Hair Braiding Schools in Alaska

Browse our directory of hair braiding schools in Alaska, or skip ahead to learn about the state's hair braiding licensing requirements and job outlook.

How to Become a Hair Braider in Alaska

Hair braiding is a specialized skill that falls under the category of "cosmetologist and hairdresser" in the state of Alaska. It is a process of creating a type of hair design using the tightly-woven braid in attractive and easy to maintain ways. Many people wish to have their hair braided to have an easy-care hairstyle that looks attractive for a good period of time. If you want to become a hair braider in Alaska, use our listings of beauty schools in Alaska to request more information today! Hair braiders are specialists in creating braids and cornrows. They are artists who are good at weaving and manipulating hair. Hair braiding is a traditional African method of hairstyling that has become popular in the United States during the past decade or so.

State License Requirements

The practice of cosmetology in the state of Alaska is regulated by the Alaska Board of Barbers and Hairdressers. After you have completed your training and received your certificate, you will need to take and pass an exam testing both your theoretical knowledge and your practical skills in cosmetology. Many hours of training, in addition to the hours needed to earn your cosmetology certificate ( a minimum of 1650 hours of coursework in the state of Alaska) are needed to learn the specialized techniques utilized by a hair braider.

Education Details

There are five main hair braiding techniques: weaving, cornrowing, braiding, twisting, and locking. In your cosmetology program, you will learn about the science of skin and hair, as well as the most commonly used techniques in hairdressing, including cutting and styling. Your training will have you watch videos of people using these techniques, and you will observe your instructors using the techniques on mannequins. Eventually, you will get to work on mannequin heads yourself, and only after you have mastered the techniques on them will you be permitted to work on live clients. Some hair braiding programs also teach you the techniques of putting in hair extensions, since many clients who desire braiding also get these extensions.

Alaska Hair Braiding Careers

Hair braiding is a relatively new specialty under the general heading of hairdressing and cosmetology. Salaries for hairdressers and cosmetologists in the state of Alaska averaged $24,600 a year in 2019. Of course, as you gain experience in your specialty and become known for your unique and attractive hair braiding designs, you will have the potential to earn much more. The expected growth in the field of hairdressers and cosmetologists is between 8% and 15% between 2012 and 2022, so the future career picture for these professionals is a bright one.

Many hair braiders work in salons, especially in the beginning of their careers, when they are just starting out. Over time, you may wish to open your own hair braiding salon. Most of your day will be spent working directly with clients. You will be advising them on attractive styles they may wish to consider, depending upon their hair's texture and length, as well as what they are looking for. Hair braiding is quite time consuming. To braid a full head of hair takes several hours. Hence, you may only see a few clients in a day. As a hair braider, you will enjoy considerable scheduling flexibility, although you most likely will need to work some evenings and weekends to accommodate the schedules of your clients. This career lends itself to both full and part time work, and can be an excellent choice for someone with a young family. The future is bright for hair braiders in Alaska. If you love beauty, and would like to have a specialty that not everyone can do, and help make people look and feel great, hair braiding may be a great career choice for you!

Contact the Alaska State Board of Cosmetology

In a rapidly developing state like Alaska, the beauty industry is sure to match that pace. One aspect of this for professionals includes possessing a gift for unique hair braiding. For those looking to learn more, these organizations come in handy.

Alaska Board of Barbers and Hairdressers
National Accrediting Commission of Arts and Sciences