Kentucky Cosmetology Law and Board Rules
Kentucky law questions test the limits of your license, the shop's obligations, and the Board's authority. The governing statute is KRS Chapter 317 (cosmetology) and the Board's administrative regulations in 201 KAR Chapter 12; the Board operates within the Public Protection Cabinet.
Licensing
- Estheticians, cosmetologists, nail technicians, instructors, and shops must each hold a current Kentucky license. Your personal license does not cover an unlicensed shop, and a shop license does not cover an unlicensed worker.
- Licenses are displayed at the work station or in a conspicuous place in the shop.
- A booth renter must hold their own license and work in a licensed shop; the shop owner remains responsible for sanitation in the facility.
- Practicing on a lapsed license or without one is a violation subject to fines and license action.
Scope of practice
Estheticians cleanse, exfoliate, extract, massage the face, neck, and décolleté, apply makeup, wax, and apply lashes. Estheticians do not diagnose or treat disease, do not perform injectables or dermal fillers, and do not operate lasers, IPL, or other devices restricted to physicians or used only under physician supervision.
Sanitation and shop standards
The Board's sanitation rules require a handwashing sink, disinfected implements, single-use porous items, labeled containers, covered waste, and clean linens. Blood and body-fluid cleanup must follow the required procedure. Shop owners can be cited for violations found in the shop regardless of who performed the service.
Worked example
A booth renter's shop license lapses while her individual license stays current, and she keeps taking clients. Both the owner (operating an unlicensed shop) and the renter (practicing in an unlicensed facility) face discipline. Correct action: stop services until the shop license is reinstated.
Traps
Assuming the shop license covers employees; assuming an esthetician may perform a light laser service; and answering with federal OSHA rules when the question asks about Kentucky Board regulations. Fees, training hours, and renewal dates change by regulation - confirm them on the Board's official site.