Administrative Due Process and Regulatory Compliance in Kentucky Cosmetology: A Comprehensive Analysis of Board Procedures, Disciplinary Actions, and Licensure Scope – 2026 Gold-Standard Deep Research & Compliance Guidance Series and Podcast

Gold-Standard Compliance, Legal Education, and Public Transparency Statement

Louisville Beauty Academy (LBA), in collaboration with Di Tran University – College of Humanization, publishes this analysis as part of its institutional commitment to gold-standard regulatory compliance, legal education, and public transparency in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

As a state-licensed cosmetology institution, LBA is not only required to comply with Kentucky statutes and administrative regulations, but is also obligated to teach cosmetology law, administrative regulation, and professional responsibility as a core component of licensure preparation. Kentucky cosmetology education is, by design, a regulated professional curriculum, not a purely technical training program. Legal and regulatory literacy is therefore a required competency for students, graduates, licensees, and salon operators.

Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 317A establishes cosmetology as a regulated profession and authorizes the regulatory framework governing licensure, inspections, discipline, and enforcement. Administrative regulations under Title 201, Chapter 12 further implement this framework and require approved schools to instruct students in laws, rules, health and safety standards, and professional conduct. These requirements are reinforced through state licensing examinations, which test knowledge of Kentucky law, administrative rules, scope of practice, and compliance obligations as a condition of entry into the profession.

At the gold-standard level, Louisville Beauty Academy treats legal and regulatory instruction not as a minimum checkbox, but as an essential safeguard for:

  • Public health and safety
  • Student and graduate licensure success
  • Lawful salon operations
  • Long-term professional sustainability

Recent legislative changes enacted in 2025–2026 have significantly heightened regulatory scrutiny across the beauty industry. In this environment, ignorance of administrative process, statutory authority, and due process protections exposes licensees and facilities to severe penalties, including fines, suspension, and immediate closure. Accordingly, teaching the law is no longer optional—it is foundational.

This publication is therefore issued as a research-based, educational analysis intended to:

  • Fulfill and support Kentucky’s statutory and regulatory requirements for teaching cosmetology law and regulation
  • Explain the structure, authority, and procedural limits of cosmetology regulation in Kentucky
  • Promote proactive, documented, and informed compliance
  • Serve students, graduates, licensees, salon owners, policymakers, and the public with accurate regulatory education

Louisville Beauty Academy further recognizes that regulatory literacy does not end at graduation. As part of its gold-standard compliance philosophy, LBA elevates required legal instruction by extending it beyond the classroom to graduates, licensees, and the public, reinforcing a culture of transparency, accountability, and lawful practice throughout the industry.

Compliance is strongest when it is informed, documented, and human-centered.


Regulatory Currency Notice:
Kentucky statutes, administrative regulations, board policies, and enforcement interpretations are subject to amendment, repeal, judicial interpretation, and administrative revision. Accordingly, this publication reflects the law and regulatory landscape as understood at the time of publication and may become partially outdated as statutes, regulations, guidance, or enforcement practices evolve.

Students, graduates, licensees, salon owners, and members of the public are encouraged to verify current requirements through official sources, including statutes, administrative regulations, board publications, and licensed legal counsel, before relying on this material for compliance decisions.

Louisville Beauty Academy publishes this analysis as part of its ongoing educational mission and will continue to update, supplement, and expand its research and guidance as the law develops.


Educational Scope & Non-Adversarial Disclaimer

Educational Disclaimer:
This publication is intended solely for educational and public-information purposes. It discusses Kentucky administrative law principles and cosmetology regulatory procedures in the abstract and does not assert that any specific enforcement action by the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology was unlawful, improper, or invalid. This analysis does not constitute legal advice and does not replace official regulatory guidance or consultation with qualified legal counsel.

Administrative Due Process and Regulatory Compliance in Kentucky Cosmetology: A Comprehensive Analysis of Board Procedures, Disciplinary Actions, and Licensure Scope

Abstract

The regulation of the beauty industry in the Commonwealth of Kentucky represents a complex intersection of statutory mandates, administrative regulations, and evolving judicial interpretations of due process. For students, licensees, salon owners, and the public, understanding the internal mechanics of the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology (KBC) has transitioned from a matter of professional best practice to a critical necessity for legal survival. Recent legislative amendments, specifically Senate Bill 22 (2025) and Senate Bill 84 (2025), have dramatically altered the regulatory landscape. SB 22 classifies the employment of unlicensed personnel as an “immediate and present danger” to public health, authorizing immediate facility closures, while SB 84 eliminates judicial deference to agency interpretations, empowering licensees to challenge administrative overreach with renewed vigor.

This report provides an exhaustive, expert-level analysis of the procedural landscape governing cosmetology in Kentucky. It examines the KBC’s operational transparency through the lens of the Open Meetings and Open Records Acts, dissects the anatomy of the disciplinary complaint process under 201 KAR 12:190, and evaluates the legal enforceability of agreed orders. Particular attention is paid to the distinctions between permissible unlicensed assistance and prohibited professional practice, as well as the administrative law principles that may render certain board orders void ab initio, creating avenues for the refund of unlawfully collected fines. This document serves as a foundational text for stakeholders seeking to navigate the heightened scrutiny of the 2025-2026 regulatory environment.


Section I: The Administrative State of Beauty – Statutory Authority and Agency Structure

To navigate the disciplinary landscape effectively, one must first understand the KBC not merely as a licensing body, but as an administrative agency subject to the strictures of Kentucky public law. The Board acts as a “creature of statute,” possessing only those powers expressly granted to it by the General Assembly.

1.1 The Statutory Hierarchy

The KBC does not have unlimited power. Its authority is strictly hierarchical, and understanding this hierarchy is the first step in identifying ultra vires (unauthorized) acts.

  • The Enabling Statute (KRS 317A): This is the constitution of the KBC. It establishes the Board, defines the scope of practice for cosmetology, esthetics, and nail technology, and sets the boundaries for disciplinary action. KRS 317A.020 defines the licensure requirements and the new “immediate danger” standards, while KRS 317A.145 outlines the complaint procedure.1
  • Administrative Regulations (Title 201, Chapter 12): These are the specific rules promulgated by the Board to enforce the statutes. Key regulations include 201 KAR 12:190 (Disciplinary Process) and 201 KAR 12:060 (Inspections). A regulation cannot exceed the authority of the statute. If KRS 317A.020(8) requires a warning notice before a fine, the Board cannot promulgate a regulation that allows immediate fines for minor infractions.4
  • Senate Bill 84 (2025) and the End of Deference: Historically, Kentucky courts deferred to an agency’s interpretation of ambiguous statutes (similar to the federal Chevron deference). However, SB 84 (2025) codified a massive shift: courts must now decide all questions of law de novo, without deferring to the KBC’s interpretation.7 This means if the KBC interprets “shampooing” as a licensed activity but the statute is ambiguous, a judge can overrule the Board more easily than in the past.

