New Hampshire Hair Braiding School and Requirements

Hair braiders in New Hampshire can work without a license, though the state strictly defines what you and cannot do as a hair braider. All you need to become one is experience—even if that experience occurred growing up in your home.

Learn how to become a hair braider in New Hampshire, what hair braiders can and can’t do, and how much you may earn. Browse our directory of hair braiding schools in New Hampshire, or skip ahead to learn about the state's hair braiding licensing requirements and job outlook.

What New Hampshire Hair Braiders Can Do

Hair braiders in New Hampshire can twist, wrap, weave, place extensions, create locks, and braid hair by hand. Throughout styling, hair braiders can use tools like clips, combs, curlers, hairpins, scissors, thread, and hair binders (among other tools typically used for natural hairstyles).

The state says to keep in mind that although  “natural hair braiding” is most associated with “African-style hair braiding,” the techniques aren’t limited to any hair type or texture.

The board spells out further what New Hampshire hair braiders can and can’t do.

You can:

• Use natural or synthetic hair, beads, and accessories
• Give minor trims that are necessary for the style of braid or technique your client requests
• Make wigs and hair extensions from natural or real hair fibers
• Use topical products like shampoo and conditioner, gels, and oils.

You can’t:

• Apply dye or chemicals on hair
• Permanently straighten, curl, or alter hair structure
• Use “chemical hair joining agents” like synthetic tape, keratin bonds, or fusion bonds

If you’re interested in a hair braiding career but want to expand your services, you may want to consider earning your cosmetology license. Cosmetologists in New Hampshire have no limits on what hair treatments they can provide. Upon graduation and certification, they are qualified to become manicurists and makeup artists.

READ MORE: Learn More About Cosmetology School in New Hampshire

READ MORE: Learn More About Hair School in New Hampshire

What to Expect in New Hampshire Hair Braiding School

You don’t need formal hair braiding schooling in New Hampshire. Instead, the state board sets limits on what hair braiders can do. For example, hair braiders don’t attend a program to learn about chemicals and products that require specific knowledge for safety and use, so they can’t use them on clients.

Even though a formal hair braiding education isn’t required, it’s always advisable to take courses to hone your skills or even learn the entire craft from the start.

A simple Google search should give you options for local or online hair braiding classes.

New Hampshire Hair Braider Salary

As of March 2024, ZipRecruiter reports the average yearly New Hampshire hair braider salary is $39,252. ZipRecruiter updates the figure monthly based on the salary listed in recent job postings and self-reported data, so the best way to find out how much you could actually make is to speak to other braiders in your area.

Contact the New Hampshire State Board of Cosmetology