North Dakota Hair Braiding School and Requirements

North Dakota's natural hair braiders don't have to attend a beauty school or get a license. However, they're limited in what they can do, so cosmetology school and licensure might be worthwhile. It all depends on what you want your career to look like!

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

What North Dakota Hair Braiders Can Do

Natural hair braiders in North Dakota may work with clients' hair to create specific types of styles manually or with a device like a curling iron, comb, blunt-tipped needle, or hair binder, among others. Specifically, they may:

• Use hair extensions, natural or synthetic hair or fibers, beads, or other accessories
• Perform minor trimming as necessary to a service
• Make wigs
• Twist, wrap, weave, extend, lock, or braid hair
• Use topical agents as necessary

However, they can't use dyes or chemicals or cut hair in any significant or unnecessary way. To offer such services, you need to get a cosmetology license.

Should I Go to Cosmetology School to Become a North Dakota Hair Braider?

While you don't have to get a license to be a hair braider in North Dakota, you could consider a cosmetology license if you want to provide additional hair services or skin and nail treatments. For instance, cosmetologists can dye, chemically straighten, and cut hair, while braiders may not. That said, the state's 1,500-hour cosmetology programs don't need to teach any braiding skills, as the license doesn't cover natural hair braiding.

READ MORE: Learn More About Cosmetology School in North Dakota

Can I Get Trained as a Hair Braider in North Dakota?

While you can't get formal hair braiding training that leads to licensure (as there isn't a license in North Dakota), you could get independent or informal training to hone your skills. Consider looking for classes from organizations specializing in this, going through hands-on training from a braider, friend, or relative, or even watching and practicing along with videos.

Hair Braider Salary in North Dakota

According to ZipRecruiter, North Dakota's hair braiders who work from home average $48,291 per year ($23.22 per hour) as of April 2023—the third-highest in the nation. However, ZipRecruiter primarily gets its data from often-changing job listings, so the best way to get details about how much you could earn is to talk to other braiders near you.

Contact the North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology