HLO News Details

Permanent Oregon Administrative Rules (rules) for the Board of Cosmetology became effective on July 1, 2024. A summary of rule changes is listed below. For an official copy of the rules, see our Board of Cosmetology Laws and Rules webpage. 

• Adoption of curriculum for each field of practice, including practical operations.
• Practical examinations become invalid after five years instead of two years.
• The new non-credentialed pathway (pathway three) now requires schools to evaluate and assess an individual's prior education or training if they do not hold a license and are from outside of Oregon.
• Written examination retake changes: An applicant may retake a failed examination the next business day up to the 10th failed attempt. After the 10th failed attempt, the Board may determine qualifications before retaking the failed exam, including but not limited to additional hours and practical operations from a school.
• All practitioners must attest to having current blood board pathogens training on all renewals after July 1, 2025. Blood borne pathogens training may be obtained in-person or online.
• Individuals applying for a freelance authorization are no longer required to pass the Oregon Laws and Rules examination as an application requirement. The Oregon Laws and Rules examination is also no longer required every three years to qualify to renew a freelance authorization.
• Applicants for natural hair care will be charged a $45 examination fee.
• Other changes to align with SB 217 (2023).
• Define “natural physiological effects" in relation to “esthetics devices" and align other rules with the definition of “esthetics device." Other amendments reorganize rules to appropriate divisions and provide for general housekeeping changes. 

For more information, please call Samie Patnode at (503) 373-1917, or email samie.patnode@oha.oregon.gov.

This email will be made available in an accessible alternative format upon request. Please contact Derek Fultz at derek.j.fultz@oha.oregon.gov, or by calling (503) 373-1915. All relay calls are accepted.