How To Get Your Cosmetology License In Michigan

To get a cosmetology license in Michigan, you complete 1,500 hours at an approved school (or a two-year apprenticeship), then sit for the written and practical state exams administered by PSI, and keep your license active by renewing every two years for $48. At David Pressley School of Cosmetology, you complete those 1,500 hours on a Royal Oak or Taylor campus, training on real guests in the student salon under licensed instructors. This guide covers the requirements, the training, the exams, and how David Pressley supports your cosmetology education.

What are the requirements for a Michigan cosmetology license?

Michigan sets the eligibility rules. To get licensed you must:

• Be at least 17 years old
• Have completed 9th grade or the equivalent
• Have a valid Social Security number showing work authorization
• Complete 1,500 hours at an approved school, or a two-year apprenticeship
• Pass a background review (offenses are evaluated case by case)

What does cosmetology training cover?

A cosmetology education is broad by design, so you graduate ready for the full range of salon work. Your training covers:

• Sanitation and safety: disinfection, patron protection, and infection control.
• Hair: cutting, coloring, and chemical texture services.
• Skin and nails: facials and skincare basics, plus manicuring and pedicuring.
• The science: applied chemistry and anatomy.
• The business: customer service, consultations, and professional practices.

What are the licensing exams?

Michigan requires two exams, both administered by PSI Services LLC.

• Written exam: a computer-based test of about 2 hours covering sanitation, treatments, chemical services, and regulations.
• Practical exam: a hands-on demonstration of about 3 hours; you supply your own tools and mannequin head.

The hours you spend working with real guests during your training are what make the practical exam feel familiar rather than intimidating.

How long does it take, and can you keep the license active?

Because the program is hour-based, full-time students can complete the 1,500 hours in roughly a year, while part-time or evening students take longer but can keep working. Michigan also allows a two-year approved apprenticeship as an alternative path. Whichever route you choose, the hours are the constant, so the biggest factor in how fast you finish is simply how consistently you attend.

Once you are licensed, you renew every two years for a $48 fee to keep your license active.

Where can a licensed cosmetologist work?

A cosmetology license is flexible. Licensed cosmetologists work in:

• Salons and spas
• Color, cutting, or texture specialties
• Makeup and skincare services
• Film, fashion, and television
• Education, as instructors
• Their own independent business or salon

Why train at David Pressley School of Cosmetology?

Where you complete your 1,500 hours shapes how ready you are to work. The David Pressley cosmetology education offers:

• Two Michigan campuses: Royal Oak and Taylor.
• Hands-on training: real guests in the student salon under licensed instructors.
• Flexible scheduling: options that help you balance school with the rest of your life.
• Room to advance: instructor programs if you want to teach one day.
• Support with cost: admissions helps you plan, and Financial Aid is available to those who qualify.

What happens after you get licensed?

Passing your exams and receiving your license is the start, not the finish. Many new cosmetologists begin in a salon to build speed and a client base, often on commission, before deciding whether to rent a booth, specialize, or work independently.

From there the license grows with you. You might focus on color or texture work, add makeup and skincare services, move into film or fashion, or one day teach. Renewing every two years for $48 keeps the license active as your career develops.

Many cosmetologists also keep building their skills after licensure through advanced classes and hands-on workshops. The beauty industry changes constantly, from color trends to new techniques, so the professionals who stay curious tend to stay in demand. Your license is the starting point, and what you do with it is up to you.

What should you watch out for on the path to licensure?

A few things trip people up on the way to a Michigan cosmetology license. Knowing them early keeps your timeline on track:

• Attendance gaps: because the program is hour-based, missed time directly pushes back your finish date.
• Waiting to plan for cost: starting financial aid conversations early avoids a scramble later, so talk with admissions up front.
• Under-practicing for the practical exam: the hands-on exam rewards repetition, which is why real work in the student salon matters so much.
• Letting the license lapse: set a reminder for the two-year renewal so a lapse does not interrupt your ability to work.

School or apprenticeship: which path is right for you?

Michigan lets you qualify through either 1,500 hours at an approved school or a two-year apprenticeship. They lead to the same exams and license, but the experience is very different.

• Cosmetology school: a structured curriculum, licensed instructors, hands-on practice on real guests in a student salon, and a set timeline (roughly a year full-time). You also graduate with a kit and a network.
• Apprenticeship: learning on the job over about two years. It can suit someone already working in a salon, but the training is less structured and depends heavily on the shop and mentor you land with.

For most people who want a clear path, consistent instruction, and to finish faster, a school program like the one at David Pressley is the more reliable route to the exam and the license.

How much does cosmetology school cost in Michigan?

Tuition varies by school and schedule. At David Pressley School of Cosmetology, the estimated total cost of the cosmetology program is about $20,000, covering tuition, books, the student kit, and registration.

You do not have to pay it all up front. Financial Aid is available to those who qualify, including federal grants and loans, and the admissions team can help you plan. It is worth weighing cost against the range of career paths the license opens rather than the number alone.

Next step: Thinking about a cosmetology education in Michigan? Talk with David Pressley admissions about the program, tour a campus, and plan your next steps. Financial Aid is available to those who qualify.

Frequently asked questions

How many hours do you need for a cosmetology license in Michigan?

Michigan requires 1,500 hours of training at an approved school, or completion of a two-year apprenticeship.

What exams are required for a Michigan cosmetology license?

Two exams administered by PSI: a written (theory) exam of about 2 hours and a hands-on practical exam of about 3 hours for which you bring your own tools and mannequin head.

How often do you renew a Michigan cosmetology license?

Every two years, for a $48 renewal fee.

Can you get a cosmetology license through an apprenticeship in Michigan?

Yes. Michigan allows a two-year approved apprenticeship as an alternative to completing 1,500 school hours.

How long does cosmetology school take?

Full-time students can complete the 1,500 hours in roughly a year before sitting for the state exam.

Where can you work with a Michigan cosmetology license?

In salons and spas, as a color or texture specialist, in makeup or skincare, in film and fashion, as an instructor, or in your own salon or booth rental.