Cosmetology State Board Kit: Required Supplies

Hooray! You’ve finished all of your required hours in school and finally are ready to take your state board exams. You’re so close to pursuing your amazing career in the beauty field and we couldn’t be more excited for you. Before you take off sprinting, learn exactly what are the cosmetology state board kit that you need to carry for the exam.

Supplies with an (*) next them means they aren’t required by all states so it is best you check with your state to see if it is required.

Required Supplies

Thermal Curling Supplies

• Thermal curling iron
• Comb(s)
• Material for testing temperature of iron

Hair Cutting Supplies

• Hair Cutting shears
• Razor
• Comb(s)

Chemical Waving Supplies

• Chemical wave rods
• End papers
• Applicator bottle with simulated waving lotion (water)
• Comb(s)

Hair Lightening/Coloring Supplies

• Tint brush and bowl or bottle applicator
• Thick gel or colored cholesterol*
• Comb(s)
• Hair clips

Chemical Relaxing Supplies 

• Tint brush and bowl or bottle applicator
• Thick gel or colored cholesterol*
• Comb(s) *

Blow Dry Styling Supplies 

• Blow dryer
• Hair brush(es)

Shaping & Pin Curl Shaping Supplies

• Clippies
• Gel
• Comb(s) *

Roller Placement Supplies

• Clippies
• Rollers
• Comb(s)

Basic Facial Supplies

• Hair drape
• Cleansing cream
• Massage cream
• Toner or astringent

Manicure Supplies 

• Mannequin hand(s) with artificial nails attached* (Trainer hands are NOT permitted.)
• Bowl and container of water
• Cuticle cream/remover
• Filing and buffing implements
• Cuticle pusher
• Nail brush
• Hand lotion or massage product
• Cuticle oil
• Base coat
• Top coat
• Red polish
• Polish remover *

Sculptured Nail Supplies

• Mannequin hand(s) with artificial nails attached* (Trainer hands are NOT permitted.)
• Cuticle pusher
• Sculptured nail products (powder, primer, liquid) (The product must be sealed and in its original container with the manufacturer’s label. NIC strongly recommends, due to the testing environment, that odorless sculptured nail products be used during the NIC practical examinations.)
• Sculptured nail brush
• Liquid & powder containers
• Filing and buffing implements
• Sculptured nail forms

Hair Removal of The Eyebrows Supplies

• Antiseptic
• Tweezers
• Gloves
• Fabric strips
• Soft wax product/simulated product*
• Post epilation product
• Applicators

Recommended General Supplies

• Dry storage kit/container*
• Hand sanitizer
• Mannequin head(s) and a table clamp* (pre-marked mannequins are NOT permitted)
• A towel to place between the clamp and the table*
• EPA registered disinfectant that demonstrates bactericidal, fungicidal and virucidal properties must be used*
• Container/bag for soiled/trash items ¨ container or bag for items to be disinfected*
• Cloth and paper towel(s)
• Neck strip(s)
• Shampoo cape (child size is appropriate for mannequin)
• Hair clamp(s)
• Comb(s)
• Hair brush(es)
• Spray bottle
• Protective cream
• Spatula(s)
• Protective cotton
• Protective gloves
• First aid supplies (blood spill kit)
• Tape

Need help to prepare for the state board exam? We’ve got you covered! Learn more about our state board exam review guides below. Also, take up free practice tests to score well in your exams!

Learn More

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