1.2 The Board Composition and Quorum Requirements

The KBC is composed of members appointed by the Governor. Under KRS 317A.030, the Board must have a quorum to conduct official business. This is not a trivial bureaucratic detail; it is a jurisdictional requirement for the validity of any order.1

  • The “Rubber Stamp” Vulnerability: In many administrative agencies, staff members or committees negotiate penalties and issue orders that are never formally voted on by the full Board during a public meeting. If a disciplinary action—such as an Agreed Order fining a salon—is issued without a vote by a quorum of the Board recorded in the minutes, that action may be legally void under KRS 271B.8-240 principles applied to public bodies.9

Section II: Monitoring the Regulator – Transparency and The Open Meetings Act

The KBC is a public agency, and its decision-making process is subject to public scrutiny. While many licensees only interact with the Board during inspections or license renewals, the true regulatory shifts occur during monthly board meetings. Accessing this information is the frontline of defense for the industry.

2.1 The Open Meetings Act (KRS 61.800 – 61.850)

The Kentucky General Assembly has declared that the formation of public policy is public business and shall not be conducted in secret. For KBC stakeholders, this provides specific rights.

2.1.1 Accessing Agendas

Under KRS 61.820, the Board must provide a schedule of regular meetings and make agendas available to the public.10 The agenda is the roadmap of the Board’s intent.

  • Strategic Importance: The agenda lists regulatory changes, licensure approvals, and, crucially, the ratification of complaints and agreed orders. If a disciplinary action against a salon is not listed on the agenda, the Board generally cannot take final action on it during that meeting.
  • Monitoring Protocol: Licensees should designate a compliance officer or checking routine to review the KBC website (kbc.ky.gov) 24 to 48 hours before every scheduled meeting. Look for items titled “Complaint Committee Report,” “Ratification of Agreed Orders,” or “New Business.”

2.1.2 Meeting Minutes as Evidence

KRS 61.835 requires that minutes of action taken at every meeting be promptly recorded and open to public inspection.12

  • Evidentiary Value: These minutes are not transcripts, but they must set forth an accurate record of votes. If a licensee receives a suspension order dated June 15, but the Board meeting minutes for June show no vote on that licensee’s case, the order may be invalid.
  • The “Block Vote” Phenomenon: Often, Boards vote to “accept the recommendations of the Complaint Committee” in a single block vote. While common, this practice can be challenged if the underlying committee recommendations were not made available to the public or the Board members prior to the vote.13

2.2 Virtual Access and Modern Oversight

Post-2020, administrative bodies have increasingly utilized video teleconferencing. KRS 61.826 allows for video meetings, provided the public can see and hear the proceedings at a primary physical location.10

  • Remote Observation: For licensees outside of Frankfort, monitoring these streams is a primary method of oversight. Stakeholders should record these streams (as permitted by KRS 61.840) because the written minutes often sanitize the actual debate and discussion regarding enforcement priorities.12

Section III: The Power of Information – Leveraging the Open Records Act

When a licensee is the subject of a complaint, or when the public wishes to understand the rationale behind a regulation, the Open Records Act (KRS 61.870 et seq.) is the primary investigative tool.

3.1 Filing a Request for Disciplinary Records

KRS 317A.145 authorizes the investigation of complaints.2 However, the documentation generated—investigative reports, inspector notes, and witness statements—is often shielded by the Board until the case is closed.

Record TypeAccessibility StatusStatutory BasisStrategic Use
Inspection ReportsOpen201 KAR 12:060Must be posted in salon; immediate access required. Prove disparate enforcement.
Complaint (Initial)Open (to Respondent)201 KAR 12:190Licensee has right to receive copy within notification window.
Investigative NotesExempt (Preliminary)KRS 61.878(1)(i)-(j)Often withheld as “preliminary” until final action is taken.
Complaint Committee MinutesMixedKRS 61.835Recommendations to Board are public; deliberations may be closed.
Agreed OrdersOpenKRS 61.878Once signed and ratified, these are public contracts.

3.1.1 The “Preliminary Documents” Battle

Public agencies often attempt to withhold records by citing KRS 61.878(1)(i) and (j), which exempt preliminary drafts, notes, and correspondence with private individuals.17

  • The Exception to the Exemption: Once final action is taken (e.g., the Board votes to issue a fine), the underlying investigative materials that formed the basis of that decision typically forfeit their preliminary status and become open to inspection. If the Board adopts an investigator’s report as the basis for its decision, that report becomes public.
  • Licensee Rights: A licensee who is the subject of the action has a heightened due process right to these records compared to the general public, as they are necessary to prepare a defense.18

3.2 Accessing Complaint Committee Records

The KBC utilizes a Complaint Committee to review allegations before they reach the full Board. 201 KAR 12:190 establishes this committee.4

  • Tactical Request: Stakeholders should request the “recommendation logs” or “disposition sheets” of the Complaint Committee. While the committee generally cannot issue a final order, their recommendations (dismissal, investigation, or notice of violation) set the trajectory of the case. Accessing these logs can reveal patterns of enforcement—for example, if the Committee always recommends a $500 fine for a specific paperwork error, this establishes a de facto regulation that may be challengeable if not properly promulgated.13

3.3 How to File a Request

Requests must be submitted in writing (email is preferred for tracking) to the Board’s Official Custodian of Records.

  • The 5-Day Rule: Under KRS 61.880, the agency has five business days (expanded from three in recent years) to respond to the request.10
  • Form of Request: Use the official KBC Open Records Request form or a letter citing the statute. Be specific: “I request the meeting minutes for the March 12, 2025 board meeting and the ratification list for all agreed orders approved on that date”.20

Section IV: The Anatomy of Discipline – The Complaint Process

The disciplinary machinery of the KBC is triggered either by a consumer complaint or an internal inspection report. 201 KAR 12:190 outlines a rigid procedural framework that the Board must follow. Deviations from this process are not merely technical errors; they are violations of a licensee’s due process rights that can render subsequent fines void.

4.1 The Requirement of Written Notice

Administrative enforcement in Kentucky cannot be based on verbal warnings or informal directives. 201 KAR 12:190 explicitly requires that enforcement be documented.22

  • Mandatory Elements: A lawful notice of disciplinary action must identify:
    1. The specific statute or regulation violated (e.g., “Violation of 201 KAR 12:100 Section 2”).
    2. The factual basis for the allegation (e.g., “Inspector observed reuse of single-use buffer”).
    3. The penalty to be imposed.
    4. The licensee’s right to request a hearing.16

4.2 The 10-Day Response Window: A Critical Deadline

A frequent procedural trap for licensees is the timeline for responding to a complaint.

  • Regulatory Standard: Under 201 KAR 12:190, Section 3, a respondent (licensee) is provided a specific window to submit a written response to a complaint. Historically, this has been set at ten (10) days from the date of receipt.4
  • Conflicting Timelines: Some amendments reference a thirty (30) day window.2 This discrepancy often arises between the initial notification of a consumer complaint (10 days to respond to the committee) and the formal notice of administrative hearing (20 or 30 days).
  • Best Practice: Treat the 10-day deadline as the controlling standard for the initial response. Failure to respond within this window allows the Complaint Committee to review the case without the licensee’s defense, often resulting in a default recommendation of guilt.2

4.3 The Right to Correction (Warning Notices)

A fundamental protection for licensees is found in KRS 317A.020(8)(a). This statute mandates that, unless a violation creates an “immediate and present danger” to public health and safety, the Board must first issue a warning notice prior to imposing incremental punitive action (fines or suspension).6

  • Content of the Warning: The warning must include a specific and detailed description of the violation and the specific remediation required to bring the salon into compliance.6
  • Legal Implication: If the KBC imposes a fine for a routine paperwork or sanitation violation (that does not constitute immediate danger) without first issuing this statutory warning, the fine is legally defective. Licensees should rigorously verify whether they received a prior warning for the specific offense cited. A warning for a dirty floor in 2023 does not validate a fine for a missing license in 2025 without a new warning, as they are distinct violations.

Section V: Disciplinary Actions and The “Agreed Order” Trap

When the KBC seeks to penalize a licensee, it typically does so through an “Agreed Order”—a settlement contract that avoids a formal administrative hearing. While efficient, these orders can become traps for the unwary, and their validity rests on strict adherence to statutory authority.

5.1 The Nature of Agreed Orders

An agreed order is a binding legal document where the licensee admits to a violation (or agrees to a settlement) and accepts a penalty to resolve the case.

  • Voluntary Consent: By definition, an agreed order requires consent. The Board cannot force a licensee to sign an agreed order. If a licensee refuses, the Board must initiate a formal hearing process under KRS Chapter 13B.26
  • Board Ratification: Crucially, an agreed order is not valid until it is approved by the Board and signed by the Board Chair or their designee.4 A staff member or inspector does not have the independent authority to finalize a disciplinary order.

5.2 Void Ab Initio: The Doctrine of Nullity

A powerful legal concept in administrative law is void ab initio—meaning “void from the beginning.” If the KBC issues an order or imposes a fine without the statutory authority to do so, or in violation of mandatory due process procedures, that action is a legal nullity.28

5.2.1 Lack of Board Quorum or Confirmation

Under KRS 317A.030 and general corporate law principles applicable to boards (KRS 271B.8-240), the Board can only act through a quorum.9

  • The “Ultra Vires” Act: If the Complaint Committee negotiates a fine and the executive director issues the order without the full Board voting to ratify it during an open meeting, the order may be void. The Complaint Committee is authorized only to recommend actions, not to issue final dispositions.4
  • Procedural Defect: If a licensee can prove through Open Records requests (specifically meeting minutes) that their specific agreed order was never presented to or voted on by the full Board, they may have grounds to argue the order is void and unenforceable. This is a common procedural failure in high-volume administrative agencies.

5.2.2 Violation of the Warning Statute

If the Board fines a salon for a minor violation without issuing the statutorily required warning notice under KRS 317A.020(8)(a), the fine exceeds the Board’s statutory authority. An agency cannot enforce a penalty that the legislature has explicitly prohibited it from imposing until a warning condition is met. Such a fine would be arbitrary and potentially void.31

5.3 The Economics of Enforcement: Refunds of Fines

If an order is declared void ab initio, the legal effect is as if the order never existed. Theoretically, this creates an entitlement to a refund of any fines paid under that void order.

  • Sovereign Immunity Hurdles: Recovering money from the state is difficult due to sovereign immunity. However, Kentucky courts have recognized exceptions where an agency acts outside its statutory authority or violates constitutional due process rights.33
  • Tax Refund Analogy: KRS 134.551 allows for refunds when tax certificates are declared void due to irregularity.34 While this statute is specific to taxation, the underlying equitable principle—that the state should not retain funds collected through illegal acts—is a potent argument in administrative appeals.
  • Litigation Route: To force a refund, a licensee would likely need to file an appeal in Franklin Circuit Court (the venue for challenging state agency actions) seeking a declaratory judgment that the order was void and a writ of mandamus compelling the refund.32

Section VI: Unlicensed Practice vs. Permissible Assistance – A Legal Minefield

A major source of confusion—and disciplinary risk—in Kentucky salons is the delineation between tasks that require a license and those that do not. The KBC has adopted a strict interpretation of “practice,” reinforced by the introduction of the Shampoo and Style License.

6.1 The “Shampoo and Style” License (300 Hours)

Historically, many salons employed unlicensed assistants to shampoo hair. In Kentucky, this is now strictly prohibited unless the individual holds a specific Shampoo and Style license.37

  • Requirements: Obtaining this license requires 300 hours of instruction at a licensed school, a 12th-grade education, and passing the PSI theory and practical exams.37
  • Legal Presumption: The existence of this specific license creates a legal presumption that shampooing is a professional service. If a salon allows an unlicensed person (e.g., a receptionist or a student who has not yet obtained their permit) to shampoo a client, they are aiding and abetting unlicensed practice.41

6.2 Permissible Non-Licensed Duties

To remain compliant, salon owners must strictly limit unlicensed employees to non-cosmetic tasks. Based on the statutory definition of cosmetology in KRS 317A.010, permissible tasks include:

  • Reception Duties: Scheduling appointments, processing payments (cashier), and client intake.37
  • Sanitation and Maintenance: Sweeping floors, laundering towels, cleaning mirrors, and sanitizing non-implement surfaces (waiting areas, front desk).37
  • Retail: Selling products, provided no professional advice or application is given that would constitute “practice” (e.g., applying makeup samples to a client).37

6.3 Prohibited Acts for Unlicensed Personnel

Any act that involves touching a client for a cosmetic purpose is likely prohibited. This includes:

  • Shampooing and Conditioning: (Requires Shampoo & Style License or Cosmetology License).41
  • Removing Polish: Even removing nail polish is considered part of nail technology practice.
  • Draping Clients: Placing a cape on a client for a chemical service may be construed as assisting in the practice.
  • Mixing Chemicals: Preparing color or perm solutions is strictly professional practice.

Section VII: The “Immediate and Present Danger” Standard and Salon Closure (SB 22)

The most severe penalty the KBC can impose is the immediate closure of a business. Recent legislative changes have armed the Board with a powerful weapon in this regard: Senate Bill 22 (2025).

