Ohio Laws, Rules and Professional Ethics
What the exam tests
Ohio law questions test the Board's authority, licensure, scope of practice, sanitation duties, advertising, and ethics. The exam expects you to know what an esthetician may and may not do, and how to document and refer.
Core rules
- The Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board regulates estheticians, cosmetologists, salons, and schools under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4713 and the Ohio Administrative Code.
- Practice only under a valid license, in a licensed facility or as the rules allow; display your license as required and keep it current.
- Esthetics scope includes cleansing, stimulating, manipulating, exercising, applying preparations to the skin, temporary hair removal by waxing, tweezing, or threading, and makeup application. Do not diagnose, prescribe, remove lesions, inject, or use laser, IPL, or electrolysis.
- Sanitation and safety duties are legal duties: clean and disinfect implements, use single-use items, perform hand hygiene, keep SDS, and store products safely.
- Ethics: informed consent, confidentiality, honest advertising, no guarantees of cure, professional boundaries, referral for medical concerns, and no discrimination.
- Keep records secure; document services, products, reactions, and referrals.
Worked example
A client asks you to freeze off a skin tag. Reasoning: removal of lesions is medical, not esthetic; attempting it risks injury and license discipline. Decline, explain your scope, and refer to a dermatologist. Document the request and referral.
Traps
- Saying I can do laser because I took a class; scope is set by law, not certificates.
- Diagnosing a rash or prescribing a treatment.
- Advertising permanent hair removal with wax.
- Sharing client photos without written consent.