Hair Schools in Alabama

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

How to Become a Hair Designer in Alabama

Long or short, straight or curly, dyed or natural, hair is one of the most important parts of a person's appearance. As a hair designer, you can be the one that helps people get the hair they want and take care of it properly! There are many programs that focus on hair design in Alabama, allowing you to get experience in different parts of hair design and styling.

If this career in the beauty industry sounds good to you, contact the schools in our directory to learn more today!

State License Requirements

In Alabama, if you want to work in hair design, then you will need to complete cosmetologist licensure to fulfill the requirements for initial licensure. This is the best type of program to develop your skills in hair. Plus, you will learn makeup and nail skills to add to your resume. After completing your 1,500 hours of school-based training, or 3,000 hours of apprenticeship work, you can qualify for the proper exams and application process.

Education Details

Hairstyling is very important in hair design, so you may spend over 200 hours learning how to create unique and in-demand hairstyles. These techniques may include curling, straightening, waving, and pinning hair. You might learn about popular updo styles and how to create styles for dances, weddings, and other major events. Some clients may come to you to for chemical restructuring services. Chemical restructuring includes common services like coloring, highlighting, perming, and straightening. Plan on memorizing lots of information, since you need to have a strong knowledge of all of the different chemicals that go into each of these products! Of course, your training will also involve working hands-on with these chemicals. You must be good at cutting hair if you want to have a career in hair design! This part of your hair design curriculum may give you a thorough look at haircutting tools, cover different haircutting techniques, and help you develop your client consultation skills.

License Renewal

Currently, Alabama hair designers need to renew their cosmetologist's license every two years, and submit a payment of $80 with their application.

Alabama Hair Design Careers

To work as a hair designer in Alabama, you must have a cosmetology license. All examination and licensing goes through the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. To sit for your exams and earn your license, you must complete 1,500 hours of education at an approved educational facility. As a hair designer, you may be able to look forward to a stable job outlook in Alabama. O*Net reports an anticipated 8% increase in demand between 2016 and 2026. This job growth is in line with the national average (O*Net, 2019). Salaries in this field depend a lot on which type of salon you work for, what services you offer and excel at, and how much you earn in tips. As a result, O*Net claims that most Alabama cosmetologists earn an average salary of $20,900 per year (O*Net, 2019).

One of the main benefits of starting a career as a hair designer is the generally positive job outlook, which tends to remain high regardless of the state of the economy. Even if salaries are down and unemployment is up, women still tend to place a high value on looking good. Jeffrey Steele notes that those looking for jobs may feel a greater need to look good, so cosmetologists may be busy regardless of the local economy. Getting established in your new career may require quite a bit of hard work and long hours. As a new hair designer, you may be in competition with those who have more experience and those who are graduating with you. Being available to your clients, getting and using honest critiques, and focusing on customer service above all else can help you stand out. Even as an established hair designer, you may want to plan on working eclectic hours! Salons tend to be open on nights and weekends, as well as during the day. Your schedule may be dependent on your clients' needs or your salon's needs. Being willing to give it your all, no matter what hours you're working, can create a positive salon environment and show your customers how much you care about their experience. Don't wait to learn more about working in hair design. Contact the schools listed here to learn more!

Contact the Alabama State Board of Cosmetology

Entering the world of hair design in Alabama means that you are part of an esteemed group of professionals carrying on a lengthy tradition. For many, these following resources are the best places to begin.

Professional Beauty Association
Associated Hair Professionals