7.1 Strict Liability for Unlicensed Personnel

Effective June 26, 2025, KRS 317A.020(8)(b) was amended to state: “It shall be deemed an immediate and present danger to the health and safety of the public if it is documented and verified that a licensee knowingly employs or utilizes the services of an unlicensed individual”.43

7.2 Mechanics of Immediate Closure

Normally, a salon is entitled to a hearing before a license is suspended. However, an “emergency order” under KRS 13B.125 allows the Board to suspend a license immediately if there is an immediate danger to the public.6

  • The Shift: By legislatively defining the employment of an unlicensed person as an “immediate and present danger,” the General Assembly has removed the Board’s burden of proving actual harm. The mere presence of an unlicensed worker performing services justifies immediate emergency closure.
  • Presumption of Guilt: Guidance suggests that if an employee flees mid-service during an inspection, they will be presumed to be an unlicensed employee, triggering the immediate danger clause.45

7.3 Consequences of Closure

  • Immediate Cessation: The salon must lock its doors and cease operations instantly.
  • Post-Deprivation Hearing: The licensee is entitled to an administrative hearing after the closure to determine if the license should be reinstated.6
  • Severe Penalties: Beyond closure, the salon faces substantial fines and the potential permanent revocation of facility and individual licenses.44

Section VIII: Navigating the Inspection and Correction Process

Routine inspections are the primary touchpoint for regulatory enforcement. Understanding how to manage an inspection and respond to deficiencies is crucial for avoiding the escalation to formal complaints.

8.1 The Inspection Protocol

Inspectors are authorized under KRS 317A.145(3) to enter any licensed facility during reasonable hours to inspect premises and records.2

  • Key Focus Areas: Inspectors look for licensure display (with photos), sanitation (wet sanitizers, clean implements), and the presence of unlicensed workers.
  • Documentation: 201 KAR 12:060 requires the posting of the most recent inspection report in a conspicuous area.5 Hiding a failed inspection report is a separate violation.

8.2 The Correction Letter and 10-Day Cure

If violations are found that do not rise to the level of immediate danger, the inspector generally issues an inspection report noting deficiencies.

  • Correction Timeline: While the general complaint response time is often cited as 10 days, specific regulations like 201 KAR 12:082 (regarding enrollment data errors) explicitly mandate a 10-day correction window.49
  • Strategic Response: Upon receiving a deficiency notice (often referred to informally as a correction letter), the licensee should:
    1. Correct the Issue Immediately: Fix the sanitation issue, update the license display, or dismiss the unauthorized worker.
    2. Submit Written Proof: Within 10 days, send a written response to the Board (via email or certified mail) with photographic evidence of the correction. This creates a paper trail of compliance that can prevent the deficiency from escalating into a formal disciplinary complaint and fine.51

Section IX: Practical Compliance Frameworks and Checklists

To assist licensees in operationalizing this legal analysis, the following tables and checklists provide quick-reference guides to compliance.

9.1 Table: Unlicensed vs. Licensed Duties Matrix

TaskUnlicensed Personnel (Receptionist)Shampoo & Style License (300 Hours)Cosmetology/Nail License
Schedule Appointments✅ Permitted✅ Permitted✅ Permitted
Process Payments✅ Permitted✅ Permitted✅ Permitted
Sweep Floors / Laundry✅ Permitted✅ Permitted✅ Permitted
Sanitize Surfaces✅ Permitted✅ Permitted✅ Permitted
Shampoo & Rinse HairPROHIBITED✅ Permitted✅ Permitted
Remove Nail PolishPROHIBITEDPROHIBITED✅ Permitted
Apply Scalp TreatmentsPROHIBITED✅ Permitted✅ Permitted
Apply Hair Color/ChemicalsPROHIBITEDPROHIBITED✅ Permitted
Drape Client for Service⚠️ Risky (Avoid)✅ Permitted✅ Permitted

9.2 Checklist: Immediate Inspection Response

  1. Staff Audit: Are all licenses (with current photos) posted at stations?
  2. Unlicensed Staff: Are receptionists strictly behind the desk or performing cleaning only?
  3. Sanitation: Are wet sanitizers filled and implements clean?
  4. Interaction: Be polite but do not volunteer information. Answer questions directly.
  5. Documentation: If a deficiency is noted, ask specifically: “Is this an immediate danger violation or a correction notice?”
  6. Follow-Up: Photograph the correction immediately and email KBC within 10 days.

Conclusion

The Kentucky Board of Cosmetology operates within a defined legal box, bounded by statutes like KRS 317A and procedural safeguards like KRS Chapter 13B. However, the boundaries of this box are often tested by aggressive enforcement and licensee ignorance. The passage of SB 22 in 2025 signals a new era of zero-tolerance enforcement regarding unlicensed practice, making strict compliance an operational necessity.

Yet, licensees are not powerless. The law guarantees transparency through open records, fairness through warning requirements, and legitimacy through board ratification of orders. By understanding these procedural levers—specifically the 10-day response window, the warning mandate, and the “void order” doctrine—licensees can protect their livelihoods and hold their regulators accountable to the rule of law. The potential for voiding orders and securing refunds exists, but it requires a licensee who is not just skilled in beauty, but literate in the law.


Disclaimer: This report is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Administrative regulations and statutes are subject to change. Licensees should consult with a qualified administrative law attorney for specific legal counsel.

REFERENCES

Senate Bill 84 Votes info – https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/25rs/sb84/vote_history.pdf

COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY SENATE
2025 Regular Session
SB 84 AN ACT relating to judicial review of state agency RSN# 3368
action.
2/18/2025
PASS SB 84 4:44:51 PM
YEAS: 28
NAYS: 6
PASSES: 0
NOT VOTING: 4
YEAS : 28
Boswell Girdler Mills Stivers
Carpenter Givens Nemes Storm
Carroll Higdon Nunn Tichenor
Deneen Howell Rawlings Wheeler
Douglas Madon Reed Williams
Elkins McDaniel Richardson Wilson
Funke Frommeyer Meredith Smith Wise
NAYS : 6
Berg Herron Thomas Yates
ChambersArmstrong Neal
PASSES : 0
NOT VOTING : 4
Mays Bledsoe Raque Adams Webb West
Commonwealth of Kentucky
House of Representatives
2025 Regular Session
SB 84 AN ACT relating to judicial review of state agency RCS# 205
action.
3/11/2025
Pass 3:11:29 PM
YEAS: 80
NAYS: 19
ABSTAINED: 0
NOT VOTING: 1
YEAS : 80
Baker Dossett Heavrin McCool Roberts
Banta Dotson Hodgson McPherson Rudy
Bauman Duvall Holloway Meade Sharp
Bivens Elliott Huff T Meredith Smith
Blanton Fister Imes Miles Tate
Bowling Flannery Jackson Moser Thomas
Branscum Fleming Johnson Neighbors Thompson
Bratcher S. Freeland King Nemes Tipton
Bray Fugate Koch Osborne Truett
Bridges Gooch Lawrence Payne Upchurch
Callaway Gordon Lewis Petrie Wesley
Calloway Griffee Lewis D Pollock Whitaker
Clines Grossl Lewis S Proctor White
Decker Hale Lockett Rabourn Williams
Dietz Hampton Maddox Raymer Wilson
Doan Hart Massaroni Riley Witten
NAYS : 19
Aull Camuel Hancock Moore Tackett Laferty
Bojanowski Donworth Kulkarni Roarx Watkins
Brown Gentry Lehman Stalker Willner
Burke Grossberg Marzian Stevenson P
ABSTAINED : 0
NOT VOTING : 1
Chester-Burton
COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY SENATE
2025 Regular Session
SB 84 AN ACT relating to judicial review of state agency RSN# 3500
action.
3/12/2025
Final Passage SB 84 W/ hcs1 4:46:36 PM
YEAS: 32
NAYS: 6
PASSES: 0
NOT VOTING: 0
YEAS : 32
Boswell Givens Nemes Storm
Carpenter Higdon Nunn Tichenor
Carroll Howell Raque Adams Webb
Deneen Madon Rawlings West
Douglas Mays Bledsoe Reed Wheeler
Elkins McDaniel Richardson Williams
Funke Frommeyer Meredith Smith Wilson
Girdler Mills Stivers Wise
NAYS : 6
Berg Herron Thomas Yates
ChambersArmstrong Neal
PASSES : 0
NOT VOTING : 0
COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY SENATE
2025 Regular Session
SB 84 AN ACT relating to judicial review of state agency RSN# 3587
action.
3/27/2025
Override Veto Final Passage SB 84 11:28:46AM
YEAS: 32
NAYS: 6
PASSES: 0
NOT VOTING: 0
YEAS : 32
Boswell Givens Nemes Storm
Carpenter Higdon Nunn Tichenor
Carroll Howell Raque Adams Webb
Deneen Madon Rawlings West
Douglas Mays Bledsoe Reed Wheeler
Elkins McDaniel Richardson Williams
Funke Frommeyer Meredith Smith Wilson
Girdler Mills Stivers Wise
NAYS : 6
Berg Herron Thomas Yates
ChambersArmstrong Neal
PASSES : 0
NOT VOTING : 0
Commonwealth of Kentucky
House of Representatives
2025 Regular Session
SB 84 AN ACT relating to judicial review of state agency RCS# 336
action.
3/27/2025
Final Passage 6:54:03 PM
YEAS: 74
NAYS: 18
ABSTAINED: 0
NOT VOTING: 8
YEAS : 74
Baker Dotson Hodgson Meade Sharp
Banta Duvall Holloway Meredith Smith
Bauman Elliott Huff T Miles Tate
Bivens Fister Imes Moser Thomas
Blanton Flannery Jackson Neighbors Thompson
Bowling Fleming Johnson Nemes Tipton
Branscum Freeland King Osborne Truett
Bratcher S. Fugate Koch Payne Upchurch
Bray Gooch Lawrence Petrie Wesley
Bridges Gordon Lewis Pollock Whitaker
Calloway Griffee Lewis S Proctor White
Clines Grossl Lockett Raymer Williams
Decker Hale Massaroni Riley Wilson
Dietz Hampton McCool Roberts Witten
Dossett Heavrin McPherson Rudy
NAYS : 18
Aull Camuel Hancock Roarx Tackett Laferty
Bojanowski Donworth Kulkarni Stalker Watkins
Brown Gentry Lehman Stevenson P Willner
Burke Grossberg Moore
ABSTAINED : 0
NOT VOTING : 8
Callaway Doan Lewis D Marzian Rabourn
Chester-Burton Hart Maddox

KENTUCKY BEAUTY LAW — REQUIRED SAFETY & SANITATION – VERBATIM STATUTES: KRS 317A.010 • 317A.020 • 317A.030 – AS OF DECEMBER 2025

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 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 the official state sources, including the Kentucky Legislative Research Commission and the KBC 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 regulations may change, and this archive exists to document what the law stated at a specific point in time.


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 — LBA 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.


⚖️ 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 the 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 317A:

Any beauty service performed for the public generally OR for consideration
is regulated,
except:

  • Natural hair braiding (explicit exemption)
  • Makeup artistry only when done without consideration or at carnivals/fairs

This is not interpretation — this is the structure of the statute.


1️⃣ COSMETOLOGY (HAIR STYLING) — REQUIRED FOCUS ZONES

Statutory Basis

  • KRS 317A.010(4), (11)
  • KRS 317A.020

Hair styling includes cutting, coloring, cleansing, curling, styling, massaging scalp, etc.


MANDATORY SAFETY & SANITATION FOCUS (LAW-FORCED)

🔴 A. SINGLE-USE & NON-REUSABLE ITEMS

Because hair styling involves:

  • Direct scalp contact
  • Skin contact
  • Potential micro-abrasions

Focus must be on:

  • Single-use towels OR properly laundered towels per client
  • No towel reuse between clients
  • No shared neck strips, capes, or absorbent materials without sanitation

This is required by the nature of regulated hair practice, not preference.


🔴 B. MECHANICAL DEVICES = REGULATED TOOLS

Statute explicitly defines mechanical devices:

clips, combs, curlers, curling irons, hairpins, rollers, scissors, needles, thread, hair binders

Focus must be on:

  • Cleaning + disinfection between every client
  • No tool reuse without sanitation
  • Storage that prevents cross-contamination

If a device touches hair or scalp → it is regulated.


🔴 C. PRODUCTS TOUCHING SCALP

Hair styling law includes:

lotions, creams, antiseptics, scalp stimulation

Focus must be on:

  • No double-dipping
  • No cross-use of applicators
  • Controlled dispensing

2️⃣ ESTHETICS — REQUIRED FOCUS ZONES

Statutory Basis

  • KRS 317A.010(7)

Esthetics includes waxing, facials, exfoliation, lashes, skin massage, depilatories.


MANDATORY SAFETY & SANITATION FOCUS

🔴 A. SKIN BARRIER PROTECTION

Because esthetics includes:

  • Hair removal
  • Exfoliation
  • Chemical contact
  • Lash adhesives

Focus must be on:

  • Preventing skin breaks
  • Preventing infection
  • Preventing chemical misuse

This is why esthetics is licensed, not optional.


🔴 B. SINGLE-USE IMPLEMENTS

Anything that:

  • Touches skin
  • Penetrates follicles
  • Applies chemicals

Must be:

  • Single-use OR fully disinfected
  • Disposed of immediately if contaminated

🔴 C. EYE & FACE PROXIMITY

Lashes, brows, and face services are high-risk zones.

