Guides for lash, brow and threading studios
California: who may do lash extensions, lifts, tints and threading
Updated: November 15, 2026
California limits lash extensions, lash and brow tints and perms to cosmetologists and estheticians. Threading is not regulated by the Board. Here are the details.
General information, not legal advice. Rules change and each board reads them its own way, so check with the agency named here before you rely on it.
The short answer
- Lash extensions and strip lashes: licensed cosmetologists and estheticians only.
- Tinting and perming of lashes and brows (lash lifts and tints): cosmetologists and estheticians; lash perming also barbers.
- Threading: the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology lists it as not regulated.
- Lash-growth products that are prescription drugs: not within any Board licensee’s scope.
What the law says
Business and Professions Code section 7316 puts “tinting and perming of the eyelashes and brows, or applying eyelashes to any person” inside both cosmetology and skin care (esthetics). The Board repeated this in its July 2022 industry bulletin on eyelash and eyebrow services.
So a lash artist in California needs an esthetician or cosmetologist license, even if they only do lashes. There is no lash-only license.
Threading
The Board keeps a list of services outside its jurisdiction, and threading is on it as “Not Regulated”. A threader who does only threading does not need a Board license. Waxing, tinting and lash work done in the same studio still do.
Your city or county may still require a business license and a health permit, so ask them too.
The studio
A place where licensed services are done needs an establishment license from the Board, and it is inspected. If threading is all you offer, ask your city what it requires instead.
Questions
Can I get certified in lashes instead of licensed in California?
A lash course certificate does not replace the license. Applying lash extensions is limited to licensed cosmetologists and estheticians.
Is brow lamination covered?
Brow lamination is a chemical treatment like perming, which the law places in cosmetology and esthetics. Confirm with the Board for the product you use.