Hair Braiding Schools in Montana

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

How to Become a Hair Braider in Montana

If you look at all the cultures that have existed in the world, including those that exist today, you'll find that every culture treats hair differently. That's where the in-depth and beautiful field of hair braiding came from. Hair braiding techniques originated in western Africa, spread throughout the continent, and are now gaining popularity in various parts of the world.

State License Requirements

Montana is a state in which hair braiding is not a regulated profession. This may be helpful for you, as you do not have to select a program with a specific amount of training. Rather, you can decide which techniques you want to learn, choose a school that provides education in those techniques, and build up your skills.

Education Details

In hair braiding programs, you learn in many different ways. You may watch your instructors use techniques on clients, get written instructions on different techniques, and of course, use techniques yourself. As you proceed through each technique, you may start out on mannequin heads and then try them out on real clients. The techniques you learn differ from school to school. Some of the options you may be able to choose from include weaving, braiding, cornrowing, twisting, and locking. Your instructors may also teach you how to use these techniques with extensions.

Montana Hair Braiding Careers

Starting a career as a hair braider can help you boost your income potential and enjoy a very stable job outlook. Hair braiders fall into the category of cosmetology professionals; in this field, the average salary in Montana is $23,600 per year. This is right in line with the national average. As you get experience in the braiding field and start building up your own customer base, you may be able to increase your earning potential. Many hair braiders are self-employed; going this route may let you set your own rates and effectively control your own income. Overall, the job outlook for cosmetology professionals in Montana is very solid. Through 2022, O*Net expects to see a 3% increase in cosmetology jobs. Since braiding is such a specialized service, the demand for braiders may vary considerably from community to community. If you find an area where there are few or no professional hair braiders, you may be able to commandeer the market and significantly improve your job outlook.

Customer service, braiding, and a good time — these are all features of a successful hair braiding career. When clients sit down in your chair, they know that they'll likely be there for several hours to get a high-quality set of braids. That's why it's your job to keep them entertained and comfortable, while still providing excellent braiding services! In fact, client interaction is one of the most important parts of this specialty. Customers who like your work may come back again and again to get their braids redone or change up their style, so it's crucial to develop strong relationships. Hair braiding is one of the fields in which small business owners often excel. Many hair braiding salons are run by one braider, often with just one or two other employees. In fact, braiders have been known to make use of microloans, which allow them to expand their business and reach a greater amount of people. If business ownership is a dream of yours, braiding may be the route that allows you to make it happen. Braiding, like most other cosmetology specialties, insists that you keep a flexible schedule. Those who want your services may work days, nights, or weekends, so you have to be available when they are.

Contact the Montana State Board of Cosmetology

Montana is seeing a surge in the amount of people undertaking the steps to become professional hair stylists. On top of that, a number are specializing in the fine art of hair braiding. Many interested in pursuing that form to further their career begin with these resources.

Professional Beauty Association
Association of Cosmetology Salon Professionals