Hair Schools in Indiana

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

How to Become a Hair Designer in Indiana

Hair styling and design is a creative, artistic way to work with people and help them to look and feel their best! Hair designers cut, color, highlight, straighten, perm, shampoo and condition and then style clients' hair into attractive looks that flatter the client's facial shape and features.

If you enjoy styling your own hair, and your friends and family members ask you to style theirs, chances are you may have a talent for hair design that you could turn into a lucrative career in the beauty industry!

State License Requirements

In Indiana, you will need to complete 1,500 hours of instruction at an accredited cosmetology school in order to be eligible to take the licensing exam. The exam itself has two parts: theoretical (written), and practical. Once you have passed the exam and paid the required fee, you will receive your license to practice. Your license needs to be renewed every four years, and no continuing education credits are required for renewal, although they are important for the progression of your career.

Education Details

Hair design is taught in schools of cosmetology and in some community colleges where it leads to a two year, associate's degree. The state of Indiana has several cosmetology schools to choose from. In hair design programs, you will learn about the anatomy and physiology of hair and skin, and diseases of each. You will learn the techniques and tools used in hair design and observe videos of licensed professionals performing these skills as well as live professionals. Eventually, you will be able to work on live clients yourself. Other courses include aspects of running a hair design business, sterilization and sanitation techniques and regulations in Indiana, and how to keep customers satisfied.

License Renewal

Indiana is one of many states that offers cosmetology licensure as the most sensible option for future hair design professionals. This will also give you additional skills that you can use to obtain employment. In this state, you must complete at least 1,500 hours of training and meet the state exam requirements to qualify for licensure. But, once you do obtain this big step towards your career, you will need to keep the renewal date on your calendar. Indiana requires renewal just every 4 years, with a $40 fee for renewal.

Indiana Hair Design Careers

The average salary earned by hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists in Indiana in 2019, the last year for which such data are available, was $22,280. Of course, this is only an average. Your years of experience, number of loyal clients, and any specialties you may have will determine what you actually earn, and it could be considerably more than that. Hairdressing, hairstyling and cosmetology is expected to grow 10% between 2016 and 2026, meaning that jobs should be available for new graduates.

Most hair designers began their careers by working at a spa or beauty salon, performing a variety of hair techniques for individual clients. They see a number of clients, perhaps twelve or more, in the course of the day. Sometimes they perform specialty skills, such as hair weaving with feathers or colored threads, or hair braiding, in addition to the more usual skills like cutting, coloring, highlighting, perming, and styling. Some hair designers work in department stores, many of which have their own beauty salons. Others work in facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities, helping individuals there to look and feel their best. You will need to have excellent people skills. Clients very often like to talk while they are having their hair styled, and often, they talk about personal issues. You must be able to listen non-judgmentally and show empathy. Some hair designers specialize in hairdos for weddings, and photo and fashion shoots. These are often more elaborate designs, and you may need to style them on location rather than at your salon or spa, or usual workplace. In between seeing clients, you will need to clean and neaten your work area in preparation for the next client. Working as a hair designer will certainly give you a degree of scheduling flexibility, which means you can work part time or full time, as you choose. However, your clients will expect you to be available when they wish to see you which probably means you will need to have appointments on some weekends and evenings. Still, hair design is a career that can be worked around other commitments that you may have, such as raising a family, or volunteer work, for example.

Contact the Indiana State Board of Cosmetology

Hair design in Indiana builds upon a reputation of beauty born from small-town salons and other shops established in major cities there. Professionals can expect an avid client base and room to grow. Many get started in the field by obtaining data from these places.

Associated Hair Professionals
Association of Cosmetology Salon Professionals