Requirements to Become a Hair Stylist
Becoming a hair stylist might seem like an involved process, but it does not have to be if you understand the necessary requirements. Hair stylists do not have to go to four-year colleges for a license to cut hair. Instead, they must attend either a community college or a technical school, learn the trade and pass a final test.
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Age Requirements
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It is a common misconception that a person must be 18 years of age before they can go to school to become a hair stylist. A person must be 17 or 18 years old to become a stylist, depending on the state in which she lives.
Some states allow a prospective stylist to go to school to learn the trade at the age of 16. Requirements can vary by the school she would like to attend.
Education
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You must have a high school diploma or GED to enroll in a trade school and complete a licensed program for hair stylists.
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State Requirements
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Every state has a minimum set of requirements you must meet before becoming a licensed hair stylist. You must be at least 16; have a GED or high school diploma; and graduate from a hair design, cosmetology or barbering school that's been state-approved, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
School Requirements
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The school you choose will also have requirements. To attend school to become a stylist, you will need to meet the school's educational requirements, be a U.S. citizen or legal alien, take and pass a placement test and pay an application fee.
Training Program
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To obtain a license to become a hair stylist, you must successfully complete several courses.
Classes you will need to pass include: salon management, patron relations, building a clientele, business practices, product sales, recognition of skin conditions, patron relations, health department regulations, sanitation and hygiene, foil frosting, razor cuts, highlighting, use and care of instruments and clipper cuts and fades.
You must also complete a two to three-year apprenticeship program or obtain on-the-job training before taking the exam for your license.
Licensing
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You must pass a final exam to obtain a license to become a hair stylist.
The state cosmetology board issues the exam, which will include a written test. In some cases, you must also pass a practical test to show your styling skills or an oral examination, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some states offer licenses that apply to more than one field of cosmetology.
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