How to Become a Licensed Esthetician in Kentucky

Horses, fancy dresses, and exotic hats are all associated with one day of the year where people in Kentucky want to look their absolute best. However, there are many residents and visitors in Kentucky that want to look their best every day of the year. With the help of professionals in the cosmetic industry, such as estheticians, they can accomplish this goal.

If you are considering a career as a licensed esthetician in the state of Kentucky, keep reading to find out what you should know.

Esthetician License Requirements and Training Schools in Kentucky

Before you can become an esthetician in the great state of Kentucky, you must first be issued a license by the Kentucky Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists. There are several steps you need to follow in order to become licensed in the state of Kentucky.

Step 1: Complete a State Approved Esthetics Program

The Kentucky Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists is a governmental body that oversees esthetician licensing. In order to become a licensed esthetician in this state, you must have completed the 12th grade and have completed a 1,000-hour esthetician training program from a board-approved educational system.

Although some state cosmetology boards allow an apprenticeship in lieu of educational training, Kentucky is not one of them.

Topics covered in state-approved esthetics programs include:

Skin assessment and conditions
Body wraps
Hair growth
Hair waxing and tweezing
Brow and lash tinting
Color theory
Makeup application
Communication and business skills
Client consultation
Microdermabrasion
Exfoliation
Safety and infection control
Kentucky state cosmetology laws and guidelines

Let Esthetician Schooling Connect You With a High Quality Esthetician School in Your Area!

Are you ready to take the next step and begin your career as a well-paid esthetician? Esthetician Schooling has partnered with some of the best esthetician schools in the nation. Our huge network of nationally recognized esthetician schools will make it easy for you to find the right school and get started training immediately!

The beauty schools in our network contain one or more of the following high quality standards:

State Board Recognition
NACCAS Accreditation
Student Financial Aid
Job Placement Assistance for Those Who Qualify

To get started, simply fill out the quick 1-minute application below.

Step 2: Complete and Submit the Esthetician Application for Examination

Your Kentucky educational institution will help you to complete your exam and license application. You will need to:

Complete, sign (no initials), and submit the Esthetician Application for Examination
Attach a current photo 2 x 2 photo (paper copies are not allowed)
Provide proof of high school graduation or completion of a GED program
Pay the non-refundable $125 examination fee in the form of cash, cashier’s check, or money order (no personal or business checks are accepted)
Have your application notarized by a Notary Public
Submit your application so that it is received by the Kentucky Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists office at least 10 business days before your desired exam date

Mail your completed application, required documents, and attached payment to:

Kentucky Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists
111 St. James Court
Suite A
Frankfort, KY 40601

Scheduled exam dates can be found here. The exams are offered monthly with the exception of July and August. You will be notified of your exam date after the exam deadline.

Step 3: Take and Pass the Written and Practical Esthetician Examinations

The Kentucky Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists uses the NIC practical exam. The State Board also administers the exams.

Preparing for the Written and Practical Exams

The National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) recommends the following reference materials to help you prepare for and pass the written (theory) and practical esthetics exams, which can be purchased at discounted prices on Amazon:

Milady Standard Esthetics: Fundamentals (2013, 11th Edition)
Salon Fundamentals: Esthetics Textbook (2007, 11th printing, 2nd Edition, August 2013)

We also recommend that you purchase and study the following books in preparation for your exams:

Salon Fundamentals Esthetics Licensure Exam Prep Book (Spiral-bound – 2007)
Modern Esthetics: A Scientific Source for Estheticians (Milady)

What to Bring to Your Exams

On the day of your exams, plan to arrive about 30 minutes before testing begins. This will allow for adequate time to register.

It is also recommended that you visit the site the day before the exam so that you know exactly where you need to go and have a good idea of how long it will take. If you arrive late or forgot to bring the required items, you will not be admitted to the test.

In addition, only clean professional attire is allowed, no jeans of any kind are permitted.

You will need to bring the following items to both exams:

Your Admission Notice to Test (provided by the State Board Office)
A recent 2 x 2 photo
Photo identification with your signature

In addition to the items listed above, you are required to bring the following to the practical exam:

Lab coat (no bibs or aprons)
Mannequin head (models are not permitted)
Lab kit (see page 11 of the Candidate Information Bulletin)

Denim jeans and shorts are not allowed to be worn during your examination. Your lab coat should not disclose the name of the school where you received your esthetician training.

The Esthetics Written Exam

The written exam will test your knowledge of esthetics theory. The exam is made up of multiple-choice questions that will focus on the following topics:

Microbiology
Infection control and safety measures
Skin functions and diseases
Factors that impact the skin
Contraindications for services
Chemistry and anatomy

The Esthetics Practical Exam

This exam is an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and techniques of hands-on skills in esthetics.

The Esthetics Practical Examination contains 7 core domain services:

Set up and client protection (15 minutes)
Cleansing the face (10 minutes)
Steaming the face (5 minutes)
Massaging the face (15 minutes)
Application of mask (10 minutes)
Hair removal of eyebrows (15 minutes)
Tweezing and waxing methods
Facial makeup (daytime application) (20 minutes)

You will be given verbal instructions to complete all of these tasks. You will be scored on infection control procedures, set up, clean up, and performing procedures safely for both you and for your client.

Although you are not tested on your knowledge or skills regarding a blood spill clean up, these procedures are required knowledge for anyone working in the esthetics field in the state of Kentucky. You can review these procedures on the last page of the Candidate Information Bulletin.

Step 4: Renew Your KY Esthetician License Every Year

Your Kentucky esthetician license needs to be renewed annually during the month of July. The renewal fee is $50 and renewals are to be completed online. However, if you let your license lapse by not renewing it before the end of July, you will need to pay the $125 lapse fee to get it reinstated.

Esthetician License Reciprocity in Kentucky

The Kentucky State Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists does not offer license via reciprocity. If you are from out of state you are required to pay a $175 fee, submit an Out-of-State Examination Application, and take the written and practical exams.

If you have been licensed in your home state less than two years you will need to submit proof of high school completion. You must also request that the cosmetology board in your home state send your licensing records to the Kentucky State Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists.

Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology Contact Information

Kentucky Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists
111 St. James Court
Suite A
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: 502-564-4262
Fax: 502-564-0481

Kentucky Written and Practical Exam Locations

Below is a map showing the locations of the written and practical exams administered by the Kentucky State Board of Hairdressers & Cosmetologists. Before you arrive at the test center, please be sure to call the State Board Office at 502-564-4262 to confirm their current address and inquire about their hours of operation.

Map of Written and Practical Exam Locations in Kentucky

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