Emily Halter, center, and Jessica Velker, right, senior cosmetology students at Northview, practice their skills for the state licensing exam, as Clay High School students including Kristie Jaegly, ...

Passing the 2026 cosmetology state board exam takes more than talent—it’s about smart, structured preparation. From mastering sanitation rules to nailing practical skills, knowing what to expect can ...

If you’re currently enrolled in a Milady or Milan Institute cosmetology program in California, the rules of the road just changed. As of April 1, 2026, the state’s Board of Barbering and Cosmetology ...