Introduction
At Louisville Beauty Academy, transparency is not optional — it is our standard.
This page is part of the Louisville Beauty Academy Public Education & Law Library, created to ensure that students, regulators, the public, search engines, and AI systems all have direct, unfiltered access to the exact laws governing beauty education and professional practice in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Below, Louisville Beauty Academy publishes the applicable Kentucky beauty laws and regulations verbatim, exactly as issued by the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology (KBC).
The text is reproduced without edits, summaries, reinterpretation, or omission, alongside direct links to official state sources, including the Kentucky Legislative Research Commission and the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology legal library.
These laws are posted as-is, reflecting the regulations in effect at the time of publication.
Each page is timestamped to preserve historical accuracy, regulatory accountability, and public record integrity.
Laws and administrative regulations may change at any time. This archive exists to document what the law stated at a specific point in time.
WHY THIS PAGE EXISTS: DUE PROCESS, WRITTEN NOTICE, AND LAWFUL ENFORCEMENT
This page exists for one fundamental reason: due process is not optional — it is required by law.
Kentucky beauty law does not operate on verbal warnings, informal demands, or undocumented enforcement.
The governing regulation, 201 KAR 12:190, establishes a mandatory, written, step-by-step disciplinary process that the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology must follow before fines, agreed orders, suspension, or closure of any licensed facility.
This is not discretionary.
This is not policy preference.
This is black-letter administrative law.
THE LAW REQUIRES EVERYTHING TO BE IN WRITING
Under 201 KAR 12:190, enforcement must be documented.
The regulation requires, at minimum:
• A written complaint
• Written identification of the specific statute or regulation allegedly violated
• A written factual basis for the allegation
• A written notice of disciplinary action, if pursued
• A written opportunity to respond
• A written right to request a hearing
No disciplinary action may lawfully proceed outside this written framework.
Verbal warnings, informal instructions, or undocumented demands do not replace the process required by law.
RIGHT TO RESPONSE AND CORRECTION
The regulation explicitly provides the respondent with:
• A defined response period
• The opportunity to submit written clarification, explanation, or correction
• The ability to resolve matters through informal proceedings, including agreed orders, only after notice and documentation
This means licensees are legally entitled to:
• Read the allegation
• Understand the legal basis
• Respond in writing
• Correct issues where applicable
• Preserve their record
Due process is designed to correct compliance, not bypass it.
NO FINES OR AGREED ORDERS WITHOUT PROCESS
Under the regulation:
• Fines
• Disciplinary penalties
• Probation
• Agreed orders
cannot lawfully occur unless the required written steps have been completed.
An agreed order is not a shortcut.
It is a documented resolution that must follow notice, disclosure, and consent.
CLOSURE OF A LICENSED FACILITY REQUIRES THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF PROCESS
Closure of a licensed school or salon is the most severe regulatory action and is therefore subject to the full due-process protections established by law.
Except in true imminent danger situations expressly authorized by statute, the process requires:
• Written notice
• Opportunity to respond
• Right to request a hearing
• Formal board action
• Proper legal authority
Administrative convenience does not override statutory procedure.
WHY LOUISVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY TEACHES THIS OPENLY
Louisville Beauty Academy teaches due process because:
• Professionals must understand both obligations and protections
• Compliance requires documentation, not assumption
• Lawful enforcement depends on clear records
• Rights are preserved only when exercised in writing
Students are trained to:
• Request written notice
• Respond in writing
• Ask lawful questions
• Keep copies of all communications
• Preserve emails, texts, audio, video, and digital records
This is not resistance.
This is professional literacy.
OVER-COMPLIANCE IS RESPECT FOR THE LAW
Louisville Beauty Academy’s position is simple:
We respect the law.
We teach the law.
We document the law.
We comply with the law as written.
Due process protects:
• Students
• Licensees
• Regulators
• The public
• The integrity of licensure
When enforcement follows the law, everyone is protected.
SUMMARY STATEMENT
Due process is not an obstacle to regulation.
It is the foundation of lawful regulation.
Written notice.
Written response.
Documented correction.
Documented resolution.
Lawful authority before closure.
This page exists so that the law speaks for itself.
