Cosmetology Schools in Alabama
Whether you want to work in a busy city salon or see yourself in a quiet rural setting, Alabama is a great place to start your cosmetology career. With a wide variety of schools and a bustling beauty scene, it's the perfect location to earn your license and become a beauty professional.
Browse our directory of cosmetology schools in Alabama, or skip ahead to learn about the state's cosmetology licensing requirements and job outlook.
Browse All Cosmetology Schools in Alabama
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3200 Riverchase Galleria
Hoover, AL 36532
Alabama School of Nail Technology & Cosmetology - Jackson – Accredited
Jackson, AL 36605
Alabama School of Nail Technology & Cosmetology – Accredited
North Saraland, AL 36571
Apex Adult Education & Vocational Training Center – Accredited
Chickasaw, AL 35601
Body Logic School of Cosmetology and Esthetics – Accredited
Birmingham, AL 35020
J.F. Ingram State Technical College - Springville – Accredited
Springville, AL 35146
J.F. Ingram State Technical College - Wetumpka – Accredited
Wetumpka, AL 36092
Jireh's International School Of Cosmetology and Barbering – Accredited
Birmingham, AL 35811
Ms. Ivory's International School of Cosmetology, Esthetics, & Nail Technology – Accredited
Birmingham, AL 35234
The Salon Professional Academy - Huntsville – Accredited
Huntsville, AL 36117
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:
Cosmetology Schools Near Me
Check out the Cosmetology schools these cities in Alabama have to offer.
How to Become a Cosmetologist in Alabama
- 1,500 education hours or 3,000 apprentice hours are required to become licensed.
- You must renew your license every 2 years.
- 0 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
- The median salary for cosmetologists in Alabama is $29,660.
- There is a predicted 7% job increase between 2022–2032 for cosmetologists.
The first step to working as a cosmetologist in Alabama is earning your license—you can't work without one. Before you can apply for licensure, you need to meet certain requirements, including:
Alabama Cosmetology Careers
Median yearly salary for cosmetology in Alabama
In 2024, cosmetologists in Alabama earned a median salary of $29,660 or $14.26 per hour. Pay ranged from around $15,740 or less to $49,710 or more.
The amount cosmetologists earn depends on several factors, such as their level of experience, the types of services they offer, and their location. For example, a hairstylist based in a small, rural salon usually earns less than a specialized color expert working in a high-end city spa.
These are the median annual salaries for cosmetologists in metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas across the state:
| Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Areas | 2024 Median Salary |
| Columbus, GA-AL Metro Area | $34,830 |
| Decatur, AL Metro Area | $32,050 |
| Northwest Alabama Balance of State | $31,430 |
| Northeast Alabama Balance of State | $30,830 |
| Tuscaloosa, AL Metro Area | $30,160 |
| Montgomery, AL Metro Area | $30,070 |
| Mobile, AL Metro Area | $29,730 |
Souce: CareerOneStop (2025)
State License Requirements
Required to earn a cosmetology license
The most common way to prepare to earn your cosmetology license is by attending a state-approved cosmetology program. You can find a list of approved schools on the state board website.
Cosmetology programs cover a wide range of different topics, such as:
Programs also often teach students about other aspects of the job, including PR, marketing, and client management. Like cosmetologists, cosmetology schools must be licensed and have to renew their licenses every two years.
Can I Apprentice as a Cosmetologist in Alabama?
It is possible to get your Alabama cosmetologist's license via an apprenticeship. Students who take this route learn through work experience rather than participating in a standard cosmetology program. Apprenticeships have to be completed within three years, and all trainees must accrue at least 3,000 hours of experience before taking the relevant exams and applying for their license.
To be eligible for a cosmetology apprenticeship in Alabama, you must:
Alabama Cosmetology Licensing Requirements
In addition to meeting the demographic requirements and completing classwork or an apprenticeship, Alabama cosmetologists must pass written ($75) and practical ($130) exams.
PSI, which administers the tests, has created an overview of what to expect on your exams.
The cosmetology theory exam lasts for 120 minutes and consists of 100 scored and 10 unscored questions. The topics covered are:
The practical exam is split into timed sections, as follows:
- Workstation Preparation (10 minutes)
- Haircutting (30 minutes)
- Chemical Wave (Varied timing)
- Foil Highlights (25 minutes)
- Hydroxide Virgin Relaxer (25 minutes)
- Haircolor Retouch (25 minutes)
- Blow Dry and Thermal Curl (25 minutes)
- Basic Facial (25 minutes)
- Basic Manicure (25 minutes)
- End-of-day Cleanup (10 minutes)
The state board abides by all ADA requirements and suggests that if students need further assistance during their exams, they get in contact to arrange for it in advance.
Alabama Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity
If you already have a cosmetology license in a different state, you may be eligible for license reciprocity in Alabama.
To apply for reciprocity, the cosmetology board of the state you're currently licensed in must send certification of your licensure to the Alabama state board. You also need to pay a $100 fee and may need to take Alabama's written and practical cosmetology exams, depending on your prior training.
Special reciprocity consideration is available for spouses of active-duty military who are transferring from out of state to Alabama. As long as they meet the Application for Reciprocity and Military Spouse Fee Waiver Application requirements, military spouses can receive the appropriate expedited reciprocal license.
License Renewal
License renewal period
Continuing education required
In Alabama, cosmetologists must renew their licenses every odd-numbered year during the licensee's birth month. Renewals cost $100, but there are no continuing education requirements.
Late renewals come with an additional fee of $54. After four years, all licenses become void, and licensees must re-take their practical exam to regain them and pay fees back to when the license expired.
Contact the Alabama State Board of Cosmetology
- 100 North Union Street, Montgomery, AL 36130
- Website: Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering
- Email: cosmetology@aboc.alabama.gov
- Call: 800-815-7453