New Mexico Statutes
Article 17A - Barbers and Cosmetologists
Section 61-17A-5 - License required. (Repealed effective July 1, 2026.)

A. Unless licensed pursuant to the Barbers and Cosmetologists Act or exempted from the provisions of that act, no person shall practice barbering, hairstyling or cosmetology for compensation either directly or indirectly.
B. Unless licensed pursuant to the Barbers and Cosmetologists Act, no person shall operate a school or establishment for compensation.
C. Unless licensed pursuant to the Barbers and Cosmetologists Act or exempted from the provisions of that act, no person shall teach barbering, hairstyling, cosmetology or electrology for compensation.
D. Unless licensed by the board pursuant to the Barbers and Cosmetologists Act, no person shall practice as a manicurist-pedicurist, esthetician or electrologist for compensation.
History: Laws 1993, ch. 171, § 5; 1997, ch. 218, § 2; 2017, ch. 112, § 4.
Delayed repeals. — For delayed repeal, see 61-17A-25 NMSA 1978.
Cross references. — For the Parental Responsibility Act, see Chapter 40, Article 5A NMSA 1978.
The 2017 amendment, effective June 16, 2017, required individuals who engage in the practice of hairstyling or who teach hairstyling to obtain a license pursuant to the Barbers and Cosmetologists Act; and in Subsections A and C, after "barbering", added "hairstyling".
The 1997 amendment substituted "License required" for "Certification required" in the section heading and substituted "Unless licensed" for "Unless certified" at the beginning of Subsection D. Laws 1997, ch. 218 contains no effective date provision, but, pursuant to N.M. Const., art. IV, § 23, is effective June 20, 1997, 90 days after adjournment of the legislature. See Volume 14 NMSA 1978 for "Adjournment Dates of Sessions of Legislature" table.
Inapplicable in federal enclave. — The state of New Mexico may not require that barbers employed at White Sands missile range by a concessionaire under contract with the army and air force exchange service be subject to licensing and other regulation under the laws of New Mexico as administered by the state board of barber examiners. 1960 Op. Att'y Gen. No. 60-15 (rendered under former law).
Inspection prerequisite to reopening. — The opening of a barber shop after it was closed for some years constitutes the opening or establishment of such shop for which the inspection fee is payable. 1938 Op. Att'y Gen. No. 38-1974 (rendered under former law).

Structure New Mexico Statutes