Idaho Hair Braiding School and Requirements

You don't need a license to be a hair braider in Idaho. However, there are laws surrounding the practice. Read on to learn about how to become a hair braider in Idaho, what you'd be allowed to do in that field, license options, and how much you could potentially earn.

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

What Hair Braiders in Idaho Can Do

Hair braiders in Idaho can provide hair services that don't include anything that would alter the hair itself.

This means Idaho hair braiders can:

• Use natural or synthetic hair extensions, hair, or fibers
• Use hair accessories like beads
• Provide very minor trimming services—so long as they're necessary
• Make wigs
• Use topical treatments like shampoo, conditioner, oil, and similar

Hair braiders in Idaho can't:

• Use hair dye
• Use reactive chemicals of any sort
• Chemically straighten or curl hair
• Use chemical hair joining agents like keratin or fusion bonds

These lists may not be all-inclusive, so check local laws before starting your hair braiding work.

Idaho License Options for Hair Braiders

You need an Idaho cosmetology or barber-stylist license to cut, dye, or drastically alter hair as a braider. Cosmetologists can perform all sorts of beauty services, including hair, nail, and skin care options. Barber-stylists can provide the same hair treatments as cosmetologists and cut and style facial hair.

Barber-stylists must attend school for 1,500 hours or complete an apprenticeship for 3,000 hours, while cosmetologists go to school for 1,600 hours or complete an apprenticeship for 3,200 hours.

Neither really trains in hair braiding, so keep that in mind when considering your path forward.

READ MORE: Learn About Idaho Cosmetology School

READ MORE: Learn About Idaho Barber School

Hair Braider Salary in Idaho

According to ZipRecruiter, as of 2023, Idaho's average work-from-home hair braider earns $35,242 per year ($16.94 per hour). When it comes to those working for others, the average becomes $33,979.

That said, the numbers come from factors like job listings—which wouldn't typically include self-employed hair braiders. To get a better idea of how much you could make, talk to a current hair braider who works in the town and the type of establishment you want to work in. Be sure to consider how long they've been doing this, too, since those with more experience tend to have larger client bases.

Contact the Idaho State Board of Cosmetology