Hair Schools in Louisiana

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

How to Become a Hair Designer in Louisiana

Are you great with styling your own hair? Do your friends and family members ask you to style theirs, and comment on how attractive their hair - and yours, looks? If this is something you enjoy and seem to have a natural talent for, then attending a program in hair design might open the door to a fun career in the beauty industry for you!

Hair designers perform all sorts of services on hair, from shampooing and conditioning, to cutting, blow-drying and styling, coloring and highlighting, perming and straightening, and more. Some hair designers specialize in providing particular services, such as hair designs for television appearances, fashion or photo shoots, or for bridal parties.

State License Requirements

There are numerous routes to becoming a hair designer in Louisiana. In order to practice, you will need to obtain your license in cosmetology, barbering, hair design, or as a cosmetology instructor. These licenses are all administered through the Louisiana Board of Cosmetology. To be eligible, you will need to complete at least 1,500 hours of training.

Education Details

Training is available at numerous beauty and cosmetology schools located throughout the state, at some community colleges, and at some vocational high schools. Most programs can teach you the basics of hair, skin, and nail anatomy and physiology and diseases of each. You can also learn all of the procedures used in working with skin and hair via video demonstrations and live demonstrations by licensed instructors. As you gain experience and skill, you can begin to work on actual people. You can learn about the sanitation and sterilization regulations that exist in Louisiana, what you must do to meet them. You can also learn about how to keep customers satisfied and coming back. And, of course, you will learn the latest hair design and styling techniques and looks. When you take the licensing exam, it will typically consist of two parts: a theoretical part (written) and a practical part. Once you receive your license, you must renew it every year on your birthday. You will not need to earn continuing education credits to renew your license, but taking continuing education courses can be a good idea to help you stay current and grow within the industry.

License Renewal

Becoming a cosmetologist in Louisiana is the best way for hair designers to work legally in this state. Once you complete the mandatory 1,500-hour minimum training requirements, and pass the state exams, you can apply for your license. Once you obtain it, you will need to renew it every year, with a deadline of your birthday. Currently, a fee of $25 is due with this application. And with the additional skills in nail and makeup that you can develop through cosmetology courses, you can expand your services and employment opportunities.

Louisiana Hair Design Careers

According to statistics provided by O*Net, the average salary earned in 2019 for cosmetologists, hair dressers, and hair designers in Louisiana was $19,680, slightly less than the average earned across the United States. The anticipated career outlook for professionals is around 11% growth, meaning jobs should be readily available.

Most hair designers start their careers by working as a stylist in a spa or salon. There, you see individual clients, usually by appointment, although some salons accept walk-ins as well. You will perform a variety of hair-related services such as shampooing and conditioning, cutting, blow-drying and styling, coloring and highlighting, perming and straightening, among others. You may choose to develop a hair design specialty, such as designing hairdos for wedding parties, or for television personalities, or fashion or photo shoots. These specialties would most likely require you to offer your services on-site rather than in the spa or salon. For instance, if you style hair for television, you will be required to work at the television studio. In between seeing your clients you will need to straighten and neaten your work station and sterilize your tools to prepare for your next client. Working as a hair designer can afford you a good amount of scheduling flexibility, although your spa or salon may have specific hours they expect you to be available for them to book appointments with you. Also, many clients prefer to obtain beauty services on weekends or in the evenings. Still, it is possible to work either full or part time, and to manage other commitments, such as raising a family, along with your career. Look through the list below to find Hair Design Schools in Louisiana.

Contact the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology

Louisiana is a state where entering the world of hair design has certain benefits thanks in part to the cherished tradition of the industry there. Those that are intrigued at the possibilities the field presents, consult these reference points to start.

Association of Cosmetology Salon Professionals
Professional Beauty Association