Kansas Hair Braiding School and Requirements

Kansas doesn't require hair braiding school or licensure for braiders. With that said, there are requirements to practice, and you may want to consider a cosmetology license, depending on your goals. Let's dig into what Kansas hair braiders can do, when to consider a license, and how much you could earn!

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

What Kansas Hair Braiders Can Do

Kansas hair braiders may provide services that style hair using root tension without affecting the natural hair's length, color, or structure. This means they can:

• Braid
• Extend
• Lock
• Twist
• Weave
• Wrap

Wig fitting, often offered by braiders, is also permitted, though it doesn't fall under the title of braider in Kansas.

Braiders might be allowed to perform other manual or mechanical services. However, verifying with the Kansas State Board of Cosmetology is essential before doing anything for pay.

Hair braiders in Kansas may not change hair using dyes, chemicals, scissors, razors, or other long-term and potentially damaging equipment.

Becoming a Hair Braider in Kansas

Though you don't need to attend hair braiding school in Kansas, you do need to take a short test. To do this, you must get a brochure from the Department of Health and Environment and fill out the included self-test. You don't have to take this exam before a proctor, submit it to the state, or pay a registration fee.

The self-test covers infection control and what braiders in the state can legally do.

You must have the brochure and have completed the test in your workplace. That's it!

When to Consider Cosmetology School as a Kansas Hair Braider

You should consider Kansas cosmetology school and licensure to perform other hair services like haircuts, dyes, or chemical curling and straightening. Cosmetologists in the state can also provide many other beauty treatments.

Cosmetology schools in Kansas must provide 1,500 hours of instruction and practice over nine to twelve months. If you choose to get this license, you also need to pass written and practical tests and pay license fees.

READ MORE: Learn More About Cosmetology School in Kansas

If you want to go to hair braiding school to hone your skills, plenty of training options are available! Many people choose informal training from friends or family, but others go to a hair braiding school. Some even practice watching videos! Since Kansas doesn't require a license, you can take whatever path you wish—though formal training can provide feedback from an impartial source.

Kansas Hair Braider Salary

As of December 2023, Kansas hair braiders who work from home earn an average of $41,198, according to ZipRecruiter. However, ZipRecruiter only factors in those who work for themselves. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Labor Statistics finds that cosmetologists and hair professionals in Kansas averaged $35,840 per year in 2022. However, this average has the opposite problem—it only considers stylists who work for others!

Factors like location, type of workplace, years of experience, and more affect how much you could earn. The best way to estimate potential salary is to talk to working hair braiders in Kansas, particularly those whose careers resemble the one you want.

Contact the Kansas State Board of Cosmetology