How to Get Certified as a Hairstylist

Attend cosmetology school to receive your stylist certification.

Before you are permitted to work as a hair stylist, you need to receive your certification. The only job in a hair salon that does not require a license is a shampooer. To receive certification, you must attend an accredited cosmetology school that offers a hair stylist program. Hair stylist duties include curling, arranging, cutting, cleansing, dressing, waving and coloring the hair. Stylists may also care for hair pieces. Skin care and nail care are often included as part of a cosmetology certification program.

Instructions

1. Enroll in a cosmetology program to become a hair stylist. If you attend full time, the program should take less than two years to finish.

2. Complete the required hours to receive your certification. For instance, the state of Tennessee requires 1,500 hours in practice and theory before it will award a cosmetology license. Natural hair stylist licenses require only 300 hours of practice and theory. Natural hair stylists do not apply color or use chemical processing agents to change the structure of the hair. States may accept an apprenticeship toward your required hours.

3. Take the licensing exam at the conclusion of the cosmetology program. The state licensing test will have a written and practical examination. Skills covered in the exams are likely to include chemical permanent applications, cutting hair, styling hair, coloring techniques, nail care, skin care, instrument care, sanitation and recognition of common skin and hair problems.

4. Pay any applicable fees. Besides initial licensing fees, you need to pay renewal charges to keep your certification up to date. Renewals are typically required by states every two years.

5. Take continuing-education courses. For certification to be maintained, a certain number of continuing-education credits are required. As an example, Tennessee requires 16 continuing-education credits every two years to keep your license valid. Stylist classes and seminars held year-round help you fulfill this requirement.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Barbers, Cosmetologists, and Other Personal Appearance Workers
• Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance: Board of Cosmetology
• Spa & Beauty Education: Hair Stylist Career 101