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19 NYCRR 160.1 - Definitions

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19 NYCRR 160.2 - Individual license

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A person shall not engage in the practice of waxing, nail specialty, natural hair styling, esthetics or cosmetology without first having obtained a license therefor.

19 NYCRR 160.3 - Business license

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An owner shall not engage in the business of appearance enhancement without first having obtained a license therefor.

19 NYCRR 160.4 - Area renter business license requirement

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No area renter may engage in appearance enhancement activities without first having obtained a business license therefor.

19 NYCRR 160.5 - Temporary license

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An applicant who meets all requirements of licensure but for the passage of a written and/or practical examination may make application for a temporary license. Such temporary license shall expire six months from issuance. A second temporary license will not be issued without proof that the applicant has passed the written or practical examination.

19 NYCRR 160.6 - Business name

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A business licensee may conduct the business only in the name in which it is licensed.

19 NYCRR 160.7 - Business licenses issued to residential practitioners

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(a)A residential business must be confined to a room or rooms separate and apart from any residential or other, non-business uses, thereby segregating the hazards of the workplace to such confined areas.

(b)The residential business must be equipped with the facilities and instruments required by this Part.

(c)The business area of the residence shall be subject to inspection by representatives of the department at any reasonable time.

19 NYCRR 160.8 - Remote locations

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A licensee may practice at remote locations, but shall hold an appearance enhancement business license at a fixed location, or shall be directly and actively employed by the holder of an appearance enhancement business license. Any records kept for each service rendered at any remote location must be maintained at the licensed business location for a minimum of three years.

19 NYCRR 160.9 - Bond or liability insurance

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(a)An owner must maintain proof of minimum financial security in the following amounts:

(1)for accident and professional liability, at least $25,000 per individual occurrence and $75,000 in the aggregate; and

(2)for payment of wages and remuneration legally due employees who provide nail specialty services pursuant to the following schedule:

(i)if owner employs the equivalent of two to five full time individuals who provide nail specialty services, at least $25,000 or in such other amount as directed by the secretary;

(ii)if owner employs the equivalent of six to ten full time individuals who provide nail specialty services, at least $40,000 or in such other amount as directed by the secretary;

(iii)if owner employs the equivalent of 11 to 25 full time individuals who provide nail specialty services, at least $75,000 or in such other amount as directed by the secretary; or

(iv)if owner employs the equivalent of 26 or more full time individuals who provide nail specialty services, at least $125,000 or in such other amount as directed by the secretary.

(b)Such proof may be satisfied by purchasing:

(1)accident and professional liability insurance, or general liability insurance; or

(2)a bond with a corporate surety, from a company authorized to do an insurance business in this State, payable in favor of the people of the State of New York; or

(3)any combination of paragraph (1) or (2) as provided in this subdivision provided that the coverage amounts set forth in subdivision (a) of this section are satisfied.

(c)Proof of bond and liability insurance coverage, as applicable, must be filed with the secretary and may be terminated only in accordance with the following provisions:

(1)A bond shall not be cancelled, revoked, or terminated by the owner, nor shall the owner take action that would result in the cancellation, revocation, or termination of such bond, except after notice to, and with the consent of, the secretary at least 45 days in advance of such cancellation, revocation, or termination. The bond shall include a provision requiring the surety to provide 45 days' notice to the secretary prior to terminating the bond, except in the case of termination for nonpayment of premium in which case such notice shall be provided to the secretary upon termination.

(2)A liability insurance policy obtained pursuant to this section shall not be cancelled, revoked, or terminated by the owner, nor shall the owner take action that would result in the cancellation, revocation, or termination of such insurance policy, except after notice to the secretary at least 45 days in advance of such cancellation, revocation, or termination, in a form prescribed by the secretary.

(d)Proof of such bond or liability insurance policy must be maintained on the business premises. Such proof shall be accessible by all employees at all times that the business is open.

19 NYCRR 160.10 - Posting requirements

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(a)An owner shall conspicuously post a sign at the entrance of the business indicating that the business and individual operators are licensed by the New York State Department of State and that rules and regulations governing the business and practices are available for review upon request.

