New Jersey Hair Braiding School and Requirements

Hair braiding is an age-old art that provides endless creativity. If you'd like to work as a professional hair braider in New Jersey, know that this state requires practitioners to be licensed.

This article will dive into what's involved in training to be a hair braider, how to obtain your license, and what you might expect as a salary. Browse our directory of hair braiding schools in New Jersey, or skip ahead to learn about the state's hair braiding licensing requirements and job outlook.

What to Expect in New Jersey Hair Braiding School

The New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling requires an applicant to have at least three years of experience or complete a 50-hour hair-braiding training program at an approved cosmetology, hairstyling, or beauty school to receive a hair braiding license. However, if you can demonstrate three years of experience by providing either a W2 or a notarized attestation from previous or current employers, that experience and a 40-hour training course are enough.

For both programs, you will complete 40 hours of the following:

• State laws, rules, and regulations: 10 hours
• Professional image and hygiene: 2 hours
• Decontamination and infection control: 17 hours
• Cleansing, hair, and scalp analysis: 8 hours
• Hair growth and loss, and disorders or infections: 3 hours

For those without experience, your program will include 10 hours of braiding instruction, including client consultation, classifying texture, types of braids and weaves, extensions, braid styling, and braiding implements/tools.

Once your training is complete, you can take the licensing exams.

You may have noticed that this license doesn't require training in dyeing or cutting hair. That's because hair braiders in the state can't perform those things. If you want to pursue a career allowing you to provide those services, you should consider a cosmetologist-hairstylist or beauty culture (beautician) program.

READ MORE: Learn More About Cosmetology School in New Jersey

READ MORE: Learn More About Hair School (Beauty Culture) in New Jersey

Braiding Licensure Exams in New Jersey

After you've completed your required training and have documentation of experience (if applicable), you can take your hair braiding licensure exam. You must submit a notarized Application for Authorization to Sit for the Examination and for Licensure, along with a $50 application fee and a $90 licensing fee. You'll also need to show proof of age (such as a driver's license), proof of high school graduation (or its equivalent), and two passport-style photos of your head and shoulders. The application also includes a page for documenting prior experience, a physician's form stating you are well enough to be a hair braider, and certification to say you completed the training.

Once your application is approved, your exam will be scheduled. Until you sit for your exam, you'll be granted a temporary permit to practice, which is only good for 120 days.

The multiple-choice test is from the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC). It includes questions about scientific concepts, natural hair care and services, and state law. You also must pass a practical exam.

Getting Your New Jersey Braiding License

Your exam application will include documents needed to obtain your license, including your physician's certification and background check forms. The licensing fee is $90. You typically receive your license in two to three weeks if all goes well.

Renewing Your Hair Braiding Limited License in New Jersey

Your license is good for two years. The state board of cosmetology will notify you that it is up for renewal at least 60 days before it expires. To avoid suspension, you must submit a renewal application and your $90 biannual renewal fee within 30 days of expiration.

New Jersey Hair Braiding Salary

Many factors can affect a hair braider's salary, including experience level, location, and type of workplace. The Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn't track salaries for hair braiders specifically. However, according to ZipRecruiter, the average hair braider salary in two major metropolitan areas in New Jersey, Trenton and Newark, was about $17 an hour or $36,00 annually as of March 2024. And Indeed indicates that the average may be around $22 per hour or $51,816 per year. Indeed also reports that Atlantic City, NJ, is one of the highest-paying cities for hair braiders, with an average of around $44.72 per hour.

Contact the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology