Utah Salon Health & Safety
Utah salons must follow DOPL sanitation standards to protect clients. This chapter covers disinfection, disposables, and safe pedicure practice.
Single-use items and disposables
Porous items such as nail files, buffers, and wooden sticks cannot be disinfected and must be discarded after one client. Wax applicators are used once and not re-dipped. Using disposables only once is a simple, reliable barrier against infection.
Blood exposure procedures
If a client is cut and bleeds, the practitioner stops the service, uses gloves and first aid, cleans and disinfects any contaminated tools and surfaces, and disposes of contaminated disposables properly. This limits the spread of bloodborne pathogens.
Linens and equipment
A clean towel or drape is provided for each client, with soiled linens kept covered and separate from clean supplies. Pedicure foot spas must be drained, cleaned, and disinfected after every client. These routines are core to passing DOPL inspections.
State-specific details
State exam facts
- Exam vendor
- Prov (NIC exams)
- Prelicensing education
- 1,250 hours for the full cosmetology/barber license under SB 330, effective January 1, 2026 (reduced from 1,600); confirm against the statute
- Passing score
- 70
How many training hours does Utah require for a cosmetology license?
Under SB 330 (signed March 2025, effective January 1, 2026), Utah's full cosmetology/barber license requires 1,250 hours, reduced from 1,600. SB 330 also created narrower 1,000-hour credentials, so confirm the exact requirement for the full license against the statute before enrolling.
Who licenses cosmetologists in Utah?
The Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), within the Utah Department of Commerce, licenses cosmetologists through its Board of Cosmetology/Barbering. The NIC theory and practical exams are delivered by Prov — not PSI.
Does Utah still require a practical exam?
Yes. Utah requires both the NIC theory exam and a hands-on NIC practical exam, with a passing score of 70%.
Sources: https://commerce.utah.gov/dopl/cosmetology/, https://commerce.utah.gov/dopl/cosmetology/frequently-asked-questions/
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