Cosmetology Schools in Alaska
Unlike most other states, Alaska doesn't have an all-encompassing cosmetology license. Instead, the state divides this field into separate hairdressing and esthetics licenses. Alaska's hairdressing license is more similar to traditional cosmetology than esthetics, as it's much broader. It covers haircutting, chemical services and other hair treatments, hair removal, manicuring, and makeup. Esthetics goes in-depth on skincare.
If you already know which path you want to take, head to the Alaska hairdressing school page or the Alaska esthetician school page to learn more about each topic. However, if you're not totally sure, read on for a bird's-eye view of the licenses so you can make an informed decision about your beauty career!
Browse our directory of cosmetology schools in Alaska, or skip ahead to learn about the state's cosmetology licensing requirements and job outlook.
Browse All Cosmetology Schools in Alaska
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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:
Cosmetology Schools Near Me
Check out the Cosmetology schools these cities in Alaska have to offer.
How to Become a Cosmetologist in Alaska
- Cosmetology School Hours: 1,650 (hair); 350 (esthetics)
- Cosmetology Apprenticeship Hours: 3,000 (hair); 350 (esthetics)
- Renewal Years: 2
- Continuing Education Requirements: N/A
- Median Alaska Cosmetologist Salary: $44,700
What to Expect from a Cosmetology Program in Alaska
Time to Complete a Cosmetology Program in Alaska
What happens in an approved beauty program in Alaska depends on whether you're pursuing hairdressing or esthetics. No matter which way you go, you'll spend time in classes and on the floor putting your learning into practice. In fact, Alaska requires beauty students complete specific minimum numbers of different kinds of treatments before graduation.
Alaska hairdressing school runs for 1,650 hours, 185 of which are theoretical instruction. The remaining hours are spent practicing makeup, nailcare, and hair services. None of the curriculum covers skincare beyond what's required for makeup (e.g., analyzing skin to make sure makeup is safe to apply).
Esthetics programs in Alaska are much shorter, running for 350 hours, of which 40 are theoretical. The hands-on portion involves manual and electrical skincare services (facials, dermal lights, etc.), eyebrow arching and hair removal, and makeup.
Brows and makeup are the only places where the two programs cover the same topics.
Can I Become a Cosmetologist via an Apprenticeship in Alaska?
In Alaska, you can earn your hairdressing license via a 2,000-hour apprenticeship or your esthetics license via a 350-hour apprenticeship. The hairdressing apprenticeship needs to last for no less than one year and no more than two years, and the esthetics apprenticeship needs to last for at least six months but no more than one year.