Virginia Salon Health & Safety
Virginia's sanitation regulations protect clients from infection. This chapter covers disinfection, disposables, and incident response.
Cleaning and disinfection
Reusable, non-porous tools that contact skin are cleaned to remove debris and then disinfected in an EPA-registered disinfectant used per its label between clients. Work surfaces and shared equipment are also cleaned and disinfected. Observing the label's contact time is what actually destroys pathogens.
Disposables and cross-contamination
Porous single-use items such as nail files, buffers, and wooden sticks are discarded after one client because they cannot be disinfected. Wax applicators are not double-dipped, and a clean towel or drape is used for each client. These habits stop infection from spreading between clients.
Blood exposure and equipment
If a client bleeds, the practitioner stops, uses gloves and first aid, disinfects contaminated tools and surfaces, and disposes of contaminated disposables safely. Pedicure foot spas are drained, cleaned, and disinfected after every client, a frequently inspected requirement.
State-specific details
State exam facts
- State regulator
- Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology (DPOR)
- Exam vendor
- Prov (NIC exams)
- Prelicensing education
- 1,000 hours (reduced from 1,500 in 2024; a 3,000-hour apprenticeship pathway also exists)
- Passing score
- 75
- Scored questions
- 110
- Time limit
- 90 minutes
How many training hours does Virginia require for a cosmetology license?
Virginia requires 1,000 hours — reduced from 1,500 in 2024 — or a 3,000-hour apprenticeship. Older pages citing 1,500 hours are out of date.
Who licenses cosmetologists in Virginia?
The Board for Barbers and Cosmetology, within the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), licenses cosmetologists. The NIC theory and practical exams have been delivered by Prov since January 1, 2025 (replacing PSI).
Does Virginia still require a practical exam?
Yes. Virginia requires both the NIC theory exam (110 items, 90-minute limit, plus 10 Virginia state-law questions) and a hands-on NIC practical exam, with a passing score of 75.
Sources: https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/BarberCosmo, https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/boards/BarberCosmo/VA_NIC_COS_CIB_2022.pdf
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