Chapter 10 of 1040% of exam

Hawaii Health & Safety Rules

The Hawaii Board of Barbering and Cosmetology enforces sanitation and infection-control standards to protect the public. These rules apply the same universal principles you learned nationally, framed as Hawaii's enforceable requirements for implements, single-use items, blood exposure, and the work station.

Disinfecting Implements

Clean all reusable implements of hair and debris before disinfecting them.

Disinfect hard, non-porous tools with an EPA-registered disinfectant used at the correct dilution and full contact time.

Immerse combs, shears, and clips fully; disinfect clippers with an approved spray or wipe, not immersion.

Store disinfected tools clean and dry in a covered container, separate from soiled implements.

Single-Use Items & Station Sanitation

Discard porous single-use items (emery boards, wooden sticks, neck strips) after one client.

Use freshly laundered towels and linens for each client.

Dispense powders, creams, and lotions with a clean spatula or shaker, never with fingers.

Keep work surfaces, chairs, and shampoo bowls clean and disinfected between clients.

Blood Exposure & Universal Precautions

Treat all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious.

If a cut occurs, stop, put on single-use gloves, and control the bleeding.

Clean then disinfect any blood-contaminated surfaces and implements; discard contaminated single-use items.

Place used razor blades and other sharps in a proper sharps container.

State-specific details

State exam facts

State regulator: Hawaii Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (DCCA)
Exam vendor: PSI
Prelicensing education: 1,800 hours (or a 3,600-hour apprenticeship)
Scored questions: 110
Time limit: 120 minutes

How many training hours does Hawaii require for a cosmetology license?

Hawaii requires 1,800 hours at an approved school, or a 3,600-hour apprenticeship. Confirm the current figure with the Board, as its administrative rules govern the exact requirement.

Who licenses cosmetologists in Hawaii?

The Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), licenses cosmetologists. Hawaii moved its exam to PSI effective January 1, 2026.

Does Hawaii still require a practical exam?

Hawaii's PSI exam is the written theory portion (110 questions, 120-minute limit); there is no separate state-administered hands-on practical. Confirm current requirements directly with the Board before testing.

Sources: https://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/barber/application-deadline-examination-dates/, https://www.psiexams.com/test-takers/psi-cosmetology-barber-national-exams/

Practice this topic →← All chapters

Studying in order?

Practice stays free. The full Cosmetology State Board study guide is the material itself, taught start to finish — a downloadable PDF + EPUB you keep.

Get the book — $14.99