Arkansas Hair Braiding School and Requirements

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

How to Become a Hair Braider in Arkansas

Hair braiders in Arkansas need a certification, not a license, to practice their art. This is a change from previous years when a full cosmetology license was required! But a cosmetology license may be worth considering if you want to expand your services.

What Training Do Arkansas Hair Braiders Need?

Unless you're coming from a different state with a preexisting hair braiding license, you must complete 120 hours of hair braiding school, pass a test, and pay a registration fee of $30 to get your Arkansas hair braiding certification.

Those training hours include 80 hours of health and safety and 40 hours of scalp care. The test covers those two topics, plus state law.

You can see the training does not include learning about hair braiding! The assumption is that you come from a background where you learned to perform these services independently. If you didn't learn this way, or if you don't feel totally confident in your abilities, a cosmetology license might be worth investigating.

Pros and Cons of Becoming a Hair Braider Through an Arkansas Cosmetology License

The pros and cons of Arkansas cosmetology licensure for hair braiders come down to knowing what you want to do and how much time and money you can devote to training.

Possible cosmetology license pros include being able to perform services that involve cutting, dyeing, and performing other chemical treatments on hair. You could also do makeup and nails with a cosmetology license, which isn't possible with a hair braiding certificate.

Another pro would be beefing up your hair and business skills with official training. If you don't feel ready to provide treatments, this may be the way to go.

However, a hair braiding certification may be better if you can't dedicate a lot of time and money to education. Arkansas' cosmetology programs last 1,200 hours, while its braiding courses run for 120.

READ MORE: Learn More About Cosmetology School in Arkansas

Should I Consider Arkansas Hair School to Become a Braider?

As for hair braiding, Arkansas only requires hairdressers to get a certificate. Hairdressers can't perform hair braiding services, and hair braiders can't do everything hairdressers can do. You could get both certifications if you want to focus on hair but not get a full cosmetology license.

READ MORE: Learn More About Arkansas Hair School

Hair Braiding Salary in Arkansas

Average hair braiding salaries in Arkansas aren't available. However, the state's cosmetologists, hairdressers, and hairstylists earn an average of $28,510 per year ($13.71 per hour) as of 2022.

Contact the Arkansas State Board of Cosmetology