Missouri Hair Braiding School and Requirements

Missouri requires hair braiders to register with the state before beginning to practice. Though you don't need to go to hair braiding school, you must complete a four-hour course from the state, submit a certificate of completion and fee, and register with the state. However, there are times when you may want to consider attending more specific training.

Here, we'll talk about how to become a hair braider in Missouri, what hair braiders can do, including where to train and register, when to go to hair braiding or hairdressing school, and how much you may earn as a braider.

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

What Missouri Hair Braiders Can Do

Missouri hair braiders can provide treatments that use tension on a client's hair to create styles. Services may include:

• Braiding
• Extending
• Locking
• Twisting
• Waving
• Wrapping

Though some of the above treatments may involve chemicals or extensive cuts in specific circumstances, hair braiders in Missouri must not use those methods. Anything that could permanently or semi-permanently affect a client's hair, such as dyeing, cutting, or using reactive chemicals, can't be done without a hairdressing license.

Getting Your Missouri Hair Braider Registration

To get your hair braiding registration in Missouri, you must complete a state-required training video and submit a registration application with a fee.

The Missouri hair braiding video course, COSBAR Exam, is easily accessible on YouTube. The content intends for you to operate your business safely and with minimal worry, plus understand some of the skills and bigger-picture issues that affect your field. It includes, but isn't limited to:

• Braiding history
• Complaint process
• Hair types and textures
• Missouri salon rules and regulations
• Relevant statutes and regulations
• Sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization
• Work-related injuries and prevention

Once you have completed the video series, you sign and submit an attestation of completion online. Then, you can fill out your notarized registration application and pay a $20 fee.

Hair Braiding School in Missouri

Missouri decided to move from hairdressing licensure to hair braiding registration for people in this field with the understanding that most would-be braiders have been informally trained for a good deal of their lives. However, this may not be the case for everyone who wants to braid—that doesn't mean you can't do it! Or, even if you have spent your life learning from your family, you may have specific skills you want to improve or specialize in.

In those cases, you should consider attending a hair braiding school program. Depending on which type you choose, you could learn all sorts of skills or go for a narrower option. You could do this in person or online since Missouri doesn't have specific requirements.

You must get a Missouri hairdressing (or hairdressing and manicuring) license to go beyond hair braiding and perform haircuts or chemical services. You have to complete 1,500 training hours or 3,000 apprenticeship hours, pass licensure exams, and get a license through the state.

READ MORE: Learn More About Missouri Hair School

Salary for Missouri Hair Braiders

ZipRecruiter reports that as of December 2023, work-from-home braiders in Missouri averaged $40,414 per year ($19.43 per hour). However, this only includes those who work from home and not in beauty businesses.

Beyond your type of workplace, your location, years of experience, and specialties can affect how much you earn. Speak with other braiders near you to get an idea of how much you can make.

Contact the Missouri State Board of Cosmetology