(b)An individual holding a license in waxing, nail specialty, esthetics, natural hairstyling, or cosmetology must conspicuously post the license at the station or location where the occupation is being practiced.

(c)An owner shall conspicuously post its business license at: the entrance or reception area of the establishment; or, the public business desk or counter of the establishment; or, the area where the licensed activities are performed.

(d)An owner shall conspicuously post an itemized list of all services performed at the business establishment and the prices charged for those services.

(e)An owner who permits the practice of nail specialty to be conducted in an appearance enhancement business shall conspicuously post a nail practitioner bill of rights in a place where it will be readily visible by practitioners and the public. The Department of State shall furnish such sign to every place of business that permits the practice of nail specialty.

19 NYCRR 160.11 - Owner responsibilities

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(a)An owner shall be responsible for the proper conduct of the licensed business and for the proper provision of appearance enhancement services to the public by its employees or operators.

(b)An owner shall be responsible for compliance with all applicable health and sanitary codes, and all statutory and regulatory requirements with respect to the practices of the occupation and business prescribed by this Part.

(c)An owner shall be responsible for maintaining the following equipment at each workstation, to be made available, upon request and without cost, to each person providing nail care services who uses such workstation:

(1)a properly fitting N-95 or N-100 respirator, approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), for each individual who uses such workstation, to reduce inhalation of dust and particulate matter;

(2)protective gloves made of nitrile, or other similar non-permeable material for workers with a sensitivity to nitrile gloves, in quantities sufficient to allow each individual providing nail care services to have a new pair of gloves for each customer served; and

(3)eye protection sufficient to protect from splashes when pouring or transferring potentially hazardous chemicals from bulk containers or when preparing potentially hazardous chemicals for use in nail care services.

19 NYCRR 160.12 - Open sources of ignition

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(a)In order to ensure that products or chemicals are not inadvertently ignited, open sources of ignition, flame or sparks, including candles, gas burners and cigarettes, are prohibited. Owners, managers and individual operators shall be responsible for such compliance.

(b)Owners may designate a smoking area for employees and clients. However, such designated area must be separated from the operational areas of the premises and be properly ventilated.

19 NYCRR 160.13 - Original applications

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In determining qualifications and fitness of an applicant for original licensure pursuant to article 27 of the New York General Business Law, the secretary shall conduct a review of factors unrelated to prior criminal history, including, but not limited to:

(a)findings of violations related to any provision of article 27 or any regulation adopted thereunder;

(b)findings of unlicensed practice of nail specialty, waxing, natural hair styling, esthetics or cosmetology;

(c)findings of failure to pay taxes or of tax liens; and

(d)findings of failure to pay child support.

19 NYCRR 160.14 - Inspection and investigation

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(a)An appearance enhancement business shall be subject to reasonable inspection by representatives of the department at any reasonable time and without notice.

(b)A licensee shall cooperate with any inspection or investigation made by the department.

(c)Owners or area renters of any appearance enhancement business shall retain the invoices of all sterilants and disinfectants used in the shop for a period of two years. Evidence of such invoices must be available at the time of any inspection.

19 NYCRR 160.15 - Barbering prohibitions

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(a)An owner shall not permit the practice of barbering at its business location without such owner having first obtained a barber shop license pursuant to article 28 of the General Business Law.

(b)Apprentice barbers shall not be sponsored or supervised by licensed natural hairstylists.

