Hair Schools in Delaware

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

How to Become a Hair Designer in Delaware

Hair cutting, styling, and design is so important in the fabric of American life that a beauty salon offering these services exists in virtually every town and hamlet across the nation.

Even in the smallest town with the sparsest population, people wish to have their hair taken care of by professionals, and consider these services to be essential to their good grooming and well-being.

State License Requirements

In order to practice as a hairdresser or cosmetologist in Delaware, you must be licensed as either a cosmetologist or barber. For either field, you will need to have 1,500 hours of study at an accredited institution, or alternatively, have 3,000 hours as an apprentice to a licensed, experienced cosmetologist or barber. Meeting this requirement will allow you to take the licensing exam, consisting of both a theoretical (written) and practical part. When you have passed the exam and paid the requisite fee, you will receive your license.

Education Details

Hair design programs are offered as a part of hairdressing training in schools of cosmetology. They may also be offered at some community colleges, leading to a two year associate's degree. If you choose to take this path, you will have a broader education, including in general education courses that will give you a good knowledge base. Wherever you choose to study, your curriculum will include courses in anatomy and physiology of hair, skin, and nails, different hair types and how to work with them, and different facial shapes and how to flatter them. You will, of course, learn cutting and styling techniques as well as coloring and highlighting, shampooing and conditioning, and other hair and hair care procedures. You will learn about proper sanitation and sterilization techniques, and the use of tools and hair care products.

License Renewal

Earning your cosmetologist's license is the more direct path, and sensible route towards a career as a hair designer in Delaware. To earn your license, you will need to complete a program that includes a minimum 1,500 clock hours of training, or complete 3,000 hours of apprenticeship hours. To renew your license through the Delaware Board of Cosmetology, you must do so in even-numbered years. The deadline is October 31st, and the fee is $110.

Delaware Hair Design Careers

Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists practicing in the state of Delaware earned an average of $31,510 in 2019, the most recent year for which O*Net has reported statistics. The projection is that the number of new jobs in hairdressing, hairstyling, and cosmetology will increase around 13% between 2016 and 2026, making this a promising career for new graduates of beauty schools and community colleges. Hairdressers, hairstylists, and hair designers with a specialty area may be able to command even higher fees. For instance, if you decide to specialize in hair designs for bridal parties and photo and fashion shoots, your income could be much higher.

Hair designers work in a variety settings with a wide range of clientele. Most work in beauty salons and spas, providing a full range of hair care and styling services including shampooing and conditioning, coloring and highlighting, cutting, and all manners of styling and design. They see individual clients which may include men, women, and children, and use hair styling tools and products as part of their work. In between seeing clients, they must clean and straighten their work stations, making them look fresh and sanitary in preparation for their next client. There are also specialty areas in which hair designers may work. Some work in the television and stage industries, styling hair for people who are going to appear in these media. Some work in the fashion industry and on photo shoots. Others design hair styles for bridal parties. These professionals usually must be on location to provide their services, which may involve some travel. Still others may work at hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other locations for individuals who may have special needs. In the field of hair design, your coiffures and creations are the best advertisement for your services! People will see your designs and inquire as to where they had their hair done. If you have an artistic and creative bent, and love helping people look and feel great, a career as a hair designer may be a terrific option in the beauty industry for you!

Contact the Delaware State Board of Cosmetology

Delaware is now being looked upon as a burgeoning hotbed for hair design. As such, those who make hair styling a business or wish to get into the field begin by availing themselves of these listed resources.

Association of Cosmetology Salon Professionals
Professional Beauty Association