Hair Braiding Schools in Virginia

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

How to Become a Hair Braider in Virginia

With all of the modern hairstyling techniques and trends in the beauty industry, you may be wondering if there are any styles that have stood the test of time. Hair braiding is an art that came to America from Africa, and its popularity is spreading like wildfire across the country! If you have nimble hands, creativity, and an interest in different hairstyles and textures, hair braiding in VA could be an exciting career choice for you.

Education Details

To master different braiding styles and know how to work with various types of hair, you need a strong understanding of human hair and the scalp! Even if you'd rather jump in and start braiding right away, your training will likely start with a study of the scalp and scalp disorders. Your instructors can teach you how to assess hair, feel for different textures, and work with extensions or other unique situations. Once you've started to develop some knowledge of hair braiding and the field of cosmetology, you can begin learning about the braids that your customers may request. Some of the simpler styles you may learn include single braids and cornrows. Other popular styles include twists, knots, and locks. You won't just practice these styles once and be done! Your training may require you to start out on a mannequin head and then practice your skills on real clients.

Virginia Hair Braiding Careers

Virginia is one of few states that does not have any licensing requirements for hair braiders! Though the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology once required hair braiders to earn a cosmetology license before working as braiders, the industry has since deregulated and braiders do not have to meet any specific licensing or training requirements. Cosmetology professionals, including hair braiders, may have a stable job outlook in Virginia. O*Net expects job openings for cosmetology professionals to increase by 11% between 2012 and 2022. This job growth rate is slightly lower than the national average (O*Net, 2012). As a beauty professional in Virginia, you may be able to earn a competitive range of salaries. Per O*Net, most beauty workers in this state earn between $17,400 and $60,200 per year. The average salary for a Virginia employee in this field is $28,000 per year (O*Net, 2013). As a braider, a sizable part of your income may come from tips and gratuities.

One of the big benefits of starting your career in a growing field like hair braiding is getting to be part of all of the industry's changes and developments. Thanks to Virginia's lax restrictions on hair braiders, you may be able to work in a wide variety of settings. Some braiders decide to work in spas or salons, providing customers with braiding services as they relax after hair processes or a massage. You can also work in a dedicated braiding clinic; these are common in larger cities. Other braiders may decide to go the route of business ownership. If you decide to open up your own hair braiding shop, you may need to go through various licensing procedures to ensure that your shop is up to code. As a beauty professional, it's likely that you'll need to work nights and weekends to reach the greatest number of patients. This is particularly true for shop owners, who may be the only braider on staff until they build their business. Work hard to learn different types of braiding and enjoy your new career! It may bring you great fulfillment and enjoyment. After earning a degree in psychology and working in social services, Melony Armstrong finally found the job of her dreams as a hair braider. This opened up many doors for her. She now owns her own salon and trains the hair braiders of the next generation. If you want to learn more about becoming a hair braider, use our beauty school listings to request information and compare programs today!

Contact the Virginia State Board of Cosmetology

Hair stylists in Virginia are part of a grand tradition of coiffure culture. They are adept at keeping their clients done up in the latest hair trends, including hair braiding. Professionals looking towards this form as a career learn more through these groups.

Professional Beauty Association
National Accrediting Commission of Arts and Sciences