19 NYCRR 160.16 - Facilities: ancillary provisions

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(a)For the purposes of this section, the following terms shall have the following meanings: (1) appearance enhancement business means the business of providing any or all of the services licensed pursuant to article 27 of the New York General Business Law at a fixed location. (2) nail salon means each building, or portion of a building, in which nail specialty services are offered or provided. (3) nail specialty service means providing services for a fee or any consideration or exchange to cut, shape or to enhance the appearance of the nails of the hands or feet. Nail specialty shall include the application and removal of sculptured or artificial nails. (4) nail station means a table or work area where any nail specialty service is performed. In the case of a table or work area where more than one nail specialty service can be performed at any one time, each portion of such table or work area where a nail specialty service can be performed shall be deemed to be a separate nail station. (5) owner means a person who or which owns, controls or operates, whether as a partner shareholder, officer, independent contractor (including area renter) or proprietor an appearance enhancement business. (6) registered design professional means an individual who is a registered architect (RA) in accordance with article 147 of the New York State Education Law or a licensed professional engineer (PE) in accordance with article 145 of the New York State Education Law. (b) In addition to complying with all applicable requirements of the State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, New York City Construction Code or other building code applicable to the building in which appearance enhancement activities are performed, and with all applicable requirements of the State Sanitary Code, State Industrial Code, and other laws and regulations applicable to appearance enhancement activities and/or to buildings, including environmental standards, in which such activities are performed, an owner shall provide, in each appearance enhancement business each of the following: (1) hot and cold running water; (2) toilet facilities and wash basins for use by clients and employees; (3) illumination for the safe provision of licensed services; (4) covered containers for hair, paper and other waste material; (5) sufficient space or working area to ensure the safety and health for both the operator and client; and (6) in the case of a nail salon, a mechanical ventilation system which complies with the 2015 International Mechanical Code'' (Publication date: May 30, 2014, Third Printing), published by the International Code Council, Inc., and as amended by the NYS Building Standards and Codes 2016 Uniform Code Supplement (hereinafter referred to as the 2015 IMC) such that it: (i) has the capacity to supply outdoor airflow at a rate of not less than the greater of: (a) the ventilation standards for nail salons as set forth at sections 401 and 403 of the 2015 IMC; or (b) 50 cubic feet per minute for each nail station in the nail salon; (ii) includes a mechanical exhaust system that: (a) is designed and constructed to capture all chemical vapors, fumes, dust and other air contaminants at their source and to exhaust such contaminants to the outdoor atmosphere; (b) has at least one exhaust inlet for each nail station (each such exhaust inlet to be factory-installed by the manufacturer of the nail station or field-installed at a location that is not more than 12 inches horizontally and not more than 12 inches vertically from the point of chemical application or where the customer's nails are placed when a nail specialty service is being performed); (c) has the capacity to exhaust from the nail salon at a rate of not less than the greater of: (1) the ventilation standards for nail salons as set forth at sections 401 and 403 of the 2015 IMC; or (2) 50 cubic feet per minute for each nail station in the nail salon; (d) exhausts all exhaust air from the nail salon (including but not limited to all chemical vapors and fumes, dust, and other air contaminants and odors generated by or resulting from nail specialty services) to the outdoor atmosphere, with each exhaust discharge located at a point where it will not cause a nuisance to others and where the exhausted air (including but not limited to the exhausted chemical vapors and fumes, dust, and other air contaminants and odors) cannot he readily drawn in by the outdoor air intake components of the ventilation system; and (e) exhausts all exhaust air from the nail salon (including but not limited to all chemical vapors and fumes, dust, and other air contaminants and odors generated by or resulting from nail specialty services) in a manner that assures that no part of such exhaust air shall be recirculated into the nail salon or into any other space in the building, or transferred to any other space in the building; (iii) is balanced in a manner to supply outdoor air at a rate equal to the rate of the exhaust; and (iv) operates at or above the minimum supply outdoor airflow rate specified in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph and at or above the minimum exhaust rate specified in clause (c) of subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph at all times when the nail salon is occupied by any person or persons. (c) No standard or requirement set forth in paragraph (6) of subdivision (b) of this section shall be construed as superseding, amending or otherwise affecting any higher or more restrictive standard or requirement applicable to appearance enhancement activities and/or to buildings. Failure to comply with any such higher or more restrictive standard or requirement may be a violation of the other applicable law or regulation, including, as the case may be, the State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, New York City Construction Code, other building code, State Sanitary Code, State Industrial Code or environmental standards. (d) Beginning on October 3, 2016 any nail salon which obtains a new appearance enhancement business license shall attain compliance with the minimum ventilation rate specifications set forth in paragraph (6) of subdivision (b) of this section. A signed certification by the ventilation system installer, manufacturer or a registered design professional that the ventilation system meets such ventilation rate specifications shall be maintained on the business premises and be available for inspection by the department. A nail salon licensed before October 3, 2016 shall have until October 4, 2022 to comply with the requirements of this subdivision. (e) For the purpose of compliance with this Part the 2015 IMC is incorporated herein by reference. Copies of the 2015 IMC may be obtained from the publisher at the following address: International Code Council, Inc. 500 New Jersey Avenue, NW, 6th Floor Washington, DC 20001 The 2015 IMC is also available for public inspection and copying at: New York State Department of State One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Avenue Albany, NY 12231-0001.

