Do Cosmetology School Hours Expire?

If you’re dreaming of a career in cosmetology, you might be wondering about the specific requirements necessary to graduate and get your license. One common question we see pop up is if the hours you spend in cosmetology school can expire or become outdated. It’s important to totally understand the answer, so you never find yourself in a surprise situation. 

Do Cosmetology School Hours Expire in Nebraska? 

In short, no. If you finish all the required hours to get your cosmetologist license and then wait to take your final boards or get your license, you don’t need to start over at the beginning. 

Surprised? This has actually changed! It used to be the case that you only had two years after finishing your classes to apply for your license. 

Plus, the requirement used to be 2,100 hours in Nebraska but has changed to 1,800, which sliced a few months more off the time students need to be enrolled in courses. 

What happens if I need to take a break from cosmetology school? 

We get it: life happens. If you need to take a break from your cosmetology training, contact your advisor at Xenon Academy and we’ll make sure that everyone is on the same page. Even if your hours don’t legally expire, you want to make sure that your skills are polished up. 

When you’re in school, it’s always good practice to keep all your documentation up to date and communicate any changes in your plans. The key is to stay in touch! 

When do you need to renew your license? 

In Nebraska, once you have your license, it needs to be renewed every two years. This process varies by state, but Nebraska’s is relatively simple — it does, however, differ based on the specific license you have. 

• Cosmetologists & Cosmetology Instructors: licenses expire on December 31st of even-numbered years. You’ll need to renew your license every two years in December. If you originally received your license in an odd-numbered year, your first renewal will be three years later. 

• Estheticians: licenses expire on September 30th of even-numbered years. You’ll need to renew your license every two years in September. If you originally received your license in an odd-numbered year, your first renewal will be three years later. 

• Nail Techs: licenses expire on December 31st of odd-numbered years. You will need to renew your license every two years in December, or three years if you earned your license in an odd-numbered year. 

Keep track of renewal dates and requirements to make sure there are no snags in your professional journey. 

What about continuing education? 

Licensed cosmetologists are required to take eight hours of continuing education (CE) classes before renewal. This makes sure that everyone is operating with an updated level of expertise and awareness of important regulations and best practices. 

How do I keep my cosmetology skills current? 

Staying up to date with industry trends and techniques, especially through practical, hands-on application is the right move. Choose continuing education courses and workshops that enhance your skills, embrace learning opportunities and carefully maintain your license. 

 Overall, Nebraska is very flexible about cosmetology school hours. If you aren’t sure whether hours you took a while ago are current enough to actually help you pass the exam, or you have any more questions about your cosmetology journey, we’re here to help. 

Reach out to our enrollment team to get back into cosmetology classes, tour campus or learn more about your options with Xenon Academy today!