Massachusetts Hair Braiding School and Requirements

Massachusetts doesn't require hair braiding school or licensure for people interested in becoming natural hair stylists. If you have the skills, you can start your new career with few to no hurdles! But if you want to perform hair services beyond braiding, you need a cosmetology license.

Here, we investigate what Massachusetts hair braiders can do, options for honing your skills, when to consider a cosmetology license, and what you may earn in that career. Browse our directory of hair braiding schools in Massachusetts, or skip ahead to learn about the state's hair braiding licensing requirements and job outlook.

What Massachusetts Hair Braiders Can Do

Hair braiders in Massachusetts can create and implement designs without changing the client's natural hair in any permanent or semi-permanent way. More specifically, braiders in the state can twist, wrap, weave, extend, lock, or braid by hand or a device.

Braiders may not provide other services like hair cutting, dyeing, or chemical straightening or curling.

When to Go to Cosmetology School as a Massachusetts Hair Braider

You must attend cosmetology school to perform haircuts, coloring services, or chemical treatments in Massachusetts. If that's your goal, you must attend 1,000 hours of training and pass two exams.

Unlike many states, Massachusetts cosmetology schools do teach braiding! So, if you want some braiding training in addition to learning all the other skills, you have a relatively unique opportunity to do so here.

READ MORE: Learn About Massachusetts Cosmetology School

Hair Braider Training in Massachusetts

If you want to spend more time learning about hair braiding and natural hair care, you can opt for hair braiding school or coursework in the state.

Since hair braiding programs don't lead to licensure in Massachusetts, they can offer training in several ways. You could take hair braider training online or in person, with an overview of the entire field or focusing on a specific skill.

Massachusetts Hair Braider Salary

ZipRecruiter says that as of December 2023, hair braiders in Massachusetts earn $13.65 to $25.47 per hour at an average of $37,107 per year. However, ZipRecruiter's data changes regularly based on new job postings and other data.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that as of 2022, hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists in the state averaged $48,710 per year. This amount doesn't include self-employed hair professionals and only considers those with licenses.

Contact the Massachusetts State Board of Cosmetology