19 NYCRR 160.17 - Cleaning, disinfection or sterilization of implements

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(a)Disinfectants used for reprocessing implements must be registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a “hospital grade disinfectant” and the active ingredients and scope of activity clearly described on the original label.

(1)EPA approved hospital grade disinfectants must be used in accordance with the manufacturers' directions for the intended implement or surface.

(2)Categories of EPA approved hospital grade disinfectants that are recognized for use on implements or environmental surfaces include ethyl or isopropyl alcohols, phenolics, quaternary ammonium compounds, iodophors and sodium hypochlorite.

(b)Implements requiring sterilization shall be autoclaved or immersed for no less than 10 hours in a liquid sterilant registered by the EPA.

(c)Reprocessing standards.

(1)After each client use, combs, brushes and other implements that are used on the hair shall be cleaned with warm water and soap or a detergent to remove all hair and scalp debris, rinsed thoroughly, dried with clean toweling or other absorbent material, and completely immersed in an EPA hospital grade disinfectant. Such implements shall be soaked for 10 minutes or more, removed, rinsed, dried and stored in a drawer, cabinet or covered container.

(2)After each client use, electric razor heads, cuticle scissors, and other implements which may abrade or clip superficial layers of skin shall be cleaned with warm water and soap or detergent, rinsed thoroughly, dried with clean toweling or other material, and completely immersed in an EPA approved hospital grade disinfectant in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations for the implement, and no less than 10 minutes. Following disinfection, the implement shall be rinsed, dried, and stored in a drawer, cabinet or covered container.

(3)Implements that are intended to penetrate skin or enter pores shall be either single use disposable or subject to sterilization. Implements that will be reused shall be thoroughly cleaned with warm water and soap or a detergent, rinsed and sterilized after each client use. Implements that will be autoclaved shall be packaged prior to sterilization.

(d)All solutions and equipment used for disinfection or sterilization shall be stored, maintained and monitored so as to protect from contamination and to assure the continued integrity of the intended process.

(e)Transport of “clean” and “dirty” equipment to and from remote locations.

All supplies and implements shall be transported to and from the remote location in covered containers. Clean implements and supplies (

e.g.,

towels) shall be kept in containers separate from those implements and supplies that have been used and marked according to their status.

19 NYCRR 160.18 - Restricted use of certain items

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(a)The use of the following is prohibited or limited as follows:

(1)Bar soap for more than one person is prohibited. Liquid or powder soap dispensers may be used.

(2)A razor may not be used for more than one application. Disposable razors are permitted and shall be disposed of in accord with section 160.19(b) of this Part.

(3)Chamois buffers and pumice stones are prohibited.

(4)Nail white pencils are prohibited (unless pencil is sharpened after each use).

(5)“Credo” knives are prohibited.

(6)An emery board for more than one person is prohibited.

(7)Finger bowls, pedicure bowls and footbaths must be cleaned, rinsed and disinfected after each client use.

(8)The use of shaving mugs in common is prohibited. Sanitary paper or plastic inner cups are to be used for each client and destroyed after each use.

(9)The use of non-disposable powder puffs, neck dusters which cannot be immersed in an EPA approved hospital grade disinfectant and sponges is prohibited.

(10)Styptic pencils are prohibited.

