Cosmetology Schools in Idaho

What to Expect from a Cosmetology Program in Idaho

Completing a cosmetology program at a board-approved school is the most straightforward path to an Idaho cosmetology career. Idaho cosmetology programs lean on experienced professionals to teach the next generation of beauty professionals.

Standout schools provide a mix of theoretical and practical training, allowing you to gain extensive hands-on training under the watchful eye of an experienced instructor.

If you go this route, you graduate with 1,600 clock hours of cosmetology instruction, typically taking about a year to complete. Accredited schools must follow the Board’s curriculum requirements.

The curriculum is divided into sections corresponding to the service areas you can provide once licensed. This includes hair cutting and styling, manicuring and pedicuring, skincare, and electrology.

The essential topics you’ll cover are:

• Electricity as it applies to cosmetology
• Hair coloring, bleaching, and tinting
• Hair cutting, waving, styling
• Head, face, and neck structure
• Histology of hair, skin, muscles, nails, and nerves
• Massage
• Skin, hair, nail, and gland diseases
• Idaho cosmetology laws and rules

Some of the more specific topics you'll study are:

• Artificial nails
• Bleaching
• Creative hair styling
• Disinfection
• Facials, makeup, and arches
• Frosting highlights
• Hair coloring
• Hair cutting and shaping (razor and scissors)
• Laws and rules
• Manicures
• Pedicures
• Permanent waves
• Scalp treatment
• Tinting

Can I Apprentice as a Cosmetologist in Idaho?

Instead of going through a formal cosmetology program at a board-approved school, you can get your training as an apprentice under the guidance of a licensed cosmetologist.

Apprenticeships are 3,200 clock hours and must be completed within 104 weeks. Apprentices must be registered with the state (for $30) before they can study, learn, and work alongside licensed cosmetologist instructors. Throughout your apprenticeship, you encounter the same concepts and skills as students in a formal cosmetology program.

Salons that employ apprentices have to keep a daily log of your attendance. When your apprenticeship is over, the establishment must certify to the Board that you have completed your hours of training.

Idaho Cosmetology Board Exams

An essential step in the Idaho cosmetology licensure process is passing a written and practical exam. The state's cosmetology tests were created by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC). You’re eligible for exams after you complete your formal cosmetology program or apprenticeship.

The practical exam, which comes with an $88 fee, has 10 timed core sections. These are:

1. Setting up your workstation and preparing your client: 15 minutes
2. Thermal curling: 10 minutes
3. Hair cutting: 35 minutes
4. Work area setup and preparing for a new client: 15 minutes
5. Chemical waving: 20 minutes
6. Predisposition test and strand test: 10 minutes
7. Highlighting hair using different methods: 15 minutes
8. Hair color retouch: 10 minutes
9. Virgin hair relaxer: 15 minutes
10. Blood exposure procedure: 10 minutes

Idaho requires cosmetologists to be tested on two other elements that aren’t required for the basic NIC exam: eyebrow hair removal (untimed) and manicuring (20 minutes).

The $120 written exam is broken into four subject areas. It’s a 110-question multiple-choice exam. The topic areas and percentages of the exam include:

• Scientific Concepts: 35% of questions
• Hair Care and Services: 45% of questions
• Skincare and Services: 10% of questions
• Nail Care and Services: 10% of questions

Both exams have passing scores of 75.

Getting Your Cosmetology License in Idaho

Earning a cosmetology license in Idaho requires more than completing training and passing exams. The other qualifications for licensure include:

• Being at least 16 ½ years old
• Having completed at least two years of high school or the equivalent

The path to licensure is:

1. Select a board-approved school or find a licensed cosmetologist to supervise your apprenticeship.
2. If you choose to earn your license through schooling, check out your financial aid options if applicable to you.
3. Complete a 1,600-hour cosmetology course at a board-approved school or clock 3,200 hours as an apprentice.
4. Register for and pass your cosmetology license
5. Submit your application with associated fees.

Several things bar you from licensure, including felony charges or poor moral conduct. Examples of poor moral conduct are committing malpractice, practicing while knowingly having a bloodborne infection, and previously working as a cosmetologist without a license.

Cosmetology Specialties in Idaho

If you want to work in the beauty industry in Idaho but don't think a cosmetology license is right for you, the state offers a variety of other cosmetology careers. While many of these beauty fields require state-approved training, a few don't.

The following cosmetology specialties require formal training in Idaho:

• Barber: 900 hours
• Barber-stylist: 1,500 hours
• Electrologist: 600 hours
• Esthetician: 600 hours
• Nail Technician: 400 hours

You don't need to go through any formal training to apply makeup or other cosmetics as part of retail sales, work as a natural hair stylist, or be a makeup artist.

Though formal training may not be required, your employer can expect you to complete some education. Clients may also appreciate evidence that you're an expert in your field. Though training doesn't need to be through a state-approved program, you could find a mentor, learn from a relative, or go through training at work.

Be sure to create and update your beauty resume and portfolio to keep those clients knocking on your door!

Idaho Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity

If you hold a valid cosmetology license in another state with similar licensure requirements as Idaho, you can earn your license through endorsement. This means you don’t have to complete an Idaho cosmetology program or pass the state exams.

If you’re a member of the armed services or the spouse of someone who is, the licensure process can be expedited. Moreover, any relevant training you receive in the armed forces can count towards the training hours you must complete.