Hair Braiding Schools in Ohio

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

How to Become a Hair Braider in Ohio

If you're quick with your hands, able to communicate openly with clients, and ready to learn a specialized skill, a career in hair braiding may be the perfect move for you. There are lots of different types of hair braiding, letting you figure out what you enjoy and what you want to offer your clients!

This is one cosmetology specialty that helps you cater to a specific clientele while developing a skill that is in high demand in many parts of Ohio. To learn more about adding hair braiding to your skillset, contact the schools in our complete directory to compare their programs.

State License Requirements

Education Details

Before you can start learning about the rich history of braiding and how it's used today, you need to know how hair works. In a braiding career, you'll likely work with hair of different textures, thicknesses, and lengths. You must learn how to assess hair types, find out what a client has done with their hair before, and determine what type of care their hair needs. After getting detailed instructions on different types of braids, you can get dozens of hours of hands-on experience. You might start out on mannequin heads so that you can perfect your technique and pick up your speed. However, you can work with real clients as you get more confident. With real clients, you can learn how to make people feel comfortable, avoid scalp pain while braiding, and handle differences in hair. You can learn many types of braids, including knots, multiple strand braids, locks, twists, and cornrows. Since some of your clients may have weaves, you may learn how to work with different types of artificial hair.

License Renewal

Ohio Hair Braiding Careers

In general, hair braiders in Ohio can look forward to a promising job outlook. This is still a relatively small profession, so there's little information available that's specific to hair braiders. However, as people learn about hair braiding and it becomes more available, it may grow dramatically in popularity. Currently, O*Net reports an expected 13% increase in job openings for cosmetologists and other beauty professionals. Typically, salaries for hair braiders are similar to salaries earned by other beauty professionals. The average annual income for a cosmetology worker is $21,400 per year, according to O*Net. Those with lots of experience and a large client base may earn up to $38,300 per year in Ohio (O*Net, 2013). Your income may also depend on whether you work in a salon or open your own hair braiding business. The Ohio State Board of Cosmetology oversees the licensing of hair braiders. They require hair braiders and other natural hair specialists to complete 450 hours of natural hair care education before getting a license.

Flexibility is one of the most important traits for hair braiders. Having a plan for a client's hair is great, but it's even better if you're willing to go with the flow and adjust to meet your client's needs! On any given day, you may use three or four different types of braids. This means that you must be able to jump between tasks without struggling in any of them. Just as important is manual dexterity. Quick hands and strong wrists can help you work more quickly and efficiently. Being outgoing can help you make your new business a success. Since hair braiding is still picking up in many different areas, you may need to reach out to people and let them know how hair braiding works. In addition, this trait may allow you to ask current clients for referrals and new business. Hair braiding has really taken the world by storm, making this a great time to start this career. The Guardian reports on Martha Makuena, a traditional hair braider that moved to China and opened a hair braiding salon despite others' doubts. Now, people travel from all over the country for her services! This can be an excellent opportunity if you're willing to land clients and keep them with great hair care.

Contact the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology

Ohio’s hair care industry is supremely multi-faceted, and it’s expressed become a standard for salons across the state. For those looking to find out more, these groups provide information.

Ohio State Board of Cosmetology
National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology
Black Beauty Association