Cosmetology Schools in Oklahoma

Oklahoma has a bustling beauty industry, with the state cosmetology board issuing approximately 56,000 licenses every year to beauty students in the state. Ready to join their ranks? Browse our directory of cosmetology schools in Oklahoma, or skip ahead to learn about the state's cosmetology licensing requirements and job outlook.

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Oklahoma

If you want to work as a cosmetologist in Oklahoma and provide beauty services, you need a cosmetology license. Aspiring cosmetologists must meet several Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering requirements before licensure, including:

• Being at least 16 years old
• Having at an eighth-grade or higher education
• Completing 1,500 hours of training at an approved school or a 3,000-hour apprenticeship
• Passing written and practical exams
• Applying for a cosmetology license
• Paying the relevant fees

Those with a criminal background may need to fill out additional paperwork as part of their license application, but it doesn’t automatically disqualify you from earning your license.

Oklahoma Cosmetology Careers

Cosmetologists in Oklahoma earned an average salary of $27,630 annually in 2021 ($13.38 per hour). This wage is below the national average of $35,990, but Oklahoma is a more affordable place to live than many other parts of the country. Salaries vary across the state, ranging from about $18,000 to $39,000 per year.

Employment projections are fairly promising for cosmetologists in Oklahoma, with a 15% estimated job growth between 2020-2030.

The amount you can earn as a cosmetologist in Oklahoma will vary depending on several factors, such as the services you offer, your level of experience, and where you're based.

These are median cosmetologist salaries in several metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas in Oklahoma:

Table information sourced from O*Net (2022)

State License Requirements

Before obtaining a cosmetology license in Oklahoma, you have to complete at least 1,500 training hours at a licensed cosmetology school. The exact curriculum of each program may differ slightly, but according to state law, they must all cover the following:

1. Theory: 150 hours
2. Manicuring and Pedicuring: 90 hours
3. Facials: 30 hours
4. Scalp Treatments: 30 hours
5. Shampooing and Conditioning: 60 hours
6. Hair Styling: 390 hours
7. Hair Color Treatments: 120 hours
8. Hair Cutting and Shaping: 180 hours
9. Lashes and Brows: 30 hours
10. Personality and Shop Management: 180 hours
11. Hair restructuring, Permanent Waving, and Chemical Relaxing: 240 hours

Can I Apprentice as a Cosmetologist in Oklahoma?

It is possible to gain cosmetology licensure in Oklahoma via an apprenticeship. Cosmetology apprentices in Oklahoma must complete at least 3,000 hours of training. All apprentice training hours need to occur in an approved establishment under the supervision of a licensed instructor.

Oklahoma Cosmetology Licensing Requirements

To get licensed via a cosmetology program, you must complete at least 1,500 hours at an approved school. Once you’ve completed your hours, you should be ready to take your exams and apply for your license.

You need to take and pass a written theory exam and a practical exam to be eligible for licensure. Currently, PSI Services administers the written portion of the exam, and the state board administers the practical exam in association with the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC). You must achieve a passing grade of 75% on both tests.

You can apply for your exams, $45 each, up to 100 hours before completing your training program. You never lose your training hours, but you do have to pass the exams within one year of course completion. If this date passes, you must complete extra review hours to be eligible to register again.

The written exam takes 90 minutes to complete and is available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Korean. In accordance with American Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations, students who believe they may need additional accommodations with their exams may request it at the time of registration.

The exam covers several topics, including scientific concepts, hair care and services, skin care, and nail care. You’ll receive your score immediately after exam completion.

On the day of your practical exam, plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start time, with all of your supplies labeled in English. You’ll cover the following topics:

1. Work Area and First Client Prep: 15 minutes
2. Thermal Curling: 10 minutes
3. Hair Cutting: 30 minutes
4. Work Area and New Client Prep: 15 minutes
5. Chemical Waving: 20 minutes
6. Predisposition Test and Strand Test: 10 minutes
7. Highlighting with Foil, Virgin Application: 15 minutes
8. Hair Color Retouch: 10 minutes
9. Virgin Hair Relaxer Application: Untimed
10. Blood Exposure Procedure: 10 minutes

If you fail either of the exams, you can re-register within one year and take it again. If you have not achieved licensure after one year, you must retake both parts of the exam.

Oklahoma Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity

If you currently hold a cosmetology license in another state, you may be able to transfer it to Oklahoma via reciprocity. To apply for this, you must provide the state board with a completed application form, as well as proof of your current license from the agency that granted it. Applying for a cosmetology license via reciprocity costs $65.

Cosmetology Specialties in Oklahoma

If you already have your license but want to expand your services and skills, you can train to become a teacher. With your cosmetology license, two years of recent licensed work experience, and 300 hours of training, you can earn your license as a master cosmetology instructor helping students realize their goals of becoming beauty professionals.

License Renewal

Cosmetology licenses in Oklahoma are valid for one year and must be renewed annually. They expire on the last day of the licensee’s birthday month and cost $25. There are no continuing education requirements, but it’s always wise to stay on top of new techniques in the field to ensure your services are relevant.

If your license has been expired for more than two months, you have to pay an additional $10 penalty fee. Licensees who let their license expire for longer (up to five years) might still be eligible for renewal, though back fees and penalties may apply. After five years, you must complete additional review hours and retake your written and practical exams to become licensed again.

Contact the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology

Oklahoma is state for trailblazers, further underscored by the many individuals who forge their own paths there. Cosmetologists are starting to make up a lion’s share of this group. To that end, their journey to become purveyors of fine hair care begins with these provided resources.

The Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering
The state board in charge of licensing provides extensive resources for cosmetologists on their site, including FAQs, forms and applications, licensing and renewal information, and more.

Professional Beauty Association of Oklahoma
This organization for beauty professionals in Oklahoma shares industry information and seeks to further conversations about the future of the beauty industry in the state.