S.C. Code Ann. § 40-13-230: Qualifications for licensure; cosmetologist; esthetician; nail technician.

(A) A license as a cosmetologist must be issued by the board to a person who:

(1) is at least sixteen years of age and possesses at least a tenth grade education or the equivalent as established by tests used in the public schools or tests approved by the board;

(2) has completed at least one thousand five hundred hours in classes in cosmetology in a reliable school approved by the board or is a registered master hair care specialist pursuant to Chapter 7 who has satisfied educational requirements established by the board in regulation; and

(3) has passed the examination prescribed by the board and pays the required fee.

(B) A license as an esthetician must be issued by the board to a person who:

(1) is at least sixteen years of age and possesses at least a tenth grade education or the equivalent as established by tests used in the public schools or tests approved by the board;

(2) has completed at least four hundred fifty hours in classes in skin care in a reliable school approved by the board or comparable training approved by the board; and

(3) has passed the examination prescribed by the board and pays the required fee.

(C) A license as a nail technician must be issued by the board to a person who:

(1) is at least sixteen years of age and possesses at least a tenth grade education or the equivalent as established by tests used in the public schools or tests approved by the board;

(2) has completed at least three hundred hours in classes in a reliable nail technician school approved by the board or comparable training approved by the board; and

(3) has passed the examination prescribed by the board and pays the required fee.

(D) Temporary permits to practice as a cosmetologist, esthetician, or nail technician may be issued in accordance with regulations promulgated by the board.