Chapter 454 — BARBERING AND COSMETOLOGY

454.01 Definitions.

454.02 Limitations and exceptions.

454.04 Practice.

454.06 Licensure.

454.07 Examinations.

454.075 Examining board approval of accrediting agencies.

454.08 Establishment licenses.

454.10 Apprenticeship.

454.12 Continuing education.

454.125 Regulatory updates.

454.13 Licensees of other jurisdictions.

454.14 Inspections.

454.145 Disclosure of temporary permit status.

454.15 Disciplinary proceedings and actions.

454.16 Penalties. Cross-reference: See definitions in s. 440.01. SUBCHAPTER I COSMETOLOGY EXAMINING BOARD Cross-reference: See also Cos, Wis. adm. code. 454.01 Definitions. In this subchapter: (1) “Aesthetician” means a person who practices aesthetics. (2) “Aesthetics” means, for…

454.20 Definitions. In this subchapter: (1) “Barber” means a person who practices barbering. (2) “Barbering” means, for compensation, arranging, styling, dressing, shampooing, cleansing, curling, dyeing, tinting, coloring, bleaching, waxing, waving, straightening, cutting, shavin…

454.21 Limitations and exceptions. Barbering does not include any of the following: (1) A service performed by a person licensed, certified, or registered under the laws of this state as a physician, physician assistant, nurse, or funeral director if the service is within the sco…

454.22 Practice. (1) No person may engage in barbering unless the person is one of the following: (a) A licensed barber. (c) An apprentice in barbering under s. 454.26. (d) A student in a barbering course of instruction. May 22, 2026, are designated by NOTES. (Published 5-22-26) …

454.23 Licensure. (1) APPLICATION. An applicant for licensure under this section shall submit an application to the department on a form prescribed by the department. (2) BARBER LICENSE. The department shall grant a barber license to any person who submits an application under su…

454.24 Examinations. (1) The department shall, in accordance with s. 440.07 (2), conduct examinations for barber licenses at least 8 times annually, at times and places determined by the department. (2) The examination for a license under s. 454.23 (2) shall consist of written te…

454.245 Department approval of accrediting agencies. The department shall identify by rule the accrediting agencies it approves to accredit schools for the purpose of satisfying educational requirements for an initial license or a license renewal under this subchapter. History: 2…

454.25 Barbering establishment license. (1) (ag) The department shall promulgate rules permitting the use of a chemical process in the practice of barbering outside of a licensed establishment, except that the department may not promulgate any rule that restricts the use of a che…

454.26 Apprenticeship. (1) An apprentice in barbering shall be employed under an apprentice contract under s. 106.01 and shall be governed by s. 106.01, the apprenticeship rules of the department of workforce development, and the rules of the department. (2) An apprentice in barb…

454.265 Continuing education. The department may impose continuing education requirements on a person who holds a license under this subchapter that is not an inactive license as a part of the disciplinary process to ensure competency. History: 2011 a. 190; 2017 a. 81.

454.267 Regulatory updates. (1) At the time the department gives notice of renewal under s. 440.08 (1), the department shall send, by electronic mail, to each person granted a license under s. 454.23 a digest that describes changes to statutes and rules that affect the practice o…

454.27 (1). (b) Subject to ss. 111.321, 111.322, and 111.335, the applicant presents evidence satisfactory to the department that the applicant has not been convicted of a felony committed while engaged in the practice of barbering. (c) The applicant graduates from high school or…

454.28 Inspections. (1) The department shall appoint inspectors under the classified service to inspect licensed barbering establishments. (2) An inspector appointed under sub. (1) may enter and inspect any licensed barbering establishment at any time during business hours. Histo…

454.285 Disclosure of temporary permit status. A person practicing under a temporary permit to practice barbering granted under s. 454.23 (7) shall, before performing any barbering services, inform the person receiving the barbering service that he or she is practicing under a te…

454.287 Advisory committee. The secretary shall appoint an advisory committee under s. 440.042 to advise the department on matters relating to the regulation of barbers and barbering es- May 22, 2026, are designated by NOTES. (Published 5-22-26) 454.287 Updated 23-24 Wis. Stats. …

454.29 Disciplinary proceedings and actions. (1) Subject to the rules promulgated under s. 440.03 (1), the department may make investigations or conduct hearings to determine whether a person has violated this subchapter or any rule promulgated under this subchapter. (2) Subject …

454.295 Penalties. Any person who violates this subchapter or any rule promulgated under this subchapter shall be fined not less than $100 nor more than $5,000 or imprisoned for not less than 10 days nor more than 90 days or both. History: 2011 a. 190. May 22, 2026, are designate…