Hair Schools in Arizona

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

How to Become a Hair Designer in Arizona

If you have a creative and artistic bent, enjoy helping people look and feel good about themselves, and love everything about the beauty industry, a career as a hair designer in Arizona just may be the right career choice for you!

We recommend comparing multiple schools to be sure you choose the right one for you!

State License Requirements

In Arizona, hair designers must be licensed by the Board of Cosmetology. To obtain this license, you must have a minimum of 1600 hours of study at school accredited by the state. Once you have completed your coursework and any apprenticeship, you must take the board's licensing exam which will test your theoretical and practical knowledge in all aspects of hair care: cutting and trimming as well as styling and design. Once you have your license, you will not be required to receive any continuing education credits, although most hair designers strive to keep current with the latest trends and fashions, and so do participate in ongoing educational opportunities.

Education Details

Hair designers cut and style hair, and create one of a kind looks that are designed to compliment a particular woman's face, features, and hair type. Training in hair design is usually completed as part of a curriculum in cosmetology, most often, at a local beauty school. You will study the anatomy and physiology of hair and skin, and learn and practice techniques for cutting and styling hair. You will also learn the newest hair style designs, and how to create them. A typical program in hair design lasts about nine months, and you may want to follow that with an apprenticeship that has you working under the supervision of an experienced professional. Some community colleges offer degree programs in cosmetology or hair design. There programs take two years to complete, and you graduate with an associate's degree. In addition to the specific curriculum focused on skin and hair, you will also take general education courses that will broaden your background in more traditional academic areas. You might study psychology, for instance, or literature.

License Renewal

The state of Arizona does not have a hair design specific license. This is why hair designers in this state earn their cosmetologist's license. This type of program will include courses in nail, skincare, and makeup that can be helpful in acquiring professional opportunities. You must complete a 1,600-hour training program to qualify for the application process. Your license will need to be renewed every year prior to your birthday through the Arizona State Board of Cosmetology. With your application you will include a $30 fee.

Arizona Hair Design Careers

The median annual salary earned by hairdressers and cosmetologists in the state of Arizona in 2019 was $26,340 according to statistics published by O*Net. The expected rate of growth for jobs in the field is around 10% between 2016 and 2026, meaning there should be a decent supply of jobs for newly licensed graduates completing their education over the next decade. Of course, many hair designers are able to earn a significantly higher income. If you specialize in a particular technique, such as sculptural hair design, or hair design for weddings and fashion shoots, you stand to earn considerably more. You will also earn more if you open your own hair design studio, especially if you employ other people to assist you.

The typical workplace setting for hair designers is the beauty salon, although some hair designers work in alternative settings such as hotels and spas, hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. If you work in fashion photography, you will have to design hair on location, at the fashion shoot. This may also be true if you design hair for occasions such as weddings. In addition to the hair designing itself, you will be responsible for keeping the area around your station clean and presentable at all times. You will need to keep track of your supplies and tools, so that you can order more as needed. Individuals will see you for consultations, and expect you to know what hair designs would be most flattering to their particular face and feature. Being a good listener is another skill most hair designers have. Many clients like to talk while they are having their hair done, and you will need to be able to be attentive and empathetic. Because most of your work will involve seeing individual clients, and sometimes parties of clients, you will have a good deal of scheduling flexibility. It is possible to work either part or full time, and work this career around family and other obligations. Evening and weekend hours are virtually a given, since you will need to be able to accommodate the needs and schedules of your clients.

Contact the Arizona State Board of Cosmetology

Hair design in Arizona is an alluring blend of up-tempo styles and Southwestern panache. This is carried out by top-notch professionals who’ve undergone some extensive training to attain that status. Eager parties can find out more through these groups.

National Latino Cosmetology Association
Professional Beauty Association