Montana Hair Braiding School and Requirements

Hair braiders in Montana are allowed to practice without a beauty license. However, they're limited to services directly linked to natural hair braiding; any other hair services require a cosmetology license. You may also want to take a hair braiding course or two, even though you don't need a license.

Let's talk more about what Montana hair braiders can do, when to consider getting a license, and how much you could earn. Browse our directory of hair braiding schools in Montana, or skip ahead to learn about the state's hair braiding licensing requirements and job outlook.

Natural Hair Braiding in Montana: Rules and Laws

Though this wasn't always the case, today's Montana hair braiders don't need a beauty license. However, these pros—who Montana calls "natural hair braiders"—may only offer services that don't permanently or semi-permanently alter a client's hair. This means no dyeing, cutting (barring minor, relevant trims), or chemically straightening, among other things.

However, there are many things a natural hair braider may do. These include:

• Braiding
• Extending
• Locking
• Twisting
• Weaving
• Wig making
• Wrapping
• Applying topical agents like shampoo, oil, etc.
• Using hair extensions, fibers, beads, or other accessories

You don't need to go to hair braiding school or get a cosmetology license, but you might want to take some classes to provide services beyond the ones above.

A Montana cosmetology license would allow you to perform chemical hair services, haircuts, and skin and nail treatments. Programs last 1,500 hours, and you must pass written and practical NIC tests.

READ MORE: Learn More About Montana Cosmetology School

Attending braiding courses may also be valuable if you don't have much experience with braiding, want to learn a new skill, or hope to specialize in multiple areas. Many of these classes can lead to a certification, which could be a real resume and portfolio booster and bring in new clients.

Montana Hair Braider Salary

The best way to determine how much you could earn as a hair braider in Montana is to speak to other braiders. Factors like location, type of workplace, years of service, and specialties all affect how much you could make.

Estimates on how much Montana hair braiders earn vary:

• ZipRecruiter (January 2024): $36,823 per year
• Salary.com (December 2023): $31,756 per year
• Indeed (January 2024): $59,770 per year

All these sources rely, at least partially, on input from the public. The amounts change frequently as a result.

Contact the Montana State Board of Cosmetology