(b)The presence in the workplace of implements or items as set forth in paragraphs (a)(3), (5), (8), (9) and (10) of this section shall be presumptive evidence of their use.

19 NYCRR 160.19 - Procedures with respect to blood, body fluids and client contact

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All blood encountered in the workplace shall be treated as if it is infectious. Direct contact with blood should be avoided and disposable gloves used whenever such contact can be reasonably anticipated. In addition to any other statutory or regulatory procedures with respect to blood, body fluids and client contact, the following precautionary measures must be taken:

(a)Any disposable materials coming into contact with blood or body fluids, such as discharge from open sores, pimples and sebaceous glands shall be disposed of in a plastic bag which will be sealed in a manner that not only protects the licensee and the client but also others, such as sanitation workers, who may come into contact with the material.

(b)Any disposable sharp objects that come into contact with blood or other body fluids shall be disposed of in a sealable rigid container (punctureproof) that is strong enough to protect the licensee and the client or others from accidental cuts or puncture wounds that could happen during the disposal process.

(c)Plastic bags and sealable rigid containers shall be available for use at all times when services are being performed. Absence of containers shall be presumptive evidence of noncompliance.

(d)Any material used to stop the flow of blood shall be disposed of immediately after use in accord with subdivision (b) of this section, or shall be in liquid or powder form. The use of styptic pencils is strictly prohibited.

19 NYCRR 160.20 - Hygienic practices

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(a)Cotton applicators may be used and must be stored in a closed container or sealed bag.

(b)A clean sheet of paper or a clean towel not previously used for any purpose shall be placed on the table or headrest before any client reclines on a table or chair.

(c)Cloth towels may be used once then bagged, machine washed and dried.

(d)A paper strip or clean towel shall be placed completely around the neck of each client before an apron or any other protective device is fastened around the neck.

(e)All practitioners and nail care clients must wash hands with soap and water before each client service.

(f)All sharp or pointed equipment shall be stored when not in use so as not to be accessible to consumers.

(g)All fluids, semifluids and powders must be dispensed with a shaker, dispenser pump or spray type container. All creams, lotions and other cosmetics used for clients must be kept in closed containers and dispensed with disposable applicators. When only a portion of a preparation is to be used on a client, it shall be removed from the container in such a way as not to contaminate the remaining portion.

(h)All practitioners shall have access to and may use a properly fitted N-95 or N-100 respirator, provided by the owner and approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications when buffing or filing artificial nails or using acrylic powder.

(i)All practitioners shall have access to and may wear gloves, provided by the owner, when handling potentially hazardous chemicals or waste and during cleanup, or when performing any procedure that has a risk of breaking a customer’s skin.

(j)All practitioners shall have access to and may wear eye protection, provided by the owner, when pouring or transferring potentially hazardous chemicals from bulk containers and when preparing potentially hazardous chemicals for use in nail care services.

(k)When performing waxing services, disposable protective gloves must be worn. Appearance enhancement practitioners must use a new applicator each time the applicator is inserted into the wax so as not to contaminate the remaining portion. All scissors and tweezers must be new or sterilized before use on each customer.

19 NYCRR 160.21 - Sanitary dress

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Any clothing worn by licensed individuals shall be clean and pose no health or safety hazard to the client or to the operator while attending a client.

19 NYCRR 160.22 - Sanitary facilities

~~Compiled source label: current through Apr 15, 2022~~

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The facilities wherein licensed services are provided shall be kept clean and in good repair. Dangerous conditions or hazards shall not be permitted. Specifically:

(a)Ceilings, walls and baseboards shall be maintained in good repair and kept free of dust, dirt and hair. Any cracks, holes or other openings shall be filled in. Broken ceilings shall be repaired and cracks in walls, especially around baseboards, shall be filled in.

(b)Shelves, furniture and fixtures shall be kept clean, free of dust, dirt and hair, and in good working condition.

(c)Floors shall be kept clean and in good repair. There shall be no accumulation of dust or hair on floors. Acceptable floor coverings are cement, tile, hardwood, linoleum, vinyl or low nap carpeting. Floors constructed of composition material shall be swept daily. No hair shall be allowed to accumulate on floors.

