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Hair Stylist Licensing

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What Are the Education Requirements for Hair Stylists?

If you are interested in a beauty career that allows you to work specifically with hair in many different ways, you may be interested in attending a hair styling program. This type of education lets you spend your educational hours learning about hair, its composition, hair styling, how to cut it, and how to change it through chemical procedures.

Hair styling is a program that isn’t available in all states, so you definitely want to check out your state’s specific licensing requirements before looking into hair styling programs. In some areas, hair styling is simply part of the broader subject of cosmetology, which means that you have to study all aspects of cosmetology before working as a hair stylist.

While you work toward a hair styling license, you should get to experiment with many
different parts of this field. Of course, you have to learn about statutes, standards, and cosmetology laws in your state. However, you also get to explore the nuts and bolts of this field, like styling techniques, tools, cutting techniques, and chemical processes.

Hundreds of hours of your training will be dedicated to practical experience and working with clients, so you should be ready to start your new career as soon as you get your license.

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Initial Licensing Requirements

The requirements of your licensing agency depend on which state you live in and which types of licenses they provide. In most of the United States, a distinct hair styling license is not available. If you want to style and use chemicals on hair, you need to get a cosmetology license. However, states that have licenses specifically for hairstyling tend to require about 1000 hours of training, considerably less than what is required for cosmetology.

To qualify for licensure in this field, you have to complete your training at an accredited school. During your search, look for schools that are accredited by agencies like the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences. Choosing an accredited school makes you feel confident that the training at your school will be up to standards.

After finishing your education, you’ll likely have to complete a written hair styling exam and a practical hair styling exam. With your passing scores, you can apply for licensure.

Though it may seem like a lot of extra steps, licensing is actually a very important part of the hair styling field. It makes consumers feel safe when they choose a stylist, ensures that your peers meet the same high standards that you do, and keeps the field of cosmetology from becoming old and stale.

How Do I Renew My Stylist License?

Regardless of whether you earn a cosmetology license or a hair styling license, you’ll need to keep your license valid through your state’s renewal process. Each state has its own specific requirements and processes, and following these processes to the letter can prevent extra fees or delays.

Continuing education may or may not be required for you to renew your license—it’s pretty evenly split across the United States. If you are required to earn continuing education credits, expect to earn about four to 12 credits per year.

Renewing your license is usually a pretty easy process, especially compared to the initial licensing process. You generally just have to fill out a short form, provide proof of your continuing education, and wait for your new license to come in the mail. In most states, renewal is required every two years. Check your state’s rules to make sure that you’re not supposed to renew every one or three years.

Can I Use My Stylist’s License In Another State?

License reciprocity or license transfer may be an option for you to consider if you want to take your hair styling career to a different state. First, you’ll need to compare the licensing requirements for the state you live in and the state you are moving to. If they are fairly similar in the amount of hours required and the type of training involved, you may simply need to have your current Board of Cosmetology send proof of your license to the Board of Cosmetology in your new state. Additionally, this is often the case when the training requirements in your home state exceed the training requirements in your new state.

If the training you receive in your home state is not equal to or greater than what is expected in your new state, you may have to make up the difference with work experience or additional education hours before you can transfer your license to the new state.

In the event that the training expectations are considerably different between states, you may also need to pass the hair styling exam in your new state to get your license.

Find out how you can become a hair stylist now by contacting hair styling programs near you.

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Payson, UT
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology / Make-Up Artist Training / Barbering
West Valley City, UT
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology / Make-Up Artist Training / Barbering
Avalon Institute – Accredited
Mesa, AZ
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Make-Up Artist Training
Boca Beauty Academy – Accredited
Boca Raton, FL
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology / Massage Therapy / Make-Up Artist Training / Electrology / Barbering
Boca Beauty Academy – Accredited
Parkland, FL
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology / Massage Therapy / Make-Up Artist Training / Electrology / Barbering
Nanuet, NY
Cosmetology / Esthetics/Skin Care / Hair Design / Make-Up Artist Training
Newburgh, NY
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Make-Up Artist Training
Collectiv Academy – Accredited
Sandy, UT
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Make-Up Artist Training / Barbering
Crave Beauty Academy – Accredited
Ballwin, MO
Cosmetology / Esthetics/Skin Care / Hair Design / Nail Technology
IBMC College – Accredited
Fort Collins, CO
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Massage Therapy
IBMC College – Accredited
Greeley, CO
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Barbering
IBMC College – Accredited
Longmont, CO
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Barbering
Niles, IL
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
Granada Hills, CA
Barbering / Cosmetology / Esthetics/Skin Care / Hair Design
Colorado Springs, CO
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Barbering

