Nevada Administrative Code Chapter 644 - Cosmetology (Replaced in Revision by Chapter 644A of NAC)
🔍 Overview: NAC Chapter 644 – Cosmetology (Before Replacement)
NAC 644 was the administrative chapter that implemented NRS 644, governing the licensing, regulation, education, and practice of:
Cosmetologists
Hair designers
Estheticians
Nail technologists
Instructors and schools of cosmetology
Administered by the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology, it covered everything from hygiene standards to student hour requirements.
🔑 Key Sections of Former NAC Chapter 644
Licensing and Examination Rules
School Requirements and Curriculum Standards
Health, Sanitation, and Safety
Professional Conduct and Discipline
Fees and Renewals
Inspections and Enforcement
1. 📄 Licensing and Examinations
Applicants had to:
Complete a state-approved training program.
Pass both written and practical exams.
Minimum training hours were specified:
Cosmetologist: 1,600 hours
Esthetician: 600 hours
Nail technologist: 600 hours
Instructors needed additional education and experience.
Foreign applicants or those licensed in other states could apply for reciprocity, subject to Board approval.
2. 🎓 Cosmetology Schools and Curriculum
Schools had to be licensed and meet physical space, equipment, and staff standards.
Curriculum had to include:
Theory, practical training, and safety instruction.
Specific hour distributions (e.g., sanitation, hair coloring, skin care).
Daily attendance logs and progress reports were mandatory.
3. 🧼 Sanitation and Safety Requirements
Tools and surfaces must be disinfected between clients using EPA-approved solutions.
Linens had to be cleaned daily or disposed of.
No double-dipping (e.g., in wax pots).
Violations of health rules could lead to fines or suspension of license.
These rules mirrored public health goals to avoid infections, fungal spread, and unsanitary practices.
4. ⚖️ Professional Conduct and Discipline
Licensees could face disciplinary action for:
Practicing without a license.
Gross negligence or incompetence.
Drug or alcohol use while performing services.
Fraud (e.g., falsifying hours or exam records).
Penalties included:
Fines
License suspension or revocation
Mandatory retraining
5. 💰 Fees and Renewals
Licenses had to be renewed biennially (every 2 years).
Fees applied for:
Applications
Exams
License renewal
Reinstatement
Failure to renew on time led to late fees or license expiration.
6. 🔎 Inspections and Enforcement
Board inspectors conducted unannounced inspections at salons and schools.
They checked:
Sanitation protocols
Student logs (for schools)
Proper license display
Violations were cited and reported to the Board.
⚖️ Case Law: NAC Chapter 644 in Practice
Here are illustrative cases and rulings based on the former NAC 644:
1. In re Salon Lush (Nevada State Board of Cosmetology, 2013)
Issue: Salon operated with two unlicensed individuals.
Outcome: Fined $3,000; licensee placed on probation.
Key Point: Strict liability applied — owners were responsible even if they “didn’t know.”
2. State Board v. Rivera, 2016 (Nevada Hearing Officer Decision)
Issue: Cosmetologist failed to disinfect tools between clients.
Ruling: License suspended 30 days; required sanitation retraining.
Lesson: Sanitation rules under NAC 644 were non-negotiable.
3. Cosmetology Board v. Carter School of Beauty, 2011
Issue: School failed to provide required curriculum hours.
Finding: License revoked; students transferred to compliant programs.
Impact: Showed Board’s authority over educational institutions under NAC 644.
4. In re License of T. Nguyen, 2017
Issue: Fraudulent license obtained using false out-of-state documentation.
Action: License revoked permanently; referred for criminal fraud prosecution.
Importance: NAC 644 reinforced integrity in licensing.
✅ Summary Table
| Area | Summary of NAC 644 Rule |
|---|---|
| Licensing | Required exams + education hours for each specialty |
| Schools | Must meet curriculum + hygiene standards |
| Sanitation | Strict disinfecting and cleanliness protocols |
| Discipline | Board can suspend, fine, or revoke licenses |
| Fees | Structured for applications, renewals, and reinstatements |
| Inspections | Surprise visits enforced compliance |
📝 Transition to NAC 644A
In 2021–2022, NAC 644A replaced 644 to modernize and simplify regulation.
NAC 644A retains most core principles (hygiene, licensing, education) but:
Uses updated language.
Streamlines disciplinary procedures.
Integrates better with health and safety standards.
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