Missouri Hair School and Requirements
Missouri hairdressers need to get a hairdressing or manicuring license at an approved hair school. Both run for 1,500 hours and cover many of the same topics. But they have enough differences that it's worth checking into either option.
Here, we'll dig into what you can do with these license types, how to get your license, and how much you could earn as a hairdresser in Missouri. Browse our directory of hair design schools in Missouri, or skip ahead to learn about the state's hair design licensing requirements and job outlook.
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You must attend a school that meets any licensure requirements as defined by your state. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited or state-approved school.
Related Beauty Careers
Not sure this is the right fit for you? Learn more about other career options in the beauty industry. Related specializations include:
Missouri Hair License Types
All Missouri hairdressers need a license, but the type of license you get depends on your goals. Both "hairdressing" and "hairdressing and manicuring" licenses take 1,500 training hours or 3,000 apprenticeship hours. However, they're different enough that you can't just throw a dart and see where it lands.
Missouri License Class CH–Hairdressing
If you want to focus strictly on hair and all that comes with that, then going to hair school for a hairdresser license program is probably right for you. This license, also called Class CH-Hairdresser, requires 1,500 hours of training in an approved school or 3,000 hours in an approved apprenticeship program, followed by passing scores on two exams.
Specifically, hairdressers may offer the following hair services:
Additionally, they can provide the following to the scalp, face, neck, arms, or bust:
They can also remove hair without electricity, arch eyebrows, or tint brows or lashes.
Missouri License Class CA–Hairdressing and Manicuring
Hairdressing and manicuring are the closest that Missouri offers to a cosmetology license, though it doesn't include skin care services. If you want to provide esthetician services in addition to hair and nail treatments, you need to get an esthetician license.
READ MORE: Learn More About Esthetician School in Missouri
People with hairdressing and manicuring licenses can do everything those with hairdressing licenses can, plus the following nail and skin services:
Education Details
Hair design schools in Missouri prepare you for your new career with many different classes. When you start your education, you may learn about the ethics of cosmetology, your role in the cosmetology field, and how different tools and chemicals work in this field. From there, you may start with basic haircutting skills. As you expand your skills and become more confident, you can attempt more difficult styles. Your instructors also cover styling, extensions, chemical design, and hair coloring. Throughout the course, you may work on your customer service skills. This is incredibly important, as you need to make your customers feel valued every time they sit in your chair.
Missouri Hairdresser Licensing Exams
Missouri uses the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) tests for its beauty professionals, and the exams are proctored by Prov. Before starting your registration, you must choose an exam date and location. Then, you can register on Prov's website, first selecting the certifying body and which exam you want to take.
After this, you choose your school, fill out personal details, and provide any other information or payments the forms require.
Missouri Hairdresser Licensure Exams
Potential hairdressers need to pass the NIC hair design theory and cosmetology practical tests.
Theory exams occur on the computer. You can't bring much more than the clothes on your back into the exam, so leave the big bags, study guides, and kids at home! Prov has created a video about what to expect when you enter your testing room.
Expect to see questions about scientific concepts, hair care, and hair services on the NIC hair design test.
The practical exam, which applies to both the hairdresser and hairdresser and manicurist licenses, involves showing off your skills. You're responsible for bringing all supplies, including a mannequin head, if required. Be prepared to demonstrate the following:
As with the theory exam, you must leave everything but the required supplies at home.
Missouri Hairdresser & Manicurist Licensure Exams
For the hairdressing & manicuring license, expect to take the cosmetology test. The Missouri cosmetology test includes:
The practical test is the same as for the hairdressing license. As you can see, it only covers hair topics, so you can certainly focus on hairdressing with this license—you can add a little more with your nail care skills!
Missouri Hairdresser Salary
Your hairdresser pay is influenced by location, type of workplace, years of experience, any specialties you may have, and more.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that as of 2022, Missouri hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists averaged $39,160 per year ($18.83 per hour). However, the BLS doesn't consider those who work from home or in a freelance capacity.
ZipRecruiter found that as of December 2023, freelance hairdressers in the state averaged $37,073 per year ($17.82 per hour). Estimates on this site fluctuate frequently based on new information, though.
So, it's best to speak with other hairdressers in your area to figure out how much you could earn.
Contact the Missouri State Board of Cosmetology
- 3605 Missouri Boulevard, Jefferson City, MO 65102
- Website: Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
- Email: cosbar@pr.mo.gov
- Call: 573-751-1052
- Fax: 573-751-8167