Massachusetts § 87V - Aesthetics, barbering, cosmetology, electrolysis, hairdressing and manicuring; rules and regulations; examinations; specialty limited licenses

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 87V — Aesthetics, barbering, cosmetology, electrolysis, hairdressing and manicuring; rules and regulations; examinations; specialty limited licenses, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 87V. Aesthetics, barbering, cosmetology, electrolysis, hairdressing and manicuring; rules and regulations; examinations; specialty limited licenses

Section 87V. The board shall make such uniform rules and regulations as the board deems proper for the performance of its duties, the practice of aesthetics, barbering, cosmetology, electrolysis, hairdressing, manicuring, mobile services, the operation of shops and mobile businesses and rules governing the education, experience or examination requirements for applicants for an aesthetician, barber, cosmetologist, electrologist or manicurist licenses. The board shall hold frequent examinations in the greater Boston area and at such other convenient locations as it deems necessary. The board may issue specialty limited licenses within the practice of aesthetics, barbering, cosmetology, electrolysis, hairdressing and manicuring to the extent necessary for the protection of the public's health, safety and welfare. Natural hair braiding shall be exempt from the rules and regulations issued by the board.

Except as may be necessary for the protection of the public health, safety or morals, the board shall not make any rule or regulation restraining the normal and incidental business of a person licensed or authorized by the board by restricting the retail sale of beauty preparations, lotions, salves, toilet articles, jewelry, gift novelties, personal attire and accessories or other articles.

The practice of aesthetics, barbering, cosmetology, electrolysis, hairdressing and manicuring shall be engaged only in a licensed shop or other location authorized by the board and shall be provided with such instruments, implements and equipment and subject to such sanitary regulations and inspection as said board may prescribe. The board shall promulgate rules and regulations permitting the dual use of a room for massage therapy and cosmetology within the establishment provided the establishment is also licensed as a massage therapy establishment.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 87V

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 87V cover?

Section 87V ("Aesthetics, barbering, cosmetology, electrolysis, hairdressing and manicuring; rules and regulations; examinations; specialty limited licenses") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Massachusetts § 87V?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 87V" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

How does Massachusetts § 87V apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.