Virginia Laws and Board Regulations
Who regulates what
Esthetics in Virginia is regulated by the Board for Barbers and Cosmetology within the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). The Board sets licensure, scope of practice, and sanitation standards; inspectors enforce them in licensed salons. Candidates should know the license ladder: a basic esthetician license requires a set number of training hours (commonly 600) and a passing theory and practical exam; the master esthetician license requires substantially more training (commonly 1,200 hours) and permits advanced services. Confirm current hour counts and renewal rules with the Board before testing, since regulations are amended periodically.
Operating rules
Work only in a licensed salon or establishment, display your license as required, and renew on the biennial cycle - a lapsed license means practicing without one. Notify the Board of address or name changes. Keep sanitation standards current: disinfected implements, single-use supplies, clean linens, and hand washing between clients.
Scope and prohibited acts
An esthetician performs skin care, temporary hair removal, and makeup. You may not diagnose or treat disease, prescribe, use medical devices outside your authorization, or perform services above your license level. Practicing without a license or operating an unlicensed establishment can bring fines, suspension or revocation, and criminal penalties.
Traps and a worked example
Questions swap the Board with DPOR or imply a basic esthetician may perform master-level services. Worked example - someone gives facials from a home without a license: that is both unlicensed practice and an unlicensed establishment, exposing the person to Board discipline.