Focus must be on:

  • Hygiene
  • Isolation of tools
  • No cross-client contact

3️⃣ NAIL TECHNOLOGY — REQUIRED FOCUS ZONES (HIGHEST RISK)

Statutory Basis

  • KRS 317A.010(16), (17)

Nail technology includes:

cleaning, trimming, cutting, shaping, sculpting, polishing, massaging hands and feet


MANDATORY SAFETY & SANITATION FOCUS

🔴 A. MMA = MAJOR MEDICAL ALERT

Nails involve:

  • Cuticles
  • Blood exposure
  • Fungal environments

This is the highest sanitation-risk license domain.

Focus must be on:

  • Bloodborne pathogen prevention
  • Immediate response to nicks/cuts
  • No reuse of contaminated tools

🔴 B. TOOL DISINFECTION IS NON-NEGOTIABLE

Files, clippers, nippers, buffers:

  • Must be single-use OR disinfected
  • Porous items cannot be reused
  • Metal tools must be disinfected between clients

This is why nail salons are separately defined in statute.


🔴 C. FOOT & HAND MASSAGE

Statute explicitly includes massage.

Focus must be on:

  • Skin integrity
  • Infection control
  • No service if open wounds present

4️⃣ SHAMPOO & STYLE — REQUIRED FOCUS ZONES (LIMITED LICENSE)

Statutory Basis

  • KRS 317A.010(20)

This license is narrow by law.


MANDATORY SAFETY & SANITATION FOCUS

🔴 A. SCOPE CONTROL

Shampoo & style:

  • ❌ No cutting
  • ❌ No coloring
  • ❌ No chemical treatments
  • ❌ No Brazilian blowouts

Focus must be on staying inside scope.


🔴 B. WATER + SHARED SURFACES

Because services include:

  • Cleaning
  • Blow drying
  • Arranging

Focus must be on:

  • Clean sinks
  • Clean chairs
  • Clean tools
  • Clean towels per client

5️⃣ NATURAL HAIR BRAIDING — LEGAL POSITION

Statutory Basis

  • KRS 317A.030(2)

This chapter shall not apply…


LEGAL REALITY

  • Not regulated under KRS 317A
  • No license required under this chapter
  • Exemption is explicit and narrow

⚠️ This does not authorize:

  • Chemical services
  • Color
  • Structural alteration

6️⃣ MAKEUP ARTISTRY — LEGAL POSITION

Statutory Basis

  • KRS 317A.010(15)(c)

LEGAL REALITY

Makeup is:

  • Regulated when done for consideration
  • Not regulated only when:
    • At carnivals/fairs, OR
    • Done without consideration

⚠️ Once money or compensation exists → regulation applies.


FINAL STATUTE-BASED TRUTH (NO INTERPRETATION)

  • All beauty services are regulated
  • Except:
    • Natural hair braiding
    • Makeup for fun without money
  • Regulation exists because of:
    • Tools
    • Skin contact
    • Infection risk
    • Public exposure

AS IS AS OF DECEMBER 2025

317A.010 Definitions for chapter.
As used in this chapter, unless the context requires otherwise:
(1) “Beauty salon” means any establishment in which the practice of cosmetology is
conducted for the general public or for consideration;
(2) “Board” means the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology;
(3) “Cosmetologist” means a person who engages in the practice of cosmetology for the
public generally or for consideration, regardless of the name under which the
practice is conducted;
(4) “Cosmetology” means the practice of:
(a) Hair styling;
(b) Esthetics; and
(c) Nail technology.
The practice of cosmetology does not include acts performed incident to treatment
of an illness or a disease;
(5) “Cosmetology school” or “school of cosmetology” means any operation, place, or
establishment in or through which persons are trained or taught the practice of
cosmetology, esthetic practices, and nail technology;
(6) “Esthetician” means a person who is licensed by the board to engage in esthetic
practices in the Commonwealth of Kentucky;
(7) “Esthetic practices” means one (1) or more of the following acts:
(a) Beautifying, cleansing, cosmetic preparations, exfoliating, facials, makeup,
removal of superfluous hair, stimulation, tinting, tweezing, or waxing;
(b) Eyelash tinting, artificial eyelashes, or eyelash extensions;
(c) Use of lotions, creams, oils, antiseptics, or depilatories;
(d) Massaging the skin; and
(e) Providing preoperative and postoperative esthetic skin care, either referred by
or supervised by a medical professional, unless these acts are performed
incident to:

