Oklahoma Hair Braiding School and Requirements

Hair braiders in Oklahoma must get a certification, which strictly requires a passing score on a safety and sanitation test and permission to practice. However, there are plenty of restrictions on what you can do or where you can practice as an Oklahoma hair braider.

Let's dig into what Oklahomans can—and can't—do with a hair braiding certification, how to get your certification, hair braider pay, and more. Browse our directory of hair braiding schools in Oklahoma, or skip ahead to learn about the state's hair braiding licensing requirements and job outlook.

What Oklahoma Hair Braiders Can Do

As there isn't a training requirement, hair braiders in Oklahoma can braid and weave hair and provide hair extension services. They may not wash, cut, color, or style hair. This is because Oklahoma has recognized that many braiders and natural hair stylists grew up learning how to create and provide these works of art in their own homes on themselves and others, making formal training unnecessary.

Braiders may not be self-employed or freelance. They need to work in a licensed cosmetology establishment.

You need to complete a 1,500-hour cosmetology program or 600-hour cosmetology program and earn your license to provide hair treatments beyond braiding.

Beyond a wider variety of hair services, cosmetology includes makeup, skincare, and nail training. Cosmetician courses, on the other hand, are simply about hair styling and makeup. Cosmeticians, like braiders, need to work in a licensed cosmetology establishment.

READ MORE: Learn More About Cosmetology School in Oklahoma

READ MORE: Learn More About Hair School in Oklahoma

What to Expect in Oklahoma Hair Braiding School

Schooling isn't available to become a licensed hair braider in Oklahoma. The only exception is if your certification has been expired for five or more years or if you fail the relevant test four times. In that case, you need to attend a cosmetology or barbering school for 100 hours.

However, there isn't a rule against taking hair braiding classes! These could be a great idea if you're new to braiding and want to add it to your repertoire, hope to keep up on the latest trends, or perfect your skills.

Hair Braider Exam in Oklahoma

You must take a safety and sanitation exam to earn your hair braider certification. The exam costs $35, and you can sign up by submitting an application to the board. You must earn at least a 75% score to pass.

Getting Your Oklahoma Hair Braiding Certification

To earn your hair braider certification in Oklahoma, you need to:

• Be at least 17 years old
• Submit an exam registration application
• Pass a safety and sanitation exam with a score of at least 75%
• Pay a $35 exam fee

Oklahoma Hair Braiding Certification Renewal

You must renew your hair braiding certification annually before the last day of the month you were born. To renew, you need to submit a renewal form. If your license isn't renewed within 60 days, then you pay a $10 penalty fee.

If your license has expired for at least five years, you must complete 100 review hours at cosmetology or barbering school before renewing.

Oklahoma Hairdresser Salary

ZipRecruiter reports that as of February 2024, hair braiders in Oklahoma make $30,884 per year (approximately $15 per hour). This information is based on recent job listings, so it frequently changes.

Hairdressers and cosmetologists in the state earn $34,190 a year or $16.44 hourly, according to May 2022 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS reporting only comes from employers who replied and doesn't count freelancers or self-employed individuals. Wages vary by location, type of workplace, years of experience, and range of services offered. Talk to other hair braiders in Oklahoma to learn more.

Contact the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology