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Hairstylist Careers

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In 2012, the beauty industry hit $382 billion thanks in big part to a consumer base of primarily women. Despite the economy affecting the amount of personal care services that people are willing to pay for, most people will continue to visit a hair salon even if they find themselves skimping on other services, making hair styling a potentially stable occupation.  Hairstylists spend their working careers knowing that their clients depend on their work and dedication to the beauty industry to keep them looking beautiful, which can be a rewarding feeling.

“I think the most important thing a woman can have-next to talent, of course- is her hairdresser.”- Joan Crawford

Advance Your Career as a Hairstylist

Hairstylists who are serious about advancing their career become part of national associations such as the Professional Beauty Association and the Hair Artist Association.  In addition to these professional networking and continuing education opportunities, hairstylists can showcase their talent at a number of hair styling competitions such as the North American Hairstyling Awards.  Hairstylists also may team up with designers during international and national fashion shows, including New York Fashion Week and Milan Fashion Week, as a way to get their name in the mainstream fashion industry.

Become a Hairstylist

Hair stylists work in clean and comfortable salons with a steady flow of customers coming and going throughout the day. A typical day is spent with close to constant communication with clients, making it a friendly and extremely active environment.

Hair stylist complete a high level of training because they offer a broad range of hair services, including55915177_August6 shampooing, cutting, styling and coloring.

Part of the reason why hairstylists are so valuable is that they stay current on the latest hair styles and trends while also mastering old favorites. Clients can come to hair stylists to completely transform their look, helping to boost self-esteem.

Hairstylists also have the option of flexible work hours because many are not employed full-time.

What are beneficial skills for a hair stylist?

It is essential that hair stylists enjoy working with people and that they are friendly, personable and knowledgeable. Hair stylists must also enjoy learning new techniques and trends.   Other important traits include detail-oriented, good sense of timing with the use of chemicals that must be applied for a certain period, ability to listen clients to give clients them what they want and creativity to suggest additional or extreme looks.

Are there other hairdressing opportunities?

While it is true that most cosmetologists work for or own a salon, there are many other businesses which require their services such as day spas, resorts, nursing homes or other residential facilities, department stores and even cruise lines. Other career options for cosmetologists include teaching in a school of cosmetology, or becoming an image consultant or sales representative.

In addition, many stylists also have an easy time obtaining training as barbers. Barbers generally earn more than hairstylists. Learn more about barbering careers.

What is required for hair design and styling certification?

Hair trends come and go, but one thing is for certain and that is the demand for talented hair stylists and designers does not. Cosmetology continues to be a much sought after field.

To begin a career in the field of cosmetology, hairstylists must complete a state-licensed program, with many available options for completing this requirement. Classes in cosmetology are often taught in high school vocational courses, community colleges as well as cosmetology schools.  Hair stylists must be at least 16 years old, must have completed a state-licensed program and must also have graduated from high school.

For moving hair stylists, it is sometimes required for the stylist to obtain a license for multiple states. However, there are some states that have reciprocity agreements to where hair stylists who have a license in one state are allowed to practice in another state.

Find a cosmetology program near you!

According to the BLS’ Occupational Outlook Handbook, future growth is projected at 14 percent between now and 2020. This is promising due to the many specialty services offered by cosmetologists.

Even with the demand for their services, cosmetologists find themselves in a highly competitive field.  Those new to this career will be vying against seasoned hairdressers for the jobs in the more upscale salons. Naturally, those who earn extra certifications in the field of cosmetology will be more desirable candidates for these positions.

Learn more about additional certifications to advance your career by becoming a nail technicia or an esthetician.

Salary Expectations

For those interested in the world of fashion and beauty, a career in cosmetology offers a stable income, the ability to own one’s own business and the opportunity to earn a higher than average salary.

Hair stylists earned, on average in 2012, an hourly wage of $12.88 according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.  mean annual wage for cosmetologists, hair stylists and hairdressers was $26,790 as of May, 2012, with those working in personal care stores making the highest wages.  New York and the District of Columbia hair stylists are among the highest paid.

Like other cosmetology professions, salary is dependent on the commission based on the cost of the service provided, commission earned by selling salon retail, clientele (typically takes one to three years to build a solid base) and gratuity in addition to hourly wages.

Browse All Hair Design Schools in the U.S.

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

Find Cosmetology Schools Near You

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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
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology / Barbering
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
Cosmetology / Hair Design / Esthetics/Skin Care / Nail Technology
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.