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El Paso, TX
Hair Design
North Wilkesboro, NC
Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
Anchorage, AK
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Barbering
Las Vegas, NV
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
Oklahoma City, OK
Cosmetology / Hair Design
Galesburg, IL
Hair Design
Deep River, CT
Hair Design
Burbank, CA
Hair Design / Make-Up Artist Training
Waupun, WI
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Nail Technology / Barbering
Everett, WA
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care
Albany, GA
Cosmetology / Teacher Training / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology / Barbering
Chattanooga, TN
Hair Design
Glendale, CA
Hair Design / Make-Up Artist Training / Permanent Make-Up
Binghamton, NY
Hair Design
Lakeside, CA
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Barbering
Renton, WA
Cosmetology / Hair Design
West Palm Beach, FL
Hair Design
Jackson, MS
Hair Design
Athens, GA
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care
Washington, DC
Hair Design / Make-Up Artist Training
Dover, DE
Hair Design
Denver, CO
Barbering / Cosmetology / Esthetics/Skin Care / Hair Design / Massage Therapy
Tempe, AZ
Cosmetology / Teacher Training / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care
Portland, OR
Barbering / Cosmetology / Esthetics/Skin Care / Hair Design
Vancouver, WA
Barbering / Cosmetology / Esthetics/Skin Care / Hair Design / Teacher Training
Provo, UT
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Massage Therapy / Barbering
Bale Beauty Academy – Accredited
Arlington, TX
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Nail Technology
St Petersburg, FL
Hair Design
Portland, OR
Cosmetology / Teacher Training / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology / Barbering
Raleigh, NC
Hair Design
Yuma, AZ
Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
Beaverton, OR
Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology / Barbering
Saint Clairsville, OH
Hair Design
Raleigh, NC
Cosmetology / Hair Design
Washington, DC
Cosmetology / Teacher Training / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Make-Up Artist Training / Hair Braiding / Barbering
Baldwin, NY
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
Daleville, VA
Hair Design
Mentor, OH
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
Strongsville, OH
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
Feasterville, PA
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
Niles, OH
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
Charm Beauty School – Accredited
Dearborn Heights, MI
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology / Make-Up Artist Training
Loveland, CO
Cosmetology / Teacher Training / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care
Pine Brook, NJ
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Nail Technology / Teacher Training
Goldsboro, NC
Cosmetology / Hair Design
Seattle, WA
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Barbering
Klamath Falls, OR
Cosmetology / Teacher Training / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology / Barbering
Salem, OR
Cosmetology / Teacher Training / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
West Seneca, NY
Barbering / Cosmetology / Esthetics/Skin Care / Hair Design / Nail Technology
Downey, CA
Hair Design / Nail Technology / Make-Up Artist Training
Las Vegas, NV
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care
Modesto, CA
Hair Design / Barbering
Phoenix, AZ
Cosmetology / Teacher Training / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology / Barbering
Kaysville, UT
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
Windsor, CO
Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
Oklahoma City, OK
Hair Design
Los Angeles, CA
Cosmetology / Hair Design
Los Angeles, CA
Cosmetology / Hair Design
Torrington, WY
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Nail Technology / Barbering
Orlando, FL
Hair Design
Albuquerque, NM
Hair Design
Moses Lake, WA
Hair Design
Westminster, CO
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology / Barbering
Elite Beauty School – Accredited
Vancouver, WA
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Nail Technology
Yakima, WA
Cosmetology / Teacher Training / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology / Massage Therapy / Barbering
Renton, WA
Cosmetology / Teacher Training / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care
Shoreline, WA
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Make-Up Artist Training / Barbering
Yakima, WA
Cosmetology / Teacher Training / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology / Barbering
Washington, MO
Hair Design / Nail Technology
Las Vegas, NV
Cosmetology / Teacher Training / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
North Las Vegas, NV
Cosmetology / Teacher Training / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
Seattle, WA
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology / Make-Up Artist Training
Chattanooga, TN
Hair Design
Littleton, CO
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology / Massage Therapy
Hialeah, FL
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Barbering
Garland, TX
Hair Design / Nail Technology
Phoenix, AZ
Cosmetology / Teacher Training / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Massage Therapy
Phoenix, AZ
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Massage Therapy
Rome, GA
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Nail Technology
Winston-Salem, NC
Cosmetology / Hair Design
Albany, NY
Hair Design / Nail Technology
Lakewood, WA
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology / Barbering
Colchester, CT
Hair Design
Hillcrest Heights, MD
Cosmetology / Hair Design
Mount Vernon, WA
Hair Design
Hollywood, CA
Hair Design / Make-Up Artist Training
Huntington, WV
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
Saline, MI
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Nail Technology
Kahului, HI
Cosmetology / Teacher Training / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology / Massage Therapy / Barbering
Richland Hills, TX
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Make-Up Artist Training
Reno, NV
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
Martinsburg, WV
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology / Barbering
Graham, NC
Cosmetology / Hair Design
Sikeston, MO
Teacher Training / Hair Design / Nail Technology / Barbering
Centennial, CO
Cosmetology / Hair Design
Salem, OR
Hair Design / Barbering
Orem, UT
Hair Design
New York, NY
Hair Design
Scottsdale, AZ
Hair Design / Make-Up Artist Training
Lawrenceville, GA
Cosmetology / Hair Design
Memphis, TN
Cosmetology / Hair Design
Kingsport, TN
Cosmetology / Hair Design
Kor Beauty Academy – Accredited
Peoria, AZ
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Make-Up Artist Training
Springfield, MO
Hair Design
New York, NY
Hair Design
Memphis, TN
Cosmetology / Teacher Training / Hair Design / Nail Technology / Barbering
Morgantown, WV
Cosmetology / Esthetics/Skin Care / Hair Design / Nail Technology
Williamsville, NY
Cosmetology / Hair Design
Durham, NC
Hair Design
Bay Shore, NY
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care
Hauppauge, NY
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care
Levittown, NY
Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology / Make-Up Artist Training
Longview, WA
Hair Design
Greensboro, NC
Hair Design
Nashville, TN
Hair Design
Madisonville, KY
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Nail Technology / Make-Up Artist Training
Kirkland, WA
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
Cumming, GA
Cosmetology / Teacher Training / Hair Design / Barbering
Duluth, GA
Cosmetology / Teacher Training / Hair Design / Barbering
Alexandria, VA
Hair Design / Nail Technology
Anchorage, AK
Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care
Los Angeles, CA
Hair Design / Make-Up Artist Training
Florence, KY
Hair Design
Greensboro, NC
Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
Phoenix, AZ
Cosmetology / Teacher Training / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
Springfield, MO
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Barbering
Alabaster, AL
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Barbering
Morgantown, WV
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology / Massage Therapy
Grand Rapids, MI
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care
Lehi, UT
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Nail Technology
Denver, CO
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology / Make-Up Artist Training
Pasco, WA
Hair Design
New York, NY
Hair Design / Make-Up Artist Training
Clarkesville, GA
Cosmetology / Hair Design
Sterling, CO
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology / Barbering
Beaverton, OR
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Happy Valley, OR
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology / Barbering
Hillsboro, OR
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology / Barbering
Medford, OR
Teacher Training / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology / Barbering
Springfield, OR
Teacher Training / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology / Barbering
Tualatin, OR
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology / Barbering
Arlington, TX
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
Dallas, TX
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
Dallas, TX
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Fort Worth, TX
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
Hurst, TX
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
Bremerton, WA
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
Phoenix, AZ
Cosmetology / Hair Design
La Junta, CO
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
New York, NY
Hair Design / Make-Up Artist Training
Las Vegas, NV
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Teacher Training
Penrose Academy – Accredited
Scottsdale, AZ
Cosmetology / Teacher Training / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Laser Training
Salem, OR
Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology / Barbering
Happy Valley, OR
Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology / Barbering
Corvallis, OR
Teacher Training / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology / Barbering