(d)Plumbing fixtures, including toilets and wash basins, shall be of impervious material and kept clean. They must be free from cracks and from parts which are not readily accessible for cleaning, and must be in compliance with applicable State or local codes.

(e)Styling stations, working station and manicure tables shall be sanitized and cleaned between each client service.

(f)Handwashing facilities shall be available in all lavatories. Disposable paper towels or hot air dryers shall be available for hand drying. Cloth reusable hand towels are prohibited unless a clean towel is made available for each person using the facilities.

19 NYCRR 160.23 - Food and beverages

~~Compiled source label: current through Apr 15, 2022~~

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Food and beverages are not to be prepared, kept or sold in the licensed premises. However, such prohibition shall not apply where such foodstuffs are prepared or kept in a room adequately ventilated with exhaust of fumes away from the public area and completely separate and apart from the workplace, or in the case of beverages which are kept in covered containers.

19 NYCRR 160.24 - Towels and linens

~~Compiled source label: current through Apr 15, 2022~~

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LawEngine source snapshot: Jun 6, 2026

Every client shall be served with clean, freshly laundered linen or disposable towels. Immediately after use, linens or towels shall be placed in a covered receptacle used for that purpose alone.

19 NYCRR 160.25 - Chemical storage and SDS

~~Compiled source label: current through Apr 15, 2022~~

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Compiled source current through: Apr 15, 2022
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Latest notice: DOS-28-17-00005-A
Latest notice date: Oct 18, 2017
LawEngine source snapshot: Jun 6, 2026

(a)Any chemicals used in the conduct of appearance enhancement shall be mixed only in a dispensing area which has adequate ventilation.

(b)Flammable and combustible chemicals shall be stored in a metal cabinet remote from potential sources of ignition, such as an open flame or an electrical device.

(c)All nail care chemicals must be stored in closed bottles.

(d)An owner shall have on file all Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for inspection. SDS must be maintained in a written or electronic format so that SDS are readily accessible to all employees. Owners shall ensure that all employees are aware of the location of, and have access to SDS.

19 NYCRR 160.26 - Product labeling

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LawEngine source snapshot: Jun 6, 2026

In order to assure the safe provision of services to the public, all products used in the conduct of an appearance enhancement business must be maintained with the original manufacturer labeling intact. All bottles containing poisonous or corrosive substances shall be additionally and distinctly marked as such and shall be stored in an area not open or available to the public.

19 NYCRR 160.27 - Applicability

~~Compiled source label: current through Sep 4, 2024~~

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Latest notice: DOS-13-24-00002-A
Latest notice date: Sep 4, 2024
LawEngine source snapshot: Jun 24, 2026

Cornell supplies a full compiled body current to the scoped Register event; owner review still required.

Appearance enhancement licensure is not applicable to the following: (a) Permanent makeup (micropigmentation): The practice of micropigmentation or tattooing. However, should such practice be performed in an appearance enhancement business, the owner and any licensed operator performing such services shall be responsible for the proper sanitation and disinfection and sterilization of all implements according to applicable State and local standards and regulations. (b) Massage: No appearance enhancement practitioner shall be authorized to practice massage, including manual lymphatic drainage, as defined by section 7801 of the State Education law. Licensed appearance enhancement practitioners may practice light massage of the surface layers of soft tissue for purposes of beautification. (c) Practice of medicine: No appearance enhancement licensee shall be authorized to diagnose or treat diseases, including diseases of the skin, hair and nails. Such activity is within the practice of medicine. An owner shall not permit the practice of medicine at its business location without appropriate licensure therefor. (d) Practice of nursing: No appearance enhancement licensee shall be authorized to practice nursing. An owner shall not permit the practice of nursing at its business location without appropriate licensure therefor. (e) Permanent dyeing. No appearance enhancement licensee shall be authorized or permitted to apply dye of any kind to eyelash or eyebrow hair except as provided in this subdivision. Nothing in this subdivision shall prohibit a licensee from applying products containing silver nitrate color additives to tint eyelash or eyebrow hair, as authorized by the Federal Food and Drug Administration, in accordance with 21 CFR, section 73.2550 . All licensees offering or providing services containing silver nitrate color additives, to tint eyelash or eyebrow hair, shall also be required to apply such products as expressly directed by the manufacturer. 21 CFR 73.2550 (effective November 8, 2021) is incorporated herein by reference. 21 CFR 73.2550 is readily available without charge on the internet at: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-A/part-73/subpart-C/section-73.2550 . Copies may be obtained from the publisher at: U.S. Government Publishing Office, 732 North Capitol Street, NW, Washington, DC 20401-0001. 21 CFR 73.2550 is also available from the Department of State for public inspection and copying at: New York State Department of State, One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12231-0001. (f) Physician's supervision: The performance of services under the direct supervision of a physician or nurse when performed within the direct employ of and on the premises of a medical facility.

