posted on: 05/07/2026
The Nevada State Board of Cosmetology (Board) finalized new rules that are effective immediately. These changes impact professionals, instructors, and schools across the state. Several of the rules are worth a closer look because they impact:
- IPL safety standards
- Instructor continuing education updates
- Apprenticeship and school requirements
- Advanced estheticians’ supervision authority
- Sanitation guidelines and facility standards
Here’s what’s different and where you may need to adjust.
New Safety Expectations for IPL and Laser Spaces
Nevada added clearer safety standards for any space where intense pulsed light (IPL) or laser devices are used, including salons, spas, and schools. These changes aim to reduce risk and improve workplace safety for professionals and clients. If you use IPL or laser devices, your treatment room must:
- Be free from safety hazards
- Display clear signage indicating laser or IPL use
- Be fully enclosed
- Use nonreflective walls, floors, ceilings, furnishings, and fixtures
Clearer Rules and More Options for Instructor CE
Instructors: Nevada has officially set a minimum continuing education (CE) requirement. Instructors must complete at least 30 CE hours for each two-year license renewal. This applies to instructors in cosmetology, hair design, esthetics, advanced esthetics, and nail technology.
Approved CE providers have also been expanded and now include:
- Courses offered by the Board
- Courses offered by organizations that publish textbooks or curriculum in cosmetology-related fields
- Courses offered at a university or community college (currently allowed under existing rule and still accepted)
Apprenticeship and School Curriculum Updates
There are several updates to report on how apprentices and students are trained, including changes to required subjects and instructional hours. Schools and supervising licensees may need to update lesson plans and curriculum. The major changes to be aware of are:
- Required subjects and hour distributions have been revised across multiple disciplines. See pages 12–17 for a detailed breakdown of required subjects and hours by license type.
- Salon management has been removed from several school curricula.
- School equipment and training standards have been updated.
Expanded Supervision Authority for Advanced Estheticians
Exciting news for advanced estheticians! Under the new rules, licensed advanced estheticians may now immediately supervise esthetics-only establishments and makeup-only establishments. Previously, these businesses had to be supervised by a licensed cosmetologist or esthetician. This change enhances leadership and supervisory authority for advanced estheticians.
Tighter Sanitation Standards
The state also strengthened sanitation and facility requirements for businesses and schools. The key changes include:
- Contaminated, single-use, nonporous items must be disposed of
- Personal-use tools and supplies are not allowed in businesses or schools
- Restrooms may now be located within 200 feet of a business entrance, as long as they’re under the same roof (previously limited to 100 feet)