New Jersey Hair School and Requirements

Hairstylists in New Jersey must have professional licenses to perform their work in the state. To get a license, you have to be at least 17 years old, have a high school diploma (or equivalent), and complete a formal cosmetologist-hairstylist or beauty culture program. Once training is complete, you must pass an exam to get your license.

In this article, we’ll explain the difference between being a cosmetologist and a beautician in New Jersey, what you can expect to learn from either hairstyling program, how to get and keep your professional license, and how much you could earn as a practicing hairstylist.

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

What to Expect in New Jersey Hair School

In New Jersey, those wishing to work as hairstylists must complete either a 1,200-hour cosmetology and hair styling program or a 1,100-hour beauty culture program.

Both programs will train you in the same beauty culture services, including hair cutting and styling, hair coloring, permanent waving, chemical relaxing, shampooing, facials and skin care, and manicuring and pedicuring, as well as state laws, administration, professional image and hygiene, and decontamination and infection control.

However, the additional 100 hours in the cosmetology/hairstyling program cover the basics of barbering, including shaving and beard and mustache trimming. A beauty culture program will prepare you to earn a beautician license, whereas a cosmetology/hairstyling program lets you perform barbering services and qualifies you to earn a cosmetologist/hairstylist license.

READ MORE: Learn More About Cosmetology School in New Jersey

Hairstylist Licensure Exams in New Jersey

Whether you complete a beauty culture or cosmetology/hairstyling program, you must take written and practical exams when you’re done. The test can be taken in Spanish or with a translator if needed and approved.

To start the process, fill out the Application for Authorization to Sit for the Examination and for Licensure. This application lets you apply to take the exam and obtain your license upon passing. Just fill it out and include certification from a physician that you’re fit to perform the duties of a beautician or cosmetologist/hairstylist, as well as certification from your school. With the application, submit a government-issued ID, two photos of your head and shoulders for the license, and a $50 exam fee and a $90 licensing fee.

Getting Your New Jersey Hairstylist License

Once you apply to take your exam, the board will schedule it, and you’ll be issued a temporary license to practice. This lets you work as a beautician or cosmetologist/hairstylist for 120 days until you get your official license. Even if you do not pass the exam, you can continue working and earning experience as you prepare to retake it. However, the temporary period is not renewable.

Once you pass the exam, you’ll receive your license in two to three weeks, and you can officially work as a beautician or hairstylist!

Renewing Your Hairstylist License in New Jersey

You must renew your license every two years, and the board will contact you at least 60 days before your current license expires. Submit your renewal application, which will be sent to you along with your $90 renewal fee. After your current license expires, you will have a 30-day grace period, during which you must submit the renewal before your license is suspended.  

New Jersey Hairstylist Salary

Once you have your license, you’re ready to work as a hairstylist! It’s worth pointing out that New Jersey has the highest concentration of jobs for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists in the US and is among the highest-paying states for this profession. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), both Ocean City and the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, Pennsylvania-New Jersey metropolitan areas are among those with the highest concentrations of jobs for this profession. It also found that the hairstylists and cosmetologists in the state earned an average of just over $43,000 per year.

Factors like your amount of experience, location, or workplace, can affect salary. The government also does not track salaries for those who work as freelance hairstylists, so future freelancers should talk to others about their earning potential.

Contact the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology