Michigan Cosmetology Law, Rules, and Regulations
Who regulates whom
Cosmetology in Michigan falls under the Public Health Code (Article 15) and the administrative rules of the Michigan Board of Cosmetology, administered by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Know the license categories - cosmetologist, esthetician, manicurist, electrologist, natural hair culturist, and instructor - and that a license authorizes only the services within its scope. A salon must hold a separate establishment license, display licenses where required, and be open to inspection. Renewals run on a multi-year cycle set by rule; always verify current hour requirements and fees on LARA's site because they are amended periodically.
Sanitation standards
The rules track the science: a wet sanitizer with an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant, clean covered storage for disinfected implements, closed containers for soiled items, single-use porous items, and proper hand washing between clients. Blood and body fluid exposure requires gloves and an EPA-registered bloodborne pathogen protocol.
Prohibited conduct
No diagnosing or treating disease, no practicing beyond your license, no allowing unlicensed persons to work, no false or misleading advertising, and no performing services while under the influence. Grounds for discipline include fraud, negligence, unsanitary practice, and practicing on a lapsed license.
Worked example
An esthetician is asked to apply a relaxer to a client. The correct answer: decline and refer to a licensed cosmetologist, because chemical hair straightening is outside the esthetics scope even though both licensees hold Board credentials. The trap is assuming any Board license permits any salon service, or that a lapsed license is fine while a renewal is pending - it is not.