Oklahoma Cosmetology Insurance

If you’re currently practicing cosmetology in Oklahoma, it would be wise decision for your business and career to carry your own professional cosmetology insurance. In some circumstances, if you don’t work independently, your employer will offer insurance to partially cover you. This seems great, but if there is a claim filed against you, this partial coverage may not fully protect you from losing your license or paying your legal fees.

There is a simple solution for you—carrying your own cosmetology insurance policy.

Professional liability (malpractice): covers you from lawsuits filed due to a mistake made on behalf of the cosmetology services you provided. For example, you use a facial cream on a client, resulting in a rash on the client’s face. This leads the client have to take time off work and have medical bills to pay. The client could choose to file a claim against you to cover these damages both emotionally and financially, but you would be covered.

General liability (or slip-and-fall scenario): covers you from claims made due to damages that occurred on the property in which you run your business, as well as a certain amount of stolen equipment coverage. For example, a client hurries out the door with a pair of your brand new shears. These expensive shears would be covered if you carried your own professional cosmetology insurance policy.

All cosmetologists want their clients leaving each appointment looking and feeling their best. In this imperfect world,  sometimes clients may not be happy with your services or have negative reactions due to services you provided. A client could be dissatisfied with a service you provided to them and become emotionally distraught, potentially leading to a lawsuit against you. Or, a client trips in your salon and gets injured. This could also lead to a claim filed against you. All of these accidents were out of your control.

It is in your best interest to fully cover yourself professionally by protecting your license against future claims. If a product causes a rash for a client, a specific hair dye causes a client’s hair to burn, or a client falls and gets injured in your salon, your credible reputation, finances, and license is at stake. But choosing to be covered with your own professional policy, you are saving yourself from accidents that happen—in or out of your control.

Am I eligible to obtain a cosmetology license?

Yes, if are at least 16 years old and have completed at least up to a 8th grade education, you are eligible to obtain a cosmetology license in the state of Oklahoma.

What do I need to do to obtain my cosmetology license?

You will have to complete 1,500 school hours or 3,000 apprentice hours, and pass written and practical exams.

Do I need a license to be a cosmetology instructor?

Yes, along with a cosmetology license, you need to pass the appropriate exams plus 1,000 training hours. Or, 500 hours with two years of recent licensed work experience.

Does the state of Oklahoma require me to complete continuing education units (CEUs)?

No, CEUs are not required.

How often do I need to renew my cosmetology license?

A person practicing cosmetology must renew his or her license annually, on the last day of the licensee’s birthday month—along with a $25 dollar fee.

Moving to Oklahoma from another state?

You must hold a current license in a state with equal or higher requirements, have at least three years of recent, licensed work experience, and you may be required to take exams.