Board of Barbers and Hairdressers The Board of Barbers and Hairdressers is staffed by the Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing. The Board consists of one barber; one person licensed to practice body piercing, tattooing, or permanent cosmetic coloring; two persons licensed as hairdressers, one of whom is also licensed as an esthetician; one public member; one person licensed to practice manicuring under this chapter; and one person licensed to practice any activity licensed under this chapter. Board members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the legislature. The Board adopts regulations to carry out laws governing the practice of barbering, hairdressing, esthetics, tattoo and permanent cosmetic coloring, and body piercing. It makes final licensing decisions and takes disciplinary actions against people who violate licensing laws. The Board meets three times a year and offers a public comment period at each meeting. Meeting agendas and minutes are available from the licensing examiner and will be posted to this website once prepared. Attention: Tattooing, Body Piercing, and Permanent Cosmetic Coloring Courtesy License Applicants At this time, the board may only issue one courtesy license in a calendar year (12 AAC 09.004). A regulation project changing the number of courtesy licenses allowed in a calendar year will be considered by the board at their next meeting. However, if approved by the board, the regulation change may not go into effect until sometime in 2024. In the meantime, we are encouraging courtesy license applicants to apply for full licensure as a tattooist, body piercer, or permanent cosmetic colorist. Obtaining full licensure would allow the license holder to participate in as many body art events in Alaska as they would like. Applicants may be required to take and pass the Alaska written examination (covering health and safety topics). Licenses issued by this board are due for renewal August 31 of odd numbered years. If you choose to apply for full licensure, we recommend submitting your application, supporting documentation, and fees right away. If you apply for and receive a courtesy license, you are limited to participating in special events or shows within one 30-day window per calendar year. For applications, please select the “Applications and Forms” quick link located on the right hand side of the page or click here. Hard Copy License Certificates Discontinued The division has expanded our online services to allow licensees to download their own license certificates on demand. As a result, the division no longer mails hardcopy license certificates. The certificates will be located under the “initial application” and “renewal” events in the MY LICENSE account. If you need guidance on how to set up or access your MY LICENSE account, you can access the MY LICENSE instructions here. Professions Regulated by the Board Barber Non-Chemical Barber Hairdresser Hair Braider Esthetician Manicurist Manicurist with Advanced Endorsement Instructor (barber, non-chemical barber, hairdresser, hair braider, esthetician, manicurist, manicurist w/ advanced endorsement) Body Piercer Tattooist Permanent Cosmetic Colorist School/School Owner (barber, non-chemical barber, hairdresser, hair braider, esthetician, manicurist, manicurist w/ advanced endorsement, student instructor) Shop Owner (barber, non-chemical barber, hairdresser, hair braider, esthetician, manicurist, body piercer, tattooist, permanent cosmetic colorist) National Organizations National organizations may provide information on the regulation of the practice of barbering, hairdressing, and cosmetology in other states. National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology National Association of Barbers Boards of America Contact Information Wanda Whitcomb, Licensing Examiner Phone: (907) 465-2591 Email: BoardofBarbersHairdressers@Alaska.Gov PO Box 110806 Juneau AK 99811-0806 Cynthia Spencer, Licensing Examiner Phone: (907) 465-2591 Email: BoardofBarbersHairdressers@Alaska.Gov PO Box 110806 Juneau, AK 99811-0806