Hair Schools in Arkansas

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

How to Become a Hair Designer in Arkansas

Styling and designing hair is an artistic and creative activity that makes people look great and feel great about themselves! If you get pleasure from helping people look and feel their best, and you desire a career in the lucrative beauty industry, then a career in hair design in Arkansas may be a terrific career option for you!

There are several routes to this career. Local schools of cosmetology offer programs in hair design that can prepare you to work in beauty salons and spas, as well as do specialty work like hair design for photo shoots and bridal parties.

State License Requirements

To practice hair design in Arkansas, you will need to be licensed. The licensing requirements dictate that you complete a minimum of 1500 hours of training at an accredited institution.*

Education Details

Some community colleges offer programs in hair design that can lead to a certificate or to an associate's (2 year) degree. The best way to find out if a program is right for you is to contact several in your area and ask plenty of questions. You'll want to discuss cost, course schedules, relationships they may have with local employers, and other concerns that are relevant to your life situation. Your program curriculum will cover anatomy and physiology of skin and hair, techniques of cutting and trimming hair, and hair styling and design. You will start by practicing on mannequins and move from there to working on real people and then real clients. Some people choose to go on and apprentice with someone who has been practicing in the field for some time, to gain even more experience under the supervision of a professional. Once you have completed your required training, you must take and pass both a written and a practical test. The Arkansas State Board of Cosmetology is the body that issues this license.

License Renewal

The best form of licensure for Arkansas hair designers is a cosmetology license. To qualify, you will need to complete at least 1,500-hours of training, and pass the written and practical exams administered by the state. Once you obtain your license, you are required to go through the renewal process every two years, with a deadline of your birthday. The renewal fee due with your application is currently $80. Having a cosmetology education can enhance your skillset with courses that apply to makeup and nail technician work. Once licensed, you can offer these additional services to your clients!

Arkansas Hair Design Careers

O*Net statistics show that hairdressers and hair designers in Arkansas earned an average of $20,430 per year in 2019. Of course, with increasing years of experience, your income only stands to rise. The field is considered a promising one in terms of jobs for new graduates. It is expected to grow between 8% and 14% between 2012 and 2022. As you continue your career, you can take continuing education courses to enhance your skills and add new techniques to your repertoire. These will help you attract new clients and provide new services to your existing customer base.

The work day of a hair designer can be pretty busy, although you will have flexibility in scheduling. You can work either full or part time, but you will need to arrange your schedule around the convenience of your clients, which means you will most likely have to work some weekend and evening hours. If you are doing specialty hair design, such as for fashion and other photo shoots, or for weddings, you will need to accommodate the time constraints of these special events, and you will most likely need to practice your skills at the location they specify. Being a good listener is a skill needed by hair designers, as you will have to listen and understand what looks your clients are trying to achieve and translate them into the appropriate hair design. Also, many clients like to talk while they are having their hair done, so active listening skills and the ability to empathize and be discreet are essential. In between your appointments with clients, you will need to clean and tidy your work area, making sure it is neat and attractive for your next client. You will have to keep tabs on your supplies so that you are able to order new ones in a timely manner.

Contact the Arkansas State Board of Cosmetology

For aspiring hair design talent, Arkansas has shown that pursuing a career there may be beneficial in terms of stability. As the state looks towards more hair stylists getting started, these individuals obtain information on the field from these institutions.

International SalonSpa Network
Associated Hair Professionals