Hair Schools in Wisconsin
Browse our directory of hair design schools in Wisconsin, or skip ahead to learn about the state's hair design licensing requirements and job outlook.
Browse All Hair Schools in Wisconsin
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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:
How to Become a Hair Designer in Wisconsin
- 1,550 education hours or 4,000 apprentice hours are required to become licensed.
- You must renew your license every 2 years.
- 4 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
- The average salary for cosmetologists in Wisconsin is $26,420 ($12.70/hour). This is higher than the national average of $26,090 ($12.54/hour).
- There is a predicted 6% job increase between 2016–2026 for cosmetologists. This is lower than the expected national growth of 9%.
One of the largest career paths in the cosmetology industry is hair design. Across Wisconsin, people go to cosmetologists and hairstylists for a variety of services.
If you want to spend your days coloring, cutting, and styling, keep reading to learn more about hair design programs and Wisconsin.
State License Requirements
Required to earn a hair design license
In Wisconsin, there is one true path towards a career in hair design, and it passes through cosmetology licensure. If you want to work as a professional hair stylist in this state, you will need to earn this credential, which requires completion of a minimum 1,550-hour program.
Education Details
Hair design is a fairly broad field, so you should plan on spending quite a bit of time completing your education and getting the experience you need to succeed. A big part of working in this field is cutting. Your instructors may show you how to cut hair of different textures, lengths, and thicknesses. You should also learn how to communicate with customers to ensure that they get the cut they want. It is crucial to learn how to safely work with chemicals as part of your hair cutting career. From coloring and perming to relaxing and straightening, knowing how chemicals work and how to use them is a requirement of this program.
License Renewal
License renewal period
Continuing education required
Once you meet the other license requirements, you will need to renew in odd-numbered years, and pay a fee of $82. When you are fully licensed, you can start rocking awesome hair styles - and offer nail and makeup services to your clients as well!
Wisconsin Hair Design Careers
Average yearly salary for hair design in Wisconsin
As a hair designer, you may earn a variety of salaries. Your salary may be impacted by which type of salon you work in, how many customers you bring in, and which services you most commonly provide. According to O*Net, the average salary for a Wisconsin cosmetologist is $26,420 per year. Job openings in this field are expected to increase for a number of years. O*Net expects an 6% increase in cosmetology jobs by the year 2026.
After you complete your education and get your license, it's time to start your career. You may find work in a spa or in a salon. You may choose to rent a chair and become self-employed or become an employee at one of these establishments. If you rent a chair, you may be able to set your own hours and rates. However, if you are an employee, you are expected to work a variety of hours, including nights and weekends. This allows you to reach a broad range of clients and make the most of the time you spend behind the chair.
Contact the Wisconsin State Board of Cosmetology
- 4822 Madison Yards Way, Madison, WI 53705
- Website: Department of Safety and Professional Services
- Call: 608-266-2112
Wisconsin is a unique state, as evidenced by the many individuals who hold fast to old-fashioned values. But some have taken up hair care as a way of life, taking those values and interpreting them in classic and contemporary styles. For those interested in a hair design career there, they consult these organizations.