How to become a licensed hairstylist: Step-by-step guide

Hairstylists play a pivotal role in helping people look and feel their best. If you dream of joining the beauty industry and starting a career as a licensed hair stylist, you’re on an opportunity-filled path. But first, you’ve got to get your hairstyling license.

Getting your hairstyling license isn’t just a formality — it’s a stepping stone to building a successful career. We’ve broken down the steps you’ll take from understanding your state’s requirements, training hours, licensing exam and insurance needs.

Jump ahead to review the following steps:

1. Understand the requirements in your state
2. Choose a licensure pathway
3. Complete the required training hours
4. Pass the state licensing exam
5. Apply for your hair styling license
6. Start your career as a licensed hairstylist
7. Get hairstylist insurance to help your career thrive

1. Understand the requirements in your state

Before getting started, it’s important to know about the hairstylist licensing requirements in your state. Licensing laws vary widely, but most states require:

• A minimum age (usually 16 or 17 years old).
• A high school diploma or GED.
• Completion of a state-approved cosmetology program or apprenticeship.
• Passing a licensing exam.

To complicate things more, not all states have a specific hairstylist license (sometimes called hair design). Most states offer a cosmetology license, including training for manicurists and estheticians. Barbering is typically a separate license, and state boards may also offer training in working with natural hair and braiding.

Check with your state’s cosmetology board or licensing agency to determine your state’s exact requirements. This information can help you meet the prerequisites before committing to a program.

2. Choose a licensure pathway

There are several pathways to becoming a licensed hairstylist. Going to cosmetology school and taking an apprenticeship are two common paths to licensing.

Cosmetology school

Attending a cosmetology school (also called beauty school) is the most common pathway. These schools offer structured programs covering hair cutting, styling, coloring and chemical treatments.

However, enrolling in training programs does not come cheap. Tuition ranges from $15,000 to $20,000, depending on the program and location. Full-time students can expect to complete programs in 9–18 months.

Future hairstylists interested in schools should research accredited schools in their area that are approved by their local cosmetology board. They should also consider factors like curriculum, reputation and financial aid.

Apprenticeship programs

An apprenticeship allows you to learn on the job under a licensed cosmetologist. While less common, this option may be better for hands-on learners who want to earn while they train.

Instead of classroom learning, apprentices benefit from direct mentorship and real-world experience. However, keep in mind that you cannot just start any random training and call it an apprenticeship. Many states require an apprenticeship to be registered and include additional exams to obtain a license.

Alternative options

Some states offer specialty licenses for specific services, such as hair braiding or barbering. These often require fewer training hours and may be a good fit if you want to focus on a niche area.

3. Complete the required training hours

Most states mandate specific training hours before you can take the licensing exam. This typically ranges from 1,000 to 2,300 hours, depending on the state.

Training hour requirements by state:

State board	Required school hours of training	Exams
Alabama Board of Cosmetology	1,500	Written and practical
Alaska Board of Barbers and Hairdressers	1,650	N/A
Arizona Board of Cosmetology	1,000	Written and practical
Arkansas Cosmetology Technical Advisory Committee	1,500	Written and practical
California State Board of Barbering & Cosmetology	600	Written only
Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure	1,200	Written and practical
Connecticut Department of Public Health	1,500	Written and practical
Delaware State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology	1,500	Written and practical
DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology	1,500	Written and practical
Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation	1,200	Written only
Georgia State Board of Cosmetology	1,500	Written and practical
Hawaii Board of Barbering & Cosmetology	1,800	Written only
Idaho Board of Cosmetology	1,600	Written and practical
Illinois Division of Professional Regulation	1,500	Written only
Indiana State Board of Cosmetology Examiners	1,500	Written and practical
Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences	1,550	Written only
Kansas Board of Cosmetology	1,500	Written and practical
Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology	1,500	Written and practical
Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology	1,500	Written and practical
Maine Barbering & Cosmetology Program	1,200	Written and practical
Maryland State Board of Cosmetologists	1,200	Written and practical
Massachusetts Board of Registration of Cosmetologists	1,000	Written and practical
Michigan Board of Cosmetology	1,500	Written and practical
Minnesota Department of Commerce	1,550	Written and practical
Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology	1,500	Written and practical
Missouri State Board of Cosmetology	1,500	Written and practical
Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists	1,500	Written and practical
Nebraska Department of HHS Regulation and Licensure	1,800	Written only
Nevada State Board of Cosmetology	1,000	Written and practical
New Hampshire Board of Barbering, Cosmetology, and Esthetics	1,500	Written and practical
New Jersey Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling	1,200	Written and practical
New Mexico Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists	1,200	Written and practical
New York Department of State	1,000	Written and practical
North Carolina State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners	1,500	Written and practical
North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology	1,500	Written and practical
Ohio State Board of Cosmetology	1,500	Written and practical
Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology	1,500	Written and practical
Oregon Health Licensing Office	1,150	N/A
Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology	1,250	Written and practical
Rhode Island Board of Hairdressing and Barbering	1,000	N/A
South Carolina State Board of Cosmetology	1,500	Written and practical
South Dakota Cosmetology Commission	1,500	Written and practical
Tennessee State Board of Cosmetology	1,500	Written and practical
Texas TDLR Cosmetology Program	1,000	Written and practical
Utah Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing	1,200	Written and practical
Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation	1,000	Written and practical
Virginia DPOR Board for Barbers and Cosmetologists	1,000	Written and practical
Washington State Department of Licensing	1,400	Written and practical
West Virginia State Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists	1,800	Written and practical
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services	1,800	Written and practical
Wyoming Board of Cosmetology	1,800	Written and practical

