State Board of Barber Examiners

The State Board of Barber Examiners regulates the licensure and practice of the barbering profession in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Board has jurisdiction over the procedures for obtaining a license to become a barber, manager-barber or barber-teacher. Through its agents, the Board inspects, approves and registers all barber shops and schools of barbering and prescribes the sanitary requirements for the individual establishment. By performing these functions, the Board protects the public from gross incompetence, unethical or dishonest practice or conduct, and the spread of contagious and infectious disease.

Notice to Former Students of American Beauty Academy—

On May 22, 2019, Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced a 60-day restitution window for eligible former students of American Beauty Academy, Inc. D/B/A American Beauty Academy Lancaster. The esthetics, cosmetology and barber school permanently closed its Lancaster campus in November 2015. The school allegedly misled its students into believing they would have an extended Thanksgiving break, when in fact the school was permanently closing its doors. Former students may file a complaint with the Office of Attorney General by contacting the Bureau of Consumer Protection at www.attorneygeneral.gov or contacting the Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection at 800-441-2555 or scams@attorneygeneral.gov .

IF YOUR LICENSE IS EXPIRED, YOU MUST CONTACT THE BOARD OFFICE TO REQUEST A REACTIVATION APPLICATION.

You may contact the Board office by email at st-barber@pa.gov or by phone at 717-783-3402.

**Please provide your license number and full name as it appears on your license when emailing or calling the Board office. If you do not know your license number, you can search for your personal or salon/shop license at https://www.pals.pa.gov

Please note that neither the Board/Commission, nor its staff or counsel, are permitted to provide legal advice or advisory opinions, including interpretations of the law or regulations, or any indication as to how the Board would vote on any given case or scenario. You are invited to contact a private attorney or professional organization for advice or guidance.