California recently amended its estheticians' scope of practice regulations – and if you're a licensed esthetician in the Golden State offering esthetic services like skincare and microblading, you'll need to make sure you stay in the know (and within regulations) about a few changes.
Recent legislative updates have expanded and clarified what estheticians can and can’t legally offer under their license. Ultimately, this reshapes how many skin care professionals out there (possibly like you) serve their clients.
Whether you're fresh out of esthetics school or a seasoned pro, staying compliant with the new California scope of practice for estheticians isn't just about legality. It’s about protecting your clients, your license, and, of course, your career. This blog's got the full details you need to know.
Key Takeaways
California’s updated esthetician scope of practice (SB 803) expands what licensed professionals can legally offer – like lash lifts, tinting, and dermaplaning – while reinforcing clear boundaries around medical-grade treatments like microneedling and laser services. With new opportunities, such as mobile services through Personal Service Permits, come added responsibilities. Staying informed, properly trained, and fully insured is essential for protecting your license, your clients, and your career.
An Update on Esthetician Services: What's In & What's Not
The Expanded Services That Are Now Within Scope
Thanks to updates from the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (via SB 803), estheticians can now offer a broader range of services. These changes show how the trends in beauty and skin care are evolving – but they also help estheticians stay competitive in a growing market.
Here are the key services now officially included within the scope of esthetic practice:
- Lash and brow tinting
- Lash perming (lash lifts)
- Facial dermaplaning
All of these changes are a huge deal for estheticians! These popular services were once considered off-limits without additional licensure or a medical professional on-site. Now, they’re accessible to estheticians, provided they're properly trained.
While the law now permits these treatments, estheticians are still expected to pursue the education and skills necessary to perform them safely and effectively.
The bottom line?
If you’re not already trained in these services, it might be time to do it. You can bring new services to your clients and improve your know-how on client safety, compliance, and professional integrity.
Services That Are Still Outside Estheticians' Scope
Even with the expanded services that estheticians can now offer, it's important to remember that not everything is on the table. There are still plenty of services that fall well outside the esthetician’s legal scope in California.
Why? Because most of these treatments are considered medical in nature and require separate licensing or supervision by a medical provider.
Services that remain prohibited under California esthetics law include:
- Microneedling
- Laser and IPL treatments
- Fibroblast (plasma pen) procedures
- Hyaluron pen
- Medium- or medical-grade chemical peels
- Skin tag or mole removal
- The use of prescription devices or products
While it might be tempting to add these trending treatments to your service menu, doing so could risk your license – and your livelihood. It's important to realize these aren't gray areas; they're strictly black and white.
These are clearly defined under the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology and the Business and Professions Code.
Pro tip: If you’re not sure whether a service falls within the esthetic scope, you can always check directly with the California state board or refer to SB 803.
The Updates on Licensing and Training Requirements
Before diving into advanced treatments or offering mobile services, it’s essential to make sure your base licensure is in good standing.
In California, here’s what you need to legally practice as an esthetician:
- Complete a 600-hour training program at a licensed esthetics school.
- Pass the California State Board Esthetician Examination, which includes both a written and practical test.
- Renew your license every two years, with a $50 renewal fee.
At the time of this new legislation, continuing education isn’t mandatory for renewal. That said, it's always the best skincare professionals that take it upon themselves to stay educated, especially when offering newly permitted services, like dermaplaning or lash tinting.
Mobile Services and Personal Service Permits
Under the updated law, estheticians in California now have the option to legally offer mobile services outside of a traditional salon setting – but this isn't open for everyone. Only estheticians who meet specific requirements can move into the mobile service world.
To legally operate mobile or on-location services, you have to hold a Personal Service Permit (PSP). This permit allows licensed estheticians to perform services at a client’s home, at events, or other specific and approved locations.
To qualify for a PSP, you must:
- Hold a valid California esthetician license for at least two consecutive years
- Undergo a criminal background check via Live Scan
- Comply with health and safety requirements for mobile services
Why does this new change matter? First and foremost, this is a major opportunity for estheticians looking to expand their reach, offer concierge services, or increase flexibility in their business model.
The only caveat: be sure you’re properly permitted and compliant before you start packing up your supplies.
Updates to Compliance and Best Practices
As California continues to evolve its laws around the practice of skin care, one thing remains clear – staying informed is non-negotiable.
Following the defined scope of practice isn’t just a legal checkbox, it’s a commitment to professionalism, client safety, and long-term career success.
Here’s how you can stay on top of things:
- Bookmark the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology website and check regularly for updates.
- Pursue training or certifications for any new services you plan to offer, especially those newly added under SB 803.
- Be transparent with clients about what you can legally offer and what falls outside your license. Keep documentation up to date, including your license, PSP (if applicable), and any relevant certifications.
Working within your scope, especially with these new changes, isn’t limiting. In fact, it can actually be empowering and give you what you need to build a booming beauty business. It also gives you the confidence that's necessary to create a career and space that are safe, ethical, and fully aligned with state law.
With the passing of Senate Bill 803 and subsequent updates from the California State Board, estheticians now have more opportunities – but they also have more responsibility. The California esthetician's scope of practice has expanded, but so has the need to stay vigilant about what’s allowed, what’s not, and what it takes to stay compliant.
From lash lifts to dermaplaning and beyond, this new era of esthetics in California is exciting, but only if you’re prepared. Keep learning, stay updated, and protect your license at every step.
And more than anything, we advise you to get insured!
At Beauty Insurance Plus, we offer affordable, all-inclusive esthetician liability coverage designed specifically for professionals like you. Whether you're working in a salon or offering mobile services under a PSP, our policies cover you with professional liability, general liability, product liability, and more, all for less than the cost of most state licensing fees.
No crazy membership fees, no hassle – just peace of mind that you’re covered wherever your esthetics career takes you.
