Kansas Hair School and Requirements

Kansas requires future hairstylists to complete a cosmetology program instead of hair school. They also need to earn and maintain a cosmetology license. Though this is a big commitment, you may find there are benefits.

Read on to learn how to become a hairstylist in Kansas, what (few) treatments are allowed without a license, and how much money you might make in the field. Browse our directory of hair design schools in Kansas, or skip ahead to learn about the state's hair design licensing requirements and job outlook.

Becoming a Hairstylist in Kansas

You need to earn a cosmetology license to become a Kansas hairdresser. Luckily, over half of the 1,500-hour cosmetology curriculum focuses on all things hair:

• Shampoos and Rinses: 35 hours
• Scalp and Hair Care: 35 hours
• Coloring and Lightening: 175 hours
• Chemical Waving: 150 hours
• Chemical Relaxing: 125 hours
• Hair Shaping: 150 hours
• Hair Styling: 125 hours
• Thermal Techniques: 75 hours
• Care and Styling of Hair Pieces: 10 hours
• Hair and Scalp (Scientific Concepts): 35 hours

There are only two circumstances in which you don't need a cosmetology license to do hair in Kansas: fitting and hair braiding.

READ MORE: Learn More About Cosmetology School in Kansas

Hair may be your only passion—and that's fine! If you want to really dig into those skills, you can take continuing education classes. Or, having this full license could let you immediately offer services you hoped to provide down the road, such as hair and makeup for bridal parties.

As an additional plus, not every state has a hairdressing license, so if you move, you're more likely to be able to start work quickly.

Kansas Hairdresser Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that as of 2022, hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists in Kansas earned an average of $35,840 annually. ZipRecruiter found a similar number for entry-level stylists: $38,405 (as of December 2023). However, neither factors in self-employed hairstylists, and ZipRecruiter doesn't consider tips since the numbers come from job listings.

Years of experience, location, type of workplace, and many other factors can affect your pay. For instance, if you work in a high-end salon in KCK, you'll likely earn more than at a traditional salon in Hutchinson.

The top three locations for Kansas hairdressers and cosmetologists' median pay (as of 2022) are:

• KCK/KCMO: $34,760
• Manhattan: $30,620
• Topeka: $30,010

(Lawrence comes in sixth, if you're curious!)

To find out more, talk to someone who works as a hairdresser in your area in the type of workplace you would like to work.

Contact the Kansas State Board of Cosmetology