19 NYCRR 160.28 - Photograph requirements

~~Compiled source label: current through Apr 15, 2022~~

Register checked through July 8, 2026/Vol. XLVIII, Issue 27 (2026-07-08) - no later Register activity found for this section

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LawEngine source snapshot: Jun 6, 2026

(a)An appearance enhancement practitioner shall affix his/her photograph (containing only the head and full face) to the license in the appropriate space indicated, and subscribe beneath or alongside the photograph the date it was taken. A photograph on a license cannot be more than four years old.

(b)A business licensee shall have affixed to the license a 1 ½″ × 1½″ photograph of the person who owns or manages the business (containing only the head and full face) with a subscription beneath or alongside the photograph indicating the date it was taken. A photograph on a license cannot be more than four years old.

19 NYCRR 160.29 - Untimely renewal

~~Compiled source label: current through Apr 15, 2022~~

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What LawEngine checked

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Register checked through: July 8, 2026/Vol. XLVIII, Issue 27 (2026-07-08)
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LawEngine source snapshot: Jun 6, 2026

An individual failing to file for renewal of an appearance enhancement license within five years of the expiration date cited on the individual's license shall be ineligible for such license until he/she passes a written examination.

19 NYCRR 160.30 - Reciprocity

~~Compiled source label: current through Apr 15, 2022~~

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LawEngine source snapshot: Jun 6, 2026

The department may establish reciprocity with other states when in the judgment of the Secretary of State, the license in the other state was issued in compliance with standards which were not lower than those of the State of New York and provided the other state extends similar reciprocity to the licensees of the State of New York.

19 NYCRR 160.31 - Equivalent occupation

~~Compiled source label: current through Apr 15, 2022~~

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LawEngine source snapshot: Jun 6, 2026

(a)Individuals who have legally practiced an occupation that is equivalent to any appearance enhancement category for a period of at least five years in another jurisdiction may be licensed to practice in New York State.

(b)Applicants must provide evidence of five years legal experience practicing the occupation and demonstrating the equivalency of such occupation to the relevant category of appearance enhancement. Evidence may include but is not limited to:

(1)certifications from licensing agencies;

(2)copies of passports which indicate occupation of individual;

(3)tax returns;

(4)letters from employers;

(5)practical and written examination results; and

(6)course curricula.

(c)Such evidence must be presented in legible form and in English. If a translation is provided, it must be certified as true and accurate by the translator.

19 NYCRR 160.32 - Education credit

~~Compiled source label: current through Apr 15, 2022~~

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LawEngine source snapshot: Jun 6, 2026

Application for full educational credit may be made by individuals who have completed an approved course of study in another jurisdiction that equals or exceeds the number of hours and content required for New York State licensure.

19 NYCRR 160.33 - Verification of education

Compiled source label: current through Apr 15, 2022

What LawEngine checked

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Compiled source current through: Apr 15, 2022
Register checked through: July 8, 2026/Vol. XLVIII, Issue 27 (2026-07-08)
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Latest notice: TBA-52-23-00001-P
Latest notice date: Dec 27, 2023
LawEngine source snapshot: Jun 6, 2026

An application for licensure must be verified by a representative of the approved appearance enhancement school. A school shall authorize such individual to make such verification, and file such authorization with the department.