Bend, OR
Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology / Barbering
Grants Pass, OR
Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology / Barbering
Medford, OR
Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology / Barbering
Orlando, FL
Hair Design / Make-Up Artist Training
Greenville, NC
Cosmetology / Hair Design
Pittsburgh, PA
Cosmetology / Hair Design
Portland, OR
Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
Pasadena, TX
Cosmetology / Hair Design
Johnson City, TN
Cosmetology / Hair Design
Arvada, CO
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care
Lakewood, CO
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care
Cape Girardeau, MO
Teacher Training / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology / Barbering
Baton Rouge, LA
Cosmetology / Teacher Training / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
Austin, MN
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
Saint Paul, MN
Cosmetology / Hair Design
Prescott, AZ
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care
Jacksonville, FL
Cosmetology / Hair Design
Rincon, GA
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
Salinas, CA
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
Mobile, AL
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Nail Technology
New Orleans, LA
Hair Design
Salon Institute – Accredited
Columbus, OH
Cosmetology / Hair Design
Salon Institute – Accredited
Toledo, OH
Cosmetology / Hair Design
Atlanta, GA
Hair Design / Barbering
Lucasville, OH
Cosmetology / Hair Design
Philadelphia, PA
Hair Design
Norfolk, VA
Hair Design
Shear Fire Design – Accredited
Palmer, AK
Hair Design / Nail Technology
Raleigh, NC
Cosmetology / Teacher Training / Hair Design / Barbering
Carson City, NV
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
Mansfield, TX
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Nail Technology
Huntington, WV
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
Lumberton, NC
Hair Design
Pittsburgh, PA
Cosmetology / Teacher Training / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology / Barbering
Griffin, GA
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
Saint Joseph, MO
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Nail Technology
Tampa, FL
Hair Design / Make-Up Artist Training
Tigard, OR
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
Beaverton, OR
Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
Arlington, TX
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Barbering
THE Beauty School – Accredited
Wasilla, AK
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology / Barbering
Union, NJ
Cosmetology / Hair Design
Chicago, IL
Hair Design
Oklahoma City, OK
Hair Design / Barbering
Houston, TX
Hair Design / Make-Up Artist Training
The Salon Academy – Accredited
Wilsonville, OR
Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology / Barbering
The Spa School – Accredited
Columbus, OH
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
Chandler, AZ
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Laser Training
Phoenix, AZ
Cosmetology / Teacher Training / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care
Tolleson, AZ
Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Laser Training
TIGI – Accredited
Guilford, CT
Cosmetology / Hair Design
New York, NY
Hair Design
Oklahoma City, OK
Hair Design
Union City, NJ
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Nail Technology / Teacher Training
Trend Setters – Accredited
Anchorage, AK
Cosmetology / Hair Design
Alamosa, CO
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology / Barbering
Trinidad, CO
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
Fort Collins, CO
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
Tucson, AZ
Cosmetology / Teacher Training / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
Denver, CO
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
North Charleston, SC
Hair Design
Little Rock, AR
Cosmetology / Teacher Training / Hair Design / Nail Technology
Bountiful, UT
Barbering / Cosmetology / Esthetics/Skin Care / Hair Design / Nail Technology / Teacher Training
Vega's Academy – Accredited
Vancouver, WA
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology / Barbering
Kennewick, WA
Cosmetology / Teacher Training / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Massage Therapy / Barbering
West-Mec – Accredited
Buckeye, AZ
Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care
Mount Vernon, NY
Cosmetology / Hair Design
Lakewood, CO
Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
Birmingham, AL
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Nail Technology
Killeen, TX
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Nail Technology / Barbering
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Barbering / Esthetics/Skin Care / Hair Design / Massage Therapy
,
Cosmetology / Esthetics/Skin Care / Hair Design / Nail Technology / Teacher Training
,
Barbering / Cosmetology / Hair Design
School Accreditation

You must attend a school that is approved by your state to provide training in the discipline you want to practice. Check with the school and the state board to be sure that your program of study will prepare you for any applicable state licensure.