Mississippi Cosmetology Law, Rules, and Regulations
This section covers the Mississippi Cosmetology Law, Rules, and Regulations domain. The exam tests how the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology licenses individuals and salons, defines the natural hair stylist scope of practice, and enforces sanitation, recordkeeping, and professional conduct requirements.
Licensing and scope
- A current individual license is required to perform services for compensation; the salon must also hold a current establishment license, and both must be available for inspection.
- Natural hair stylists provide services such as cleansing, conditioning, braiding, twisting, locking, extensions, and thermal styling as allowed by Board rule. Chemical relaxing, permanent coloring, and chemical restructuring are generally reserved for cosmetologists; confirm the current rule before assuming a service is in scope.
- Booth renters and independent contractors are not exempt: they need their own license and must work in a licensed salon.
Enforcement
- The Board adopts rules, inspects salons, investigates complaints, and may impose discipline authorized by statute.
- Licensees must not treat infected or inflamed skin; refer to a physician.
- Renewal, continuing education, and address changes must be handled on time.
Worked example
A natural hair stylist rents a chair, keeps her own clientele, and accepts cash. Her personal license is current, but the salon's establishment license expired last month. Is she compliant? No. Licensing applies to both the practitioner and the premises; accepting clients in an unlicensed establishment can lead to citations for both parties even though she is an independent contractor.
Traps
- Assuming a booth renter is exempt from salon licensure.
- Assuming an out-of-state license transfers automatically.
- Assuming a natural hair license covers relaxers or color.