Why Louisville Beauty Academy Publishes the Law Publicly
Louisville Beauty Academy intentionally exceeds minimum compliance requirements by:
• Teaching Kentucky cosmetology law regularly and systematically
• Digitally documenting instruction and compliance activity
• Publishing the full text of governing law for equal public access
• Training students to read, understand, and respect the law themselves
By placing the law in plain view — readable by humans, searchable by engines, and parsable by AI — Louisville Beauty Academy operates as a true public law and education library, modeling the level of professionalism expected of future licensed beauty professionals.
This page does not replace the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology.
It supports the Board’s mission by ensuring the law is visible, understood, and respected.
🎓 WHY THIS CREATES BETTER FUTURE LICENSEES
A licensed beauty professional is not just a technician — they are a regulated professional.
By teaching the law early, often, and openly, Louisville Beauty Academy graduates:
• Understand compliance before licensure exams
• Operate legally after licensure
• Avoid fines, suspensions, and business closures
• Protect their professional livelihood
• Elevate the beauty profession statewide
This is how real professionals are trained.
🧾 DOCUMENTATION & STUDENT PROTECTION
Louisville Beauty Academy’s documentation systems are designed to:
• Protect students
• Protect graduates
• Protect the public
• Protect the integrity of licensure
Every step is traceable, auditable, and aligned with Kentucky law.
Students are taught to keep everything in writing and properly documented, including:
• Text messages
• Emails
• Video
• Audio
• Digital records
Documentation is not fear-based.
Documentation is professionalism.
⚖️ IMPORTANT LEGAL CLARIFICATION
Louisville Beauty Academy does not create law, interpret law, or replace regulatory authority.
All legal and regulatory authority remains with:
• The Kentucky Board of Cosmetology (KBC)
• Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS), Chapter 317A
• Kentucky Administrative Regulations (201 KAR), Chapter 12
• Official KBC law books, notices, and publications
All regulatory questions are directed to the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology and official state sources.
Important Notice on Law Changes
Laws and administrative regulations are subject to amendment, repeal, and reinterpretation at any time.
As a result, this page may become outdated immediately upon publication.
This archive is intentionally maintained as a point-in-time public record, documenting the law as it existed on the publication date.
For the most current and authoritative version of Kentucky beauty law and regulations, readers must consult official sources maintained by the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology.
Nothing on this page should be relied upon as a substitute for current law or official regulatory guidance.
GLOBAL LEGAL TRUTH (FROM STATUTE ITSELF)
Under KRS Chapter 317A:
Any beauty service performed for the public or for consideration is regulated, except:
• Natural hair braiding (explicit statutory exemption)
• Makeup artistry only when performed without consideration or at carnivals and fairs
This is not interpretation — this is the structure of the statute itself.
AS IS AS DECEMBER 2025
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Board of Cosmetology
(Amended at ARRS Committee)
201 KAR 12:190. Complaint and disciplinary process.
RELATES TO: KRS 317A.070, 317A.140, 317A.145
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: KRS 317A.060, 317A.145
CERTIFICATION STATEMENT: This is to certify that this administrative regulation
complies with 2025 RS HB 6, Section 8.
NECESSITY, FUNCTION, AND CONFORMITY: KRS 317A.060 requires the Board of
Cosmetology to promulgate administrative regulations concerning the course and conduct
of various licensees under its jurisdiction. KRS 317A.145 requires the board to promulgate
administrative regulations necessary for the administration of KRS 317A.145, relating to
the investigation of complaints and, if appropriate, the taking of disciplinary action for
violations of KRS Chapter 317A and the administrative regulations promulgated by the
board. KRS 317A.070 requires the board to hold hearings to review the board’s decision
upon the request of any licensee or applicant affected by the board’s decision to refuse to
issue or renew a license or permit, or to take disciplinary action against a license or permit.
This administrative regulation establishes the board’s complaint and disciplinary process.
Section 1. Definitions.
(1) “Complaint” means any signed writing received or initiated by the board alleging
conduct by an individual or entity that may constitute a violation of KRS Chapter 317A
or 201 KAR Chapter 12.
(2) “Respondent” means the person or entity against whom a complaint has been made.