4. Pass the state licensing exam

Once you’ve completed your training, the next step is to pass your state’s licensing exam. This usually includes a written exam and sometimes a practical examination.

Your state’s licensing board will have information about who proctors the exams — typically a third-party administrator such as PSI or Prometric. Check the administrators’s Candidate Information Bulletin for information about scheduling and what to expect on exam day. Exam fees typically range from $50 to $300, so be prepared for this cost when budgeting.

5. Apply for your hair styling license

After passing your exam, it’s time to apply for your license. Most states require you to submit:

• Proof of completed training hours.
• Exam results.
• A completed license application form.
• Application fees (usually $50–$150).

Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee, so check your options if you’re eager to start working.

6. Start your career as a licensed hairstylist

Congratulations — you’re officially licensed! Now it’s time to launch your career. Here are some paths to consider:

• Working at a salon or spa: This is a great way to gain experience and build a clientele.
• Renting a chair: Offers independence while working within an established salon.
• Starting your own business: Requires more investment and planning but provides more control over your schedule, money, clients and services.

7. Get hairstylist insurance to help your career thrive

Most states don’t require business insurance to obtain hairstylist licenses, but many jurisdictions require certain licenses and permissions from business owners. Purchasing hairstylist insurance is recommended to protect businesses and clients.

Workers’ Compensation insurance

If an employee gets hurt on the job or sustains a work-related illness, workers’ compensation insurance can help provide coverage for wage protection and medical expenses. Most states require businesses to have this coverage if they are an employer.

General Liability insurance

General liability insurance can help cover various accidents and basic risks. You’ll have some financial protection if someone other than an employee gets hurt or you are held responsible for damaging property that doesn’t belong to you.

Commercial Property insurance

Commercial property insurance can help protect your equipment, furniture, fixtures, inventory, and salon or spa building. If your business property is damaged due to a covered event, such as a burst water pipe or fire, property insurance can help with replacement costs or repairs and the loss of business income while you get back up and running.

Business Owner’s Policy

A business owner’s policy, or BOP insurance combines general liability and commercial property in a single, cost-efficient bundle. It can help cover damage that you or your employees may accidentally cause to another person’s property and help protect your business equipment in the event of a fire or other covered event.

Professional Liability insurance

Professional liability insurance helps you defend yourself if you’re accused of making a mistake that causes someone to lose money. For example, a client claims that you caused an allergic reaction by using certain chemicals, forcing them to reschedule their wedding.

Commercial Auto insurance

It’s common for beauty business owners to offer mobile services. Commercial auto insurance can help protect beauty professionals who drive for work by covering accident-related expenses, such as property damage and medical costs.

How NEXT helps support hairstylists

NEXT can recommend the necessary hairstylist insurance to help protect your business.

We make it fast, easy and affordable to get a certificate of insurance (COI) and apply for coverage 100% online. We’ll ask a few questions about your business and give you a quote.

You can select your coverage options and buy your policy — all in about 10 minutes. Access your policy 24/7 via web or mobile app.

If you have questions, our licensed, U.S.-based insurance professionals are available to help.

Start a free instant quote with NEXT.

This information has been provided as a service. It is correct and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge; however, it is in no way intended to offer legal advice and you must always consult with local authorities before you make any business decisions. Regulations and requirements may change at any time.