19 NYCRR 160.34 - Applicability of examination results

~~Compiled source label: current through Apr 15, 2022~~

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Register checked through: July 8, 2026/Vol. XLVIII, Issue 27 (2026-07-08)
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LawEngine source snapshot: Jun 6, 2026

Passing grades for practical and written examinations in any appearance enhancement discipline may be applied towards licensure for a period of five years.

19 NYCRR 160.35 - Photograph requirement for practical examination

~~Compiled source label: current through Apr 15, 2022~~

Register checked through July 8, 2026/Vol. XLVIII, Issue 27 (2026-07-08) - no later Register activity found for this section

What LawEngine checked

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Register checked through: July 8, 2026/Vol. XLVIII, Issue 27 (2026-07-08)
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LawEngine source snapshot: Jun 6, 2026

Any applicant participating in a practical examination must at the time of the examination, submit a recent photograph that contains only the head and full face of the applicant.

19 NYCRR 160.36 - Practical examiners

~~Compiled source label: current through Apr 15, 2022~~

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What LawEngine checked

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Register checked through: July 8, 2026/Vol. XLVIII, Issue 27 (2026-07-08)
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LawEngine source snapshot: Jun 6, 2026

Every practical examiner shall be a New York State licensed, practicing cosmetologist, natural hair stylist, esthetician, nail specialist or waxer who has five or more years of active experience in the related discipline.

19 NYCRR 160.37 - Examination interpreters

~~Compiled source label: current through Apr 15, 2022~~

Register checked through July 8, 2026/Vol. XLVIII, Issue 27 (2026-07-08) - no later Register activity found for this section

What LawEngine checked

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Register checked through: July 8, 2026/Vol. XLVIII, Issue 27 (2026-07-08)
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LawEngine source snapshot: Jun 6, 2026

If an examination is not available in the applicant's language at the time of application, an examinee who is not fluent in the English language may provide for an interpreter to accompany him or her to the examination. Such interpreter must be fluent in both the examinee's native language and English. The department may refuse entrance to any interpreter who possesses specialized knowledge in appearance enhancement or barber disciplines or who has previously provided interpretive services within a three-month period. Prior to entrance an examinee and interpreter will be required to verify such facts and an interpreter will be required to present three forms of identification acceptable to the department.

19 NYCRR 160.38 - Compliance with other laws

~~Compiled source label: current through Apr 15, 2022~~

Register checked through July 8, 2026/Vol. XLVIII, Issue 27 (2026-07-08) - no later Register activity found for this section

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Register checked through: July 8, 2026/Vol. XLVIII, Issue 27 (2026-07-08)
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LawEngine source snapshot: Jun 6, 2026

In the course of its operation of an appearance enhancement business, an owner shall refrain from engaging in any conduct violative of any State or Federal law, rule or regulation.

19 NYCRR 160.39 - Notification of proceeding to direct cessation of unlicensed activity

~~Compiled source label: current through Apr 15, 2022~~

Register checked through July 8, 2026/Vol. XLVIII, Issue 27 (2026-07-08) - no later Register activity found for this section

What LawEngine checked

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Compiled source current through: Apr 15, 2022
Register checked through: July 8, 2026/Vol. XLVIII, Issue 27 (2026-07-08)
Register activity status: no later Register activity found
Latest notice: DOS-35-15-00004-A
Latest notice date: Nov 18, 2015
LawEngine source snapshot: Jun 6, 2026

(a)All businesses and operators served with a Notice of Violation relating to unlicensed activity pursuant to article 27 of the New York General Business Law shall immediately affix a copy of such notice on the front window, door or exterior wall of the business. The notice of violation shall be within five feet of the front door or other opening to the business where customers enter from the street, at a vertical height no less than four feet and no more than six feet from the ground or floor. An establishment without a direct entrance from the street shall post such notice of violation at its immediate point of entry in a place where consumers are likely to see it.

(b)Such notice of violation shall not be removed except when authorized by the department.

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