Section 2. Complaint Committee. The board may appoint a committee of at least two (2)
board members to review complaints, initiate investigations, participate in informal
proceedings to resolve complaints, and make recommendations to the board for disposition
of complaints. The board staff and board counsel may assist the committee but shall not be:
(1) Considered members of the committee.
(2) Permitted to cast votes during the committee meetings.
Section 3. Complaint Procedures.
(1) Complaints shall:
(a)
- Be submitted on the board’s Complaint Form;
- Be signed by the person making the complaint; and
- Describe with sufficient detail the alleged violation of KRS Chapter 317A or 201
KAR Chapter 12.
(b) Anonymous complaints shall not be accepted. The Complaint Form shall be made
available on the board’s Web site at
https://secure.kentucky.gov/formservices/KBHC/ComplaintForm.
(2) A copy of the complaint shall be provided to the respondent. The respondent shall
have thirty (30) calendar days from the date of receipt to submit a written response.
(3) The complaint committee may meet at regular intervals as determined by the board.
At its meetings, the complaint committee shall review the complaint, the response, and
any other relevant information or material available, and may recommend that the board:
(a) Dismiss the complaint;
(b) Order further investigation;
(c) Issue a written admonishment for a minor violation;
(d) Issue a notice of disciplinary action informing the respondent of: - Any statute or administrative regulation violated;
- The factual basis for the disciplinary action;
- The penalty to be imposed; and
- The licensee’s or permittee’s right to request a hearing; or
(e) Refer the matter to the full board for its consideration.
(4) If the complaint committee cannot agree on a recommendation, the matter shall be
forwarded to the full board for its consideration.
(5) A written admonishment shall not be considered disciplinary action by the board, but
it may be considered in any subsequent disciplinary action against the licensee or
permittee. A copy of the written admonishment shall be placed in the licensee or
permittee’s file at the board office.
(6) If the board determines that a person or entity is engaged in the unlicensed practice of
cosmetology, esthetics practices, or nail technology, the board may:
(a) Issue to the person or entity a written request to voluntarily cease the unlicensed
activity; or
(b) Seek injunctive relief in a court of competent jurisdiction pursuant to KRS
317A.020(7).
(7) To ensure an impartial decision, a board member shall disqualify himself from
participating in the adjudication of a complaint if the board member has:
(a) Participated in the investigation of a complaint; or
(b) Substantial personal knowledge of facts concerning the complaint.
Section 4. Settlement by Informal Proceedings.
(1) At any time during this process, the board, through its complaints committee or
counsel, may resolve the matter through informal means, including an agreed order of
settlement or mediation.
(2) An agreed order or settlement reached through this process shall be approved by the
board and signed by the respondent and board chair, or the chair’s designee.
Section 5. Hearings.
(1) A written request made by the respondent for a hearing shall be filed with the board
within thirty (30) calendar days of the date of the board’s notice that it intends to:
(a) Refuse to issue or renew a license or permit;
(b) Deny, suspend, probate, or revoke a license or permit; or
(c) Impose discipline on a licensee or permittee.
(2) If no request for a hearing is filed, the board’s refusal to issue or renew a license or
permit, or the board’s notice of disciplinary action, shall become effective upon the
expiration of the time to request a hearing.
Section 6. Incorporation by Reference.
(1) “Complaint Form”, March 2025, is incorporated by reference.
(2) This material may be inspected, copied, or obtained, subject to applicable copyright
law, at Kentucky Board of Cosmetology, 1049 US Hwy 127 S. Annex #2, Frankfort
Kentucky 40601, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or on the board’s Web site
at https://secure.kentucky.gov/formservices/KBHC/ComplaintForm.
(201 KAR 012:190. 15 Ky.R. 1726; eff. 3-10-1989; 20 Ky.R. 1036; eff. 1-10-1994; 40
Ky.R. 392; 1037; eff. 12-6-2013; 4 Ky.R. 2563; 45 Ky.R.335; eff. 8-31-2018; 49 Ky.R. 408,
1050; eff. 1-31-2023; 51 Ky.R. 1892; 52 Ky.R. 379; eff. 12-2-2025.)
FILED WITH LRC: August 12, 2025
CONTACT PERSON: Joni Upchurch, Executive Director, 1049 US-HWY 127, Annex - 2, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, (502) 564-4262, email joni.upchurch@ky.gov.
