Ohio State Board of Cosmetology
1929 Gateway Circle •
Grove City, Ohio 43123
Local: (614) 466-3834 •
Statewide: 1-866-642-6723
http://cos.ohio.gov
The Ohio State Board of Cosmetology always hears of new services, chemicals or equipment that are becoming available for licensees to perform or use in the salon. All hair shows are filled with fresh and thrilling ideas that you may want to incorporate into your day to day service list. However, you should keep in mind that not all of these new and exciting techniques are within your scope of practice. Scope of practice is something that is very misunderstood in the industry of cosmetology.
The scope of practice outlines the types of services licensees are permitted to perform as determined by the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology (OSBC). Cosmetology is an industry of beautification and relaxation. Cosmetologists are permitted to perform services on client’s hair, skin and nails. These services cannot have any medicinal benefits. The cosmetology scope of practice is limited to non-invasive services only. Non- invasive means, not entering or penetrating the body or disturbing the body tissue. However, there are some non-invasive services that are not permitted due to the claim of a healing benefit. Reflexology, massage therapy and other holistic massages are just a few.
Cosmetologists, estheticians, and manicurists all deal with the skin in their day to day practices. The stratum corneum layer of the skin is the outermost layer of the epidermis. It is comprised of oils and cells that combine to form a protective layer on the skin’s surface. As a licensee of the Board of Cosmetology you are not permitted to penetrate deeper than this layer of skin. With proper certification, there are some invasive services that are permitted. A few examples are: ear piercing, the use of disposable lancets and permanent makeup. Certification may be obtained by attending continuing education classes or by taking classes by the manufacturers.
Microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and lasers are all becoming a big part of our industry. However, there are different levels of chemicals and lasers that push some of these services out of our scope of practice and into the medical field. It is very important when performing these services that you are certified and understand the differences in the levels of the chemicals and lasers so that you stay within the laws and rules governing your license.
The scope of practice for a manicurist is limited to manicuring services only. Manicurists are licensed to perform services on the hand, arm, feet and legs. Manicurists are not permitted to perform any other branch of cosmetology.
Estheticians’ scope of practice is limited to the practice of skin care to the full body. Estheticians are licensed to do relaxation massage and perform services to beautify the skin. Hair removal such as waxing and the use of depilatories are within this licensure as well.
If you ever have questions there are a couple of things you can do. First you need to research the item and find out if there are any training classes offered. Second, check to see if this chemical or equipment can be purchased by the general public. Last but not least you should check to see if the service chemical or equipment has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration or any other federal or local regulatory authority. Once you have gathered this information you can fill out and send to the board a Chemical, Equipment and Service Check list form that you can receive at the OSBC web site www.cos.ohio.gov. The board will review this information and notify you if this is permitted. As always, feel free to contact the board if you are in need of any more information. Remember, scope of practice was put in place to protect you, the licensee, as well as the public.
With the renewal period nearly over, the board (at the time of this writing) has over 3,000 individuals who had their renewal applications returned to the Board as undeliverable. This is due to licensees relying on the post office to forward mail to their new address.
It is imperative that licensees remember it is their obligation to notify the Board of any address changes. Many of these individuals are in danger of having their license become lapsed, which will require them to re-take the state board exam to get their license back.
Visit www.cos.ohio.gov and check the database list, which is updated daily, to see if you or someone you know is listed. If so, please contact the state board office renewal hotline at: 1-877-267-8686 and our staff will assist you to update your information and renew your license. DON’T WAIT CHECK NOW!!
A name change will require a copy of your legal documentation (marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc.) to be sent to the Board office. A certified copy is not required; a photocopy or scanned image is sufficient. You can send the information to the Board office by email, fax, or mail.
Address changes are much more common and even more important in order to receive your license, renewal application, etc. Address changes may be submitted to the Board office by phone, fax, email, or mail. Changes of Address orders that are filed with the U.S. Post Office expire after 12 months. There is still activity on an expired permanent Change of Address in months 13 through 18, during which the mail piece is returned and the sender is notified of the new address. After month 18, the mail piece is returned to the sender noting “Forwarding Order Expired”.
Ohio State Board of Cosmetology
1929 Gateway Circle
Grove City, Ohio 43123
Local: (614) 466-3834
Statewide: 1-866-642-6723
Fax: (614) 644-6880
E-mail: ohcosbd@cos.state.oh.us
http://cos.ohio.gov
Board Members:
Steve Thompson, Chairman, Independent Contractor
Daisy Rickman, Cosmetologist & Salon Owner
NeCole Cumberlander, School Owner
Kimberly Thomas, Salon Owner
Dr. Marilyn Huheey, Medical Doctor
Bernadine Neal, Cosmetology Instructor
Delores Gillis, Cosmetologist
Charles Penzone, Cosmetologist & Salon Owner
Dr. Milroy Samuel, General Public
