you will need:

1️⃣ Esthetician or Cosmetology License; and
2️⃣ Sugaring Certification

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 order sugaring hair removal supplies from professional manufacturers.

    Tip: Pursuing a brand-neutral certification ensures long-term flexibility, should a supplier cease operations or should you choose to transition to a different product line in the future.

    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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