  1. Treatment of an illness or a disease;
  2. Work as a student in a board-approved school; or
  3. Work performed by a licensed massage therapist;
    (8) “Esthetic practices school” or “school of esthetic practices” means any operation,
    place, or establishment in or through which persons are trained in esthetic practices;
    (9) “Esthetic salon” means a place where an esthetician performs esthetic practices;
    (10) “Eyelash artistry” means the process of attaching semipermanent lashes or eyelash
    extensions to natural eyelashes;
    (11) “Hair styling” means the practice of:
    (a) Arranging, beautifying, bleaching, cleansing, coloring, curling, cutting,
    dressing, manipulating, permanent waving, singeing, tinting, or trimming of
    natural or artificial hair;
    (b) Use of lotions, creams, and antiseptics; and
    (c) Massaging and stimulation of the scalp;
    (12) “Instructor” means any individual licensed to teach cosmetology, esthetics, or nail
    technology who holds a corresponding license in cosmetology, esthetics practice, or
    nail technology;
    (13) “Limited beauty salon” means any establishment in which the practice of shampoo
    and style services, makeup artistry, eyelash artistry, or threading are conducted for
    the general public or for consideration;
    (14) “Limited stylist” means an individual licensed to perform shampoo and style
    services;
    (15) (a) “Makeup artistry” means applying cosmetic products to the face and body.
    (b) “Makeup artistry” includes:
  4. Corrective and camouflage techniques; and
  5. Airbrushing.
    (c) “Makeup artistry” does not include:
  6. Face painting at carnivals or fairs; or
  7. Application of cosmetics when not done for consideration;
    (16) “Nail salon” means any establishment in which the practice of nail technology only
    is conducted for the general public or for consideration;
    (17) “Nail technician” means a person who practices nail technology, including
    manicuring and pedicuring real and artificial nails for the purpose of beautifying,
    for the general public or for consideration. Manicuring and pedicuring real and
    artificial nails for the purpose of beautifying includes:
    (a) Cleaning;
    (b) Trimming;
    (c) Cutting;
    (d) Shaping;
    (e) Sculpting;
    (f) Polishing; and
    (g) Massaging the hands and feet of any human, for which a license is required by
    this chapter;
    (18) “Nail technology school” or “school of nail technology” means any operation, place,
    or establishment in or through which persons are trained in nail technology;
    (19) (a) “Natural hair braiding” means a service of twisting, wrapping, weaving,
    extending, locking, or braiding hair by hand or with mechanical devices.
    Natural hair braiding is commonly known as “African-style hair braiding” but
    is not limited to any particular cultural, ethnic, racial, or religious forms of
    hair styles.
    (b) “Natural hair braiding” includes:
  8. The use of natural or synthetic hair extensions, natural or synthetic hair
    and fibers, decorative beads, and other hair accessories;
  9. Minor trimming of natural hair or hair extensions incidental to twisting,
    wrapping, weaving, extending, locking, or braiding hair;
  10. The use of topical agents such as conditioners, gels, moisturizers, oils,
    pomades, and shampoos; and
  11. The making of wigs from natural hair, natural fibers, synthetic fibers,
    and hair extensions.
    (c) “Natural hair braiding” does not include:
  12. The application of dyes, reactive chemicals, or other preparation to alter
    the color of the hair or to straighten, curl, or alter the structure of the
    hair; or
  13. The use of chemical hair joining agents such as synthetic tape, keratin
    bonds, or fusion bonds.
    (d) For the purposes of this subsection, “mechanical devices” means clips, combs,
    curlers, curling irons, hairpins, rollers, scissors, needles, thread, and hair
    binders;
    (20) (a) “Shampoo and style services” means beautifying, cleaning, or arranging the
    hair of an individual for consideration only at a limited beauty salon.
    (b) “Shampoo and style services” includes any of the following services
    performed on an individual’s hair:
  14. Arranging;
  15. Cleaning;
  16. Curling;
  17. Dressing;
  18. Blow drying; or
  19. Performing any other similar procedure.
    (c) “Shampoo and style services” does not include any service that:
  20. Is popularly known as a Brazilian blowout;
  21. Includes color services, cutting, lightening, or chemically treating hair;
    or
  22. Otherwise falls under the practice of cosmetology, except as authorized
    in paragraph (b) of this subsection; and
    (21) “Threading” means the process of removing hair from below the eyebrow by use of
    a thread woven through the hair to be removed.
    Effective: July 14, 2022
    History: Amended 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 235, sec. 2, effective July 14, 2022. — Amended
    2018 Ky. Acts ch. 35, sec. 1, effective July 14, 2018; and ch. 46, sec. 12, effective
    March 30, 2018. — Amended 2016 Ky. Acts ch. 48, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2016. —
    Amended 2012 Ky. Acts ch. 152, sec. 1, effective July 12, 2012. — Amended 1996
    Ky. Acts ch. 82, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1996. — Created 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 354,
    sec. 1.
    Legislative Research Commission Note (7/15/2016). During codification, the Reviser of
    Statutes has changed the internal numbering of paragraphs in subsection (9) of this
    statute from the way it appeared in 2016 Ky. Acts ch. 48, sec. 1.

317A.010 Definitions for chapter.
As used in this chapter, unless the context requires otherwise:
(1) “Beauty salon” means any establishment in which the practice of cosmetology is
conducted for the general public or for consideration;
(2) “Board” means the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology;
(3) “Cosmetologist” means a person who engages in the practice of cosmetology for the
public generally or for consideration, regardless of the name under which the
practice is conducted;
(4) “Cosmetology” means the practice of:
(a) Hair styling;
(b) Esthetics; and
(c) Nail technology.
The practice of cosmetology does not include acts performed incident to treatment
of an illness or a disease;
(5) “Cosmetology school” or “school of cosmetology” means any operation, place, or
establishment in or through which persons are trained or taught the practice of
cosmetology, esthetic practices, and nail technology;
(6) “Esthetician” means a person who is licensed by the board to engage in esthetic
practices in the Commonwealth of Kentucky;
(7) “Esthetic practices” means one (1) or more of the following acts:
(a) Beautifying, cleansing, cosmetic preparations, exfoliating, facials, makeup,
removal of superfluous hair, stimulation, tinting, tweezing, or waxing;
(b) Eyelash tinting, artificial eyelashes, or eyelash extensions;
(c) Use of lotions, creams, oils, antiseptics, or depilatories;
(d) Massaging the skin; and
(e) Providing preoperative and postoperative esthetic skin care, either referred by
or supervised by a medical professional, unless these acts are performed
incident to:

  1. Treatment of an illness or a disease;
  2. Work as a student in a board-approved school; or
  3. Work performed by a licensed massage therapist;
    (8) “Esthetic practices school” or “school of esthetic practices” means any operation,
    place, or establishment in or through which persons are trained in esthetic practices;
    (9) “Esthetic salon” means a place where an esthetician performs esthetic practices;
    (10) “Eyelash artistry” means the process of attaching semipermanent lashes or eyelash
    extensions to natural eyelashes;
    (11) “Hair styling” means the practice of:
    (a) Arranging, beautifying, bleaching, cleansing, coloring, curling, cutting,
    dressing, manipulating, permanent waving, singeing, tinting, or trimming of
    natural or artificial hair;
    (b) Use of lotions, creams, and antiseptics; and
    (c) Massaging and stimulation of the scalp;
    (12) “Instructor” means any individual licensed to teach cosmetology, esthetics, or nail
    technology who holds a corresponding license in cosmetology, esthetics practice, or
    nail technology;
    (13) “Limited beauty salon” means any establishment in which the practice of shampoo
    and style services, makeup artistry, eyelash artistry, or threading are conducted for
    the general public or for consideration;
    (14) “Limited stylist” means an individual licensed to perform shampoo and style
    services;
    (15) (a) “Makeup artistry” means applying cosmetic products to the face and body.
    (b) “Makeup artistry” includes:
  4. Corrective and camouflage techniques; and
  5. Airbrushing.
    (c) “Makeup artistry” does not include:
  6. Face painting at carnivals or fairs; or
  7. Application of cosmetics when not done for consideration;
    (16) “Nail salon” means any establishment in which the practice of nail technology only
    is conducted for the general public or for consideration;
    (17) “Nail technician” means a person who practices nail technology, including
    manicuring and pedicuring real and artificial nails for the purpose of beautifying,
    for the general public or for consideration. Manicuring and pedicuring real and
    artificial nails for the purpose of beautifying includes:
    (a) Cleaning;
    (b) Trimming;
    (c) Cutting;
    (d) Shaping;
    (e) Sculpting;
    (f) Polishing; and
    (g) Massaging the hands and feet of any human, for which a license is required by
    this chapter;
    (18) “Nail technology school” or “school of nail technology” means any operation, place,
    or establishment in or through which persons are trained in nail technology;
    (19) (a) “Natural hair braiding” means a service of twisting, wrapping, weaving,
    extending, locking, or braiding hair by hand or with mechanical devices.
    Natural hair braiding is commonly known as “African-style hair braiding” but
    is not limited to any particular cultural, ethnic, racial, or religious forms of
    hair styles.
    (b) “Natural hair braiding” includes:
  8. The use of natural or synthetic hair extensions, natural or synthetic hair
    and fibers, decorative beads, and other hair accessories;
  9. Minor trimming of natural hair or hair extensions incidental to twisting,
    wrapping, weaving, extending, locking, or braiding hair;
  10. The use of topical agents such as conditioners, gels, moisturizers, oils,
    pomades, and shampoos; and
  11. The making of wigs from natural hair, natural fibers, synthetic fibers,
    and hair extensions.
    (c) “Natural hair braiding” does not include:
  12. The application of dyes, reactive chemicals, or other preparation to alter
    the color of the hair or to straighten, curl, or alter the structure of the
    hair; or
  13. The use of chemical hair joining agents such as synthetic tape, keratin
    bonds, or fusion bonds.
    (d) For the purposes of this subsection, “mechanical devices” means clips, combs,
    curlers, curling irons, hairpins, rollers, scissors, needles, thread, and hair
    binders;
    (20) (a) “Shampoo and style services” means beautifying, cleaning, or arranging the
    hair of an individual for consideration only at a limited beauty salon.
    (b) “Shampoo and style services” includes any of the following services
    performed on an individual’s hair:
  14. Arranging;
  15. Cleaning;
  16. Curling;
  17. Dressing;
  18. Blow drying; or
  19. Performing any other similar procedure.
    (c) “Shampoo and style services” does not include any service that:
  20. Is popularly known as a Brazilian blowout;
  21. Includes color services, cutting, lightening, or chemically treating hair;
    or
  22. Otherwise falls under the practice of cosmetology, except as authorized
    in paragraph (b) of this subsection; and
    (21) “Threading” means the process of removing hair from below the eyebrow by use of
    a thread woven through the hair to be removed.
    Effective: July 14, 2022
    History: Amended 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 235, sec. 2, effective July 14, 2022. — Amended
    2018 Ky. Acts ch. 35, sec. 1, effective July 14, 2018; and ch. 46, sec. 12, effective
    March 30, 2018. — Amended 2016 Ky. Acts ch. 48, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2016. —
    Amended 2012 Ky. Acts ch. 152, sec. 1, effective July 12, 2012. — Amended 1996
    Ky. Acts ch. 82, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1996. — Created 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 354,
    sec. 1.
    Legislative Research Commission Note (7/15/2016). During codification, the Reviser of
    Statutes has changed the internal numbering of paragraphs in subsection (9) of this
    statute from the way it appeared in 2016 Ky. Acts ch. 48, sec. 1.

317A.030 Board of Cosmetology — Membership — Compensation.
(1) There is created an independent agency of the state government to be known as the
Kentucky Board of Cosmetology, which shall have complete supervision over the
administration of the provisions of this chapter relating to cosmetology,
cosmetologists, schools of cosmetology, or esthetic practices or nail technology,
students, estheticians, nail technicians, instructors of cosmetology, instructors of
esthetic practices, or instructors of nail technology, cosmetology salons, esthetic
salons, and nail salons.
(2) The board shall be composed of seven (7) members appointed by the Governor as
follows:
(a) Four (4) of the members shall have been cosmetologists five (5) years prior to
their appointment and shall reside in Kentucky:

  1. Two (2) of whom shall be cosmetology salon owners;
  2. One (1) of whom shall be a cosmetology teacher in public education and
    shall not own any interest in a cosmetology salon; and
  3. One (1) of whom shall be an owner of or one who shall have a financial
    interest in a licensed cosmetology school and shall be a member of a
    nationally recognized association of cosmetologists;
    (b) One (1) member shall be a licensed nail technician;
    (c) One (1) member shall be a licensed esthetician;
    (d) One (1) member shall be a citizen at large who is not associated with or
    financially interested in the practices or businesses regulated; and
    (e) None of whom nor the executive director shall be financially interested in, or
    have any financial connection with, wholesale cosmetic supply or equipment
    businesses.
    At all times in the filling of vacancies of membership on the board, this balance of
    representation shall be maintained.
    (3) Appointments shall be for a term of two (2) years, ending on February 1.
    (4) The Governor shall not remove any member of the board except for cause.
    (5) The board shall elect from its members a chair, a vice chair, and a secretary.
    (6) Four (4) members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any board
    business.
    (7) Each member of the board shall receive one hundred dollars ($100) per day for each
    day of attendance at board meetings, and shall be reimbursed for necessary
    traveling expenses and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of duties
    pertaining to official business of the board.
    (8) The board shall hold meetings at the place in the state and at the times deemed
    necessary by the board to discharge its duties.
    Effective: July 15, 2024
    History: Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 25, sec. 2, effective July 15, 2024. — Amended
    2022 Ky. Acts ch. 235, sec. 4, effective July 14, 2022. — Amended 2018 Ky. Acts
    ch. 46, sec. 14, effective March 30, 2018. — Amended 2012 Ky. Acts ch. 152, sec. 3,
    effective July 12, 2012. — Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 194, sec. 8, effective July 15,
  4. — Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 82, sec. 3, effective July 15, 1996. — Amended
    1990 Ky. Acts ch. 139, sec. 1, effective July 13, 1990. — Amended 1984 Ky. Acts
    ch. 111, sec. 136, effective July 13, 1984. — Amended 1980 Ky. Acts ch. 390, sec. 1,
    effective July 15, 1980. — Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 206, sec. 12. — Created 1974
    Ky. Acts ch. 354, sec. 3.

https://kbc.ky.gov/Legal/Pages/default.aspx

📚 EDUCATIONAL DISCLAIMER (REQUIRED)

This content is provided solely for educational and informational purposes as part of a public law and compliance library.

  • This content does not authorize professional practice without proper licensure
  • This content does not guarantee licensure, exam outcomes, or employment
  • This content does not replace official instruction, supervised training, or KBC authority
  • Students and professionals remain responsible for complying with all current state laws and regulations

Laws and regulations may change. Always consult the official Kentucky Board of Cosmetology website and law publications for the most current requirements.


🏛 FINAL POSITION STATEMENT

Transparency is professionalism.
Law literacy is protection.
Over-compliance is excellence.

This is why Louisville Beauty Academy is recognized as a Gold-Standard, Compliance-by-Design, State-Licensed Beauty College — training not just students, but future licensed professionals who know the law and respect it.

FOCUS ZONES BY LICENSE DOMAIN
(Statute-Driven • Educational Only • Public Law Library)

Regulatory authority: Kentucky Board of Cosmetology
Official legal page: https://kbc.ky.gov/Legal/Pages/default.aspx
All regulatory questions → kbc@ky.gov