South Dakota lash and brow rules
Do you need a license to do lashes in South Dakota?
Yes. Lash extensions need a Cosmetologist or Esthetician license, plus 16 hours of approved eyelash extension education before any services are performed. Below: lash lifts, tinting and brow lamination (license needed), waxing (license needed) and eyebrow threading (not stated), each answered from South Dakota's own statutes, rules or board pages, read on October 23, 2026, with the state's own words.
- Lash extensions
- License needed
- Lifts and tints
- License needed
- Waxing
- License needed
- Threading
- Not stated
Licensed by the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission.The board's site Hours and fees for each licenseThe state's own words
Lash extensions
Do you need a license to do lash extensions in South Dakota?
Yes. Lash extensions need a Cosmetologist or Esthetician license, plus 16 hours of approved eyelash extension education before any services are performed.
- License needed
- License needed
- Licenses that allow it
- Cosmetologist, Esthetician
- License for this work alone
- None
Lash lifts, tinting and brow lamination
Do you need a license to do lash lifts, tinting or brow lamination in South Dakota?
Yes. Eyelash and eyebrow tinting need an Esthetician or Cosmetologist license; the official text does not name lash lifts or brow lamination.
- License needed
- License needed
- Licenses that allow it
- Cosmetologist, Esthetician
- License for this work alone
- None
Waxing
Do you need a license to do waxing in South Dakota?
Yes. Waxing hair removal needs an Esthetician or Cosmetologist license.
- License needed
- License needed
- Licenses that allow it
- Cosmetologist, Esthetician
- License for this work alone
- None
Eyebrow threading
Do you need a license to do eyebrow threading in South Dakota?
Not stated. South Dakota's official pages we read do not say whether eyebrow threading needs a license. Ask the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission before you offer it.
- License needed
- Not stated
Good to know
What else South Dakota asks of lash and brow artists
- Eyelash extension work requires at least 16 hours of education, and the commission must approve the completion certificate before any services are performed.
- The commission's eyelash extension certification must be posted in a public place in the salon while the licensee is working.
- Licensees who want to provide eyelash extensions must complete continuing education.
Sources
What South Dakota's official pages say
Each answer above, in the words of South Dakota's own statutes, rules or board pages, read on October 23, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission before you start offering a service.
- Lash extensions
“A licensee shall successfully complete a minimum of 16 educational hours on the proper techniques to perform eyelash extensions.”
sdlegislature.gov “Grooming or applying eyebrows or eyelashes, including arching and tinting”
sdlegislature.gov “Cosmetologists may practice all services covered by the three licenses.”
dlr.sd.gov - Lash lifts, tinting and brow lamination
“Grooming or applying eyebrows or eyelashes, including arching and tinting”
sdlegislature.gov “Cosmetologists may practice all services covered by the three licenses.”
dlr.sd.gov - Waxing
“Removing superfluous hair by nonpermanent means, including tweezing and waxing”
sdlegislature.gov “Cosmetologists may practice all services covered by the three licenses.”
dlr.sd.gov - Also good to know
“A licensee shall successfully complete a minimum of 16 educational hours on the proper techniques to perform eyelash extensions.”
sdlegislature.gov - Also good to know
“The certification shall be posted in a public place in the salon while the licensee is working.”
sdlegislature.gov - Also good to know
“It is also required for any licensee who wishes to provide microdermabrasion, eye lash extensions, or electric nail filing services.”
dlr.sd.gov
Questions
South Dakota lash and brow licenses, answered
Do you need a license to do lash extensions in South Dakota?
Do you need a license to do lash lifts, tinting or brow lamination in South Dakota?
Do you need a license to do waxing in South Dakota?
Do you need a license to do eyebrow threading in South Dakota?
What do you need to open a lash or brow studio in South Dakota?
Plan the rest
Licensed and ready to book clients
- Hours, exams and fees for each South Dakota license
- What South Dakota requires to open a studio of your own
- What South Dakota inspectors check in a salon or studio
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- Renting a room or a chair? Start from a booth rental agreement
Lash and brow rules in other states
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