Marcia Hultman

Cabinet Secretary

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South Dakota Cosmetology Commission

The mission of the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission is to ensure the health and safety of our citizens as they use cosmetology, esthetics and nail technology services.

Important Notice: The South Dakota Cosmetology Commission only accepts training and education documentation from schools or providers licensed or certified by the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission. The Commission also accepts training and education documentation certified by another state licensing board or public institution of higher education (subject to review).

View list of approved South Dakota education providers.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

View answers to Frequently Asked Questions


Online Licensee Services

You can now login to your applicant/licensee portal to:

  • Pay for an application
  • Track the status of your application
  • Renew a license
  • Purchase a duplicate license
  • Pay for a fine or penalty
  • Pay for a pre-inspection or reinspection
  • Update your address


LOG IN HERE

If you are a new user or if you have forgotten your password, click “Create New Password” on the portal homepage. You will be prompted to enter your email address on file with the Commission. You will receive an email with a temporary password and will have one hour to login and create a new password.

To update your email address on file with the Commission, please complete the Contact Information Form. It can take up to ten business days for your email address to be updated.


Applications

Click here to complete an application. Please see Processing Timelines below for approximate application processing timelines. To check the status of an application or to make payment click here.


Processing Timelines

Timelines are estimated based on current demand and staff availability. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid delays.

License Renewals: 10-15 business days

Reciprocity Applications: 15-20 business days (once all required documentation and payment is received)

New Booth/Salon Applications: 10-15 business days.

Applications for Examination: 10-15 business days (once all required documentation and payment is received)

Certifications of Licensure: 10-15 business days

Name Change Requests: 10-15 business days

Eyelash Extension, Microdermabrasion, Electric Filing Certifications: 10-15 business days

 

Cosmetology Commission Mission

The Commission ensures the health and safety of citizens by:

  • examining and licensing qualified practitioners
  • conducting inspections of cosmetology, esthetics and nail salons, booths and schools
  • enforcing statutes, rules and regulations governing the practice of cosmetology, esthetics and nail technology, including consumer complaints
  • resolving complaints
  • overseeing the education of cosmetology, esthetics, and nail technology students by regulating cosmetology schools.

We regulate the following activities when done for any fee or compensation:

  • hair care (styling, wrapping, arranging, braiding, twisting, weaving, extending, fusing, dressing, curling, waving, permanent waving, singeing, cleansing, shampooing, cutting, bleaching, setting, coloring, straightening, relaxing, fitting, massaging, or similar work upon the hair, scalp, wigs or hairpieces of a person)
  • skin care or esthetics (beautifying, massaging, cleansing, exfoliating, stimulating, applying oils, creams, cosmetic preparations, make-up, facial treatments, body treatments, body wraps, antiseptics, scrubs, clays, lotions, masks, waxes or other preparations for the noninvasive care of the skin)
  • nail care (cutting, filing, trimming, shaping, polishing, coloring, removing polish, tinting, air-brushing, decorating, cleansing or otherwise beautifying a person's fingernails or toenails; applying and removing artificial nails; or massaging, cleansing and exfoliating a person's hands, arms, feet and legs)
  • removal of superfluous hair by nonpermanent means
  • education, equipment and safety and sanitation in salons, booths and schools

In no case may the above procedures be invasive or medical treatments.

More details may be found in the Scope of Practice

The Cosmetology Commission does not regulate:


Holiday Closures

See our Holiday Closure page for upcoming state office holiday closures.


Contact Us

Program Director: Tyler Evins
Senior Secretary: Lynda Fratzke
Education Coordinator: Ela Peterson

Address:
South Dakota Cosmetology Commission
217 W. Missouri Ave.
Pierre, SD 57501

Phone: 605.773.6193
Fax: 605.773.7175

Email: cosmetology@state.sd.us
License Certifications/Continuing Education: email

 

Disclaimer

The information included on this website is provided as a courtesy to applicants and licensees. Reference should be made to South Dakota Codified Law (SDCL) and the Administrative Rules of South Dakota (ARSD) for the most recent, complete, and official licensing information available. The South Dakota Cosmetology Commission is not liable for any inaccurate or outdated information contained on this website.