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Inspection Notices

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Barbers and Cosmetologists: Inspection Notices

Licensing Requirement for Practitioners and Establishments

State law requires individuals practicing barbering, cosmetology, hairstyling, manicuring/pedicuring, esthetics, or electrology to be licensed by the Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists. Additionally, all services must be performed in a licensed establishment.

 

Do I Need an Establishment License?

You do not need your own establishment license if you are:

  • Employed by a licensed establishment, or
  • Renting a space under the establishment’s name.

Note: In these cases, the establishment owner is responsible for ensuring everyone in the establishment complies with all Board regulations.

You must obtain your own establishment license if you are an independent operator/owner, including if:

  • You operate within a building that rents individual units (each unit must be separately licensed).
  • You hold a city business license under your own business name.
  • You provide licensed services in a location not licensed by the Board (e.g., a tattooing, body piercing, scarification or permanent cosmetics establishment, spa, clinic, or medical office not overseen by a licensed medical doctor).

Note: As an owner, you are responsible for ensuring your establishment complies with all Board regulations.

 

Download the Licensing Requirement for Practitioners and Establishments notice. 

Tips for a Successful Inspection
Licensing Requirements
  • All licenses must be active and current.
  • Post establishment and individual licenses visibly to the public.
  • Individual licenses must include a recent photo.
    • Inspectors may request a photo ID.
  • Post the most recent inspection report where it’s visible to the public.

 ATTENTION:

Unlicensed activity may result in penalties up to $10,000 per violation under the Uniform Licensing Act.

 

Student & Externship Reminders
  • Students with permits may only practice after completing required education and while awaiting permanent licensure.
    • Permits must be current.
  • Externships must be active and unexpired.
Infection Control
  • Keep the establishment clean and debris-free.
  • Use medical-grade, properly mixed disinfectants.
  • Label all non-original containers (bottles, jars, totes) clearly with contents.
  • Separate and label all drawers/implements:
    • “Clean/Ready for Use”
    • “Dirty/Not Ready for Use”
Multi-Use Implements
  • Must be clean, separated, and clearly labeled (e.g., clippers, combs, nail tools).
Pedicure Requirements
  • Maintain pedi logs (cleaning date, disinfectant used, and cleaner’s name) for 12 months.
  • Dispose of single-use liners after each use.
  • Dispose of all single-use items daily (e.g., nail files, buffers, drill bits).
Sharps
  • If used, maintain a log of razor/blade disposal per NMDOH or local health agencies.
Prohibited
  • Alcohol/spirit consumption or storage on premises.
  • Pets without service animal identification.

Download the Tips for a Successful Inspection notice. 

Inspection Follow Up
How to Download Your Inspection Report
  1. Log into your NM-PLUS account
  2. Navigate to the “Inspection” tab on top of page
  3. Click the “View” tab to access your most recent inspection report
  4. Download, print and post the inspection where is is visible to the public
  5. Click “Submit”
What to Expect After a Failed Inspection
  1. All violations identified at the time of inspection shall be corrected immediately
  2. You should anticipate receiving a pre-settlement offer based on the violations identified at the time of your inspection
  3. If you choose not to accept the settlement offer, a Notice of Contemplated Action will be issued giving you an opportunity for a hearing
How to Request or Reschedule an Inspection
  1. Log into the NM-PLUS and select “Inspection” tab
  2. Locate the orange box labeled “New Inspection Request”
  3. Enter available inspection dates and any other relevant details
  4. Click “Submit”

Note: We will make every effort to inspect your establishment within 30 days. If the request is to re-inspect due to a “Failed” inspection, there is a re-inspection fee of $200.00 that will be assessed prior to the inspection.

 

Click here to access NM-PLUS.

 

Download the Inspection Follow Up notice.

Paying Fees
How to Access and Pay Fees
  1. Log into your NM-PLUS account
  2. Navigate to the “Regulatory Fees” tab
  3. Click the “Pay” under the Action column to
    processes the payment

Click here to access NM-PLUS.

Download the Paying Fees notice.

What to expect after a failed inspection
Failed Your Last Inspection?

All violations noted during an inspection must be corrected immediately. If your last inspection was not passed, you may receive one of the following:

  • Warning Letter – No fines, but all violations must be corrected and maintained before future inspections.
  • Settlement Agreement Offer – An opportunity to resolve violations without a formal Notice of Contemplated Action (NCA).
Your Options:

1. Accept the Settlement Agreement

  • You must respond within 10 days of receipt.
    • Sign the agreement and return it to the board office by mail or email.
  • Once you comply with all the terms, the case will be closed.

2. Decline the Settlement Agreement

  • Notify the board office via email you choose to decline the Settlement Agreement.
  • The matter will be referred to the New Mexico Department of Justice (NMDOJ)
  • An NCA will be issued, and upon your request, a disciplinary hearing will be scheduled.
  • The Board will make a final decision at their next scheduled meeting, which may include higher fines or penalties up to suspension or revocation of a license.
  • The board will render a final decision. This may result in higher fines being issued than those listed in the settlement agreement offer.

3. No Response

  • If you do not respond within the deadline, the offer is considered declined and referred to NMDOJ for formal action.

Note: A Notice of Contemplated Action allows you to request a hearing before the Board to contest violations.

    Download the What to Expect After a Failed Inspection notice. 

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