Can a felon be a cosmetologist?

Yes, in most states. Cosmetology licensing has been reformed alongside barbering in most states. The same 'directly related' standard that benefits barber applicants applies to cosmetology. Cosmetology training (covering hair, skin, and nails) typically requires 1,000-1,600 hours. As with barbering, the practical challenge is usually completing the training and passing the exam, not the background check.

Can I get a barber license while on probation or parole?

In many states, yes. A growing number of states explicitly allow people on supervised release to obtain occupational licenses, recognizing that employment is critical for successful reentry. However, some states still require that your entire sentence — including probation and parole — be completed before you can apply. Check your specific state's requirements. Even in states that require sentence completion, you can usually begin training while on supervision.

Do prisons offer barber training programs?

Many state prison systems offer barber and cosmetology training programs that count toward state licensing requirements. Some programs even allow incarcerated individuals to take the licensing exam before release. These programs are popular and may have waiting lists. Contact your facility's education or vocational training department for availability. The Bureau of Prisons (federal) and many state DOCs maintain lists of available vocational programs.

How much does it cost to become a barber?

Barber school tuition typically ranges from $5,000 to $20,000 depending on the state and school. Training takes 6-18 months depending on state hour requirements. If you completed training in a prison program, costs are minimal. Financial aid options include federal Pell grants (felony convictions no longer disqualify you from Pell grants), state workforce development funds, and some barber schools offer payment plans. Exam fees are typically $50-$150, and license fees are $25-$100.

Which states are easiest for felons to get a barber license?

States that have enacted comprehensive occupational licensing reform are generally the easiest. Notable examples include: California (cannot deny based on expunged or non-directly-related convictions), Colorado (one of the first states to pass sweeping reform), Illinois (cannot consider convictions older than 5 years for most offenses), Indiana, Arizona, and many others. As of 2026, over 35 states have passed some form of occupational licensing reform that benefits barber/cosmetology applicants. The trend is strongly toward more access.

Can a felon open a barbershop?

In most states, yes. If you can obtain a barber license, you can typically also obtain a shop/establishment license to open your own business. Some states have separate requirements for shop owners, but criminal history is generally evaluated the same way as for individual practitioner licenses. Owning your own shop eliminates the need to pass an employer's background check, which is one of the biggest advantages of barbering for people with records.

Do I need to disclose my felony on a barber license application?

Most states still ask about criminal history on the license application. However, in states with reformed licensing laws, the questions may be limited (e.g., only asking about convictions within the last 5-7 years, or only about offenses directly related to the practice). You should always answer honestly. In states with 'directly related' standards, the board must explain in writing why a specific conviction is related to barbering practice if they deny your application — and you have the right to appeal.

Can a Felon Be a Barber?

Last updated: 2026-04-01

In most states, yes — barbering and cosmetology are among the most accessible licensed professions for people with felony convictions. Many states have reformed their occupational licensing laws in recent years to remove blanket criminal history bars for low-risk professions, and barbering/cosmetology are frequently among the first to benefit. While every state requires a barber or cosmetology license, most states now review criminal history on a case-by-case basis and focus on whether the conviction is 'substantially related' to the practice. Recent reforms in states like California, Colorado, Illinois, and many others have significantly reduced barriers. The biggest practical challenges are usually completing the required training hours and passing the state licensing exam — not the background check.

You CAN likely get a barber/cosmetology license if you...

✓Convicted of any non-violent felony — most states do not disqualify for property crimes, drug possession, DUI, or financial offenses
✓Felony conviction was 3+ years ago with a completed sentence and no subsequent offenses
✓Record has been expunged, sealed, or pardoned — many states cannot consider expunged convictions for barber/cosmetology licensing
✓State has passed occupational licensing reform that limits consideration of criminal history to offenses 'directly related' to the practice
✓Completed a barber/cosmetology training program while incarcerated — many state prisons offer these programs
✓Violent felony conviction that is not directly related to the practice of barbering (e.g., not involving clients, minors, or vulnerable persons in a professional setting)

You may face barriers if you...

✗Convicted of a sexual offense requiring sex offender registration (some states)
A small number of states disqualify registered sex offenders from obtaining a barber or cosmetology license due to the intimate physical contact involved in these professions. However, even this is not universal — some states with strong occupational licensing reform laws require the board to evaluate whether the specific offense is directly related to the practice. (State Barbering/Cosmetology Acts (various))
✗Currently incarcerated or on active felony probation/parole (some states)
Some states require that your sentence, including probation and parole, be fully completed before you can apply for a license. Others allow you to apply and even obtain a license while on probation or parole. This varies significantly by state. (State Barbering/Cosmetology Acts (various))
✗Conviction directly related to client harm in a personal services setting (rare)
In states that use a 'directly related' standard, the board may deny a license if your conviction specifically involved harming a client in a personal services or close-contact setting. This is a narrow and rarely applied standard. (State licensing statutes)

Gray areas — it depends on your state and circumstances

Drug-related felonies

Most states do not consider drug possession or even drug distribution to be 'directly related' to barbering or cosmetology practice. These convictions are generally not barriers, especially if the conviction is more than a few years old and you have completed any required treatment. A small number of states may require a substance abuse evaluation.

Violent felonies (assault, robbery)

Barbers and cosmetologists work in close physical proximity to clients using sharp tools. Some boards may scrutinize violent felonies more carefully, particularly assault convictions. However, most states that have adopted 'directly related' standards still allow licensure for violent offenses that did not occur in a professional/client context. Older convictions with rehabilitation evidence have strong outcomes.

Theft or fraud convictions

Barbers and cosmetologists often handle cash and work in business settings. Theft and fraud convictions may receive some scrutiny but are rarely disqualifying on their own. Many barbers are self-employed or booth renters, which reduces employer background check concerns. Most state boards do not treat these as 'directly related' offenses.

Multiple felony convictions

A pattern of offenses may receive more scrutiny than a single conviction, but even multiple felonies are not automatic disqualifiers in most states. The board will look at the overall pattern, how long ago the offenses occurred, and evidence of sustained behavioral change. Recent reforms in many states limit boards to considering only the most serious or most recent conviction.

Applying while on probation or parole

Some states allow you to apply for and receive a barber or cosmetology license while still on probation or parole. Others require that your sentence be fully completed. A growing number of states explicitly allow people on supervised release to obtain occupational licenses, recognizing that employment is a key factor in successful reentry.

Barber vs. Cosmetologist — License Types

Type	Difficulty	Details
Barber License	Easiest Licensed Profession for Felons	Barber licensing requirements are among the most reformed in the country. Training typically requires 1,000-1,500 hours (varies by state). Many state prison systems offer barber training programs that count toward licensing hours. The background check is generally the least restrictive among licensed health/personal services professions. Most states now use a 'directly related' standard that rarely disqualifies for barbering.
Cosmetology License	Very Accessible	Cosmetology licenses (covering hair, skin, and nails) typically require 1,000-1,600 hours of training. Like barbering, cosmetology licensing has been significantly reformed. The background check process is similar to barbering. Some states issue a combined barber/cosmetology license. This is another highly accessible path for people with criminal records.
Specialty Licenses (Esthetician, Nail Technician, etc.)	Very Accessible	Specialty licenses for estheticians (skin care), nail technicians, and hair braiding (in states that require licensing for braiding) typically have shorter training requirements (300-750 hours) and the same background check policies as full cosmetology licenses. These can be faster entry points into the personal services industry.
Barber/Cosmetology Instructor	Accessible	Instructor licenses require an active practitioner license plus additional education/experience requirements. Since the practitioner license is the primary background check hurdle, once you hold that, the instructor license is generally attainable. Teaching barbering or cosmetology can be a rewarding career path — especially for those who want to help others in similar situations.

How to Apply — Step by Step

Check your state's barbering/cosmetology board criminal history policy

Visit your state Board of Barbering and Cosmetology website. Review their criminal history policy — specifically whether they use a 'directly related' standard, have a list of disqualifying offenses, or review all applications on a case-by-case basis. Many states have dramatically reformed these policies in recent years, so make sure you are reading current rules.

Look for prison-based barber/cosmetology training programs

If you are currently incarcerated or recently released, check whether your state's Department of Corrections offers barber or cosmetology training programs. Many states offer these programs, and the training hours earned in prison typically count toward state licensing requirements. Some programs even allow you to take the licensing exam before release.

Enroll in a state-approved training program

If you did not complete training in prison, enroll in a state-approved barber or cosmetology school. Training requirements vary by state (typically 1,000-1,600 hours). Many schools are more welcoming to people with records than other educational institutions. Financial aid, Pell grants, and state workforce development funds may be available to cover tuition.

Complete required training hours and pass the state examination

Complete all required training hours and pass both the written (theory) and practical (skills) portions of the state licensing exam. The exam itself does not involve background screening — it tests your knowledge of sanitation, safety, techniques, and state laws/regulations.

Submit your license application with honest disclosure

Apply for your state license with complete disclosure of your criminal history. Include certified court documents and any rehabilitation evidence. In many states with reformed licensing laws, the board can only consider convictions that are 'directly related' to barbering practice and must consider the time elapsed, rehabilitation, and the nature of the offense.

Start working — employee, booth renter, or shop owner

Once licensed, you can work as an employee at a shop, rent a booth/chair (as an independent contractor), or open your own barbershop or salon. Self-employment through booth rental or shop ownership is particularly valuable because it eliminates employer background check barriers. Many successful barbers and cosmetologists with records eventually open their own businesses.

Take Action — Direct Links

Find your state Board of Barbering/Cosmetology
NIC (National-Interstate Council) directory of state boards — check your state's specific criminal history policy and licensing requirements
NCSL — Occupational Licensing: Criminal Records and Barriers
National Conference of State Legislatures — comprehensive overview of state-by-state occupational licensing reform laws affecting criminal records
Bureau of Prisons — Vocational Training Programs
Information on federal prison vocational training programs including barbering — state programs are available through individual state DOC websites
Federal Student Aid — Pell Grants for incarcerated individuals
Information on Pell Grant eligibility — felony convictions no longer disqualify you from receiving Pell Grants for education including barber/cosmetology school
SBA — Starting a small business (barbershop/salon)
Small Business Administration guide to starting a business — useful for opening your own barbershop or salon after getting licensed

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a felon be a barber?: Yes, in most states. Barbering is one of the most accessible licensed professions for people with felony convictions. Most states have reformed their occupational licensing laws to limit criminal history barriers for professions like barbering. The majority of states now review applications on a case-by-case basis and can only disqualify for offenses that are 'directly related' to the practice. Many state prison systems even offer barber training programs that count toward licensing requirements.
Can a felon be a cosmetologist?: Yes, in most states. Cosmetology licensing has been reformed alongside barbering in most states. The same 'directly related' standard that benefits barber applicants applies to cosmetology. Cosmetology training (covering hair, skin, and nails) typically requires 1,000-1,600 hours. As with barbering, the practical challenge is usually completing the training and passing the exam, not the background check.
Can I get a barber license while on probation or parole?: In many states, yes. A growing number of states explicitly allow people on supervised release to obtain occupational licenses, recognizing that employment is critical for successful reentry. However, some states still require that your entire sentence — including probation and parole — be completed before you can apply. Check your specific state's requirements. Even in states that require sentence completion, you can usually begin training while on supervision.
Do prisons offer barber training programs?: Many state prison systems offer barber and cosmetology training programs that count toward state licensing requirements. Some programs even allow incarcerated individuals to take the licensing exam before release. These programs are popular and may have waiting lists. Contact your facility's education or vocational training department for availability. The Bureau of Prisons (federal) and many state DOCs maintain lists of available vocational programs.
How much does it cost to become a barber?: Barber school tuition typically ranges from $5,000 to $20,000 depending on the state and school. Training takes 6-18 months depending on state hour requirements. If you completed training in a prison program, costs are minimal. Financial aid options include federal Pell grants (felony convictions no longer disqualify you from Pell grants), state workforce development funds, and some barber schools offer payment plans. Exam fees are typically $50-$150, and license fees are $25-$100.
Which states are easiest for felons to get a barber license?: States that have enacted comprehensive occupational licensing reform are generally the easiest. Notable examples include: California (cannot deny based on expunged or non-directly-related convictions), Colorado (one of the first states to pass sweeping reform), Illinois (cannot consider convictions older than 5 years for most offenses), Indiana, Arizona, and many others. As of 2026, over 35 states have passed some form of occupational licensing reform that benefits barber/cosmetology applicants. The trend is strongly toward more access.
Can a felon open a barbershop?: In most states, yes. If you can obtain a barber license, you can typically also obtain a shop/establishment license to open your own business. Some states have separate requirements for shop owners, but criminal history is generally evaluated the same way as for individual practitioner licenses. Owning your own shop eliminates the need to pass an employer's background check, which is one of the biggest advantages of barbering for people with records.
Do I need to disclose my felony on a barber license application?: Most states still ask about criminal history on the license application. However, in states with reformed licensing laws, the questions may be limited (e.g., only asking about convictions within the last 5-7 years, or only about offenses directly related to the practice). You should always answer honestly. In states with 'directly related' standards, the board must explain in writing why a specific conviction is related to barbering practice if they deny your application — and you have the right to appeal.

Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Barbering and cosmetology licensing requirements vary by state. Contact your state Board of Barbering and Cosmetology for advice about your specific situation.