Texas Cosmetology Law, Rules, and Scope of Practice for Specialty Licensees
Where the license comes from
Texas regulates cosmetology and its specialty licenses through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). The statutory authority is Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1602; the day-to-day rules sit in 16 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 117. Training-hour requirements, renewal cycles, continuing education, and fees are set by rule and are amended periodically, so verify current numbers on the TDLR website rather than memorizing a figure someone quoted in class.
What the license authorizes
An eyelash extension specialist license covers the application, maintenance, and removal of semi-permanent eyelash extensions - nothing more. Facials, waxing, chemical lash tints or lifts, and makeup application belong to other license types. Services must be performed in a licensed establishment (salon or shop holding an establishment license), following the sanitation rules in the chapter. You must hold and display a current license, and you may not let an unlicensed person perform services for compensation, even loosely labeled "practice."
Traps that appear in questions
- "A friend wants lashes at her apartment" - service outside a licensed establishment is not permitted.
- "The client also asks for a lash tint while she's in the chair" - outside the eyelash specialist scope.
- "I'll take clients at home until I can afford a salon" - practicing without an establishment license.
- Treating a school certificate as a license. It is not; only the state license authorizes work.
Rule of thumb
If a service touches skin beyond the lash line, or alters the natural lash with chemicals, it is not yours to perform. Refer out, and document the referral.