Alabama Hair Braiding School and Requirements

Browse our directory of hair braiding schools in Alabama, or skip ahead to learn about the state's hair braiding licensing requirements and job outlook.

How to Become a Hair Braider in Alabama

Hair braiders in Alabama must complete natural hair school or an apprenticeship, pass two tests, and get a natural hair stylist license. Natural hair licenses focus on the care and treatment of natural Black hair, making it a highly specialized license meeting a specific need. But you could also consider a cosmetology license if you want to have a broader set of skills with less specialization.

How Do I Become a Natural Hair Stylist and Braider in Alabama?

Alabama requires natural hairstylists and hair braiders to undergo a 210-hour school program or 420-hour apprenticeship, pass two tests, and be at least 16 with a 10^th-grade education to get a Natural Hair Stylist license.

Your hair braiding program should teach you about everything on the licensure test, including:

• Client Relations: Consultations, hair analysis, etc.
• Tools and supplies
• Hair Services and Procedures: Shampooing, braiding, twisting, locking, design principles, etc.
• Hygiene and Sanitation

If you go through hands-on training in a shop, you have a max of six months to complete your 420 hours. Your studies need to include:

• Braiding, weaving, extending, and locking: 270 hours
• Science and sanitation: 130 hours
• Shampooing: 20 hours

Alabama Natural Hair Stylist License Exams

Once you're done with training, you need to take your Alabama natural hair stylist license exams: a practical test and a theory test.

The Alabama natural hair practical exam lasts one hour and 40 minutes and is divided into eight parts:

• Work Area Setup and Client Prep: 15 minutes
• Visible Cornrow Braid Extension: 15 minutes
• Invisible Cornrow Braid: 10 minutes
• Individual Braid Extension: 10 minutes
• Work Area Setup and New Client Preparation: 15 minutes
• Horizontal Braid for Sew-In: 10 minutes
• Sew-in Weft Attachment and Shaping: 15 minutes
• Blood Exposure Procedure: 10 minutes

You also need to remove anything you added to the hair.

The 85-question theory exam is a written test covering sanitation, safety, and natural hair care and services.

What Can Natural Hairstylists in Alabama Do?

Alabama's natural hairstylists and braiders may perform chemical-free, non-cutting treatments on natural hair. Braiding, weaving, cleaning, locking, extending, and similar procedures are allowed, but dyeing, chemical straightening or perming, and haircutting aren't.

If you want to use chemicals and cutting tools on hair in Alabama, you should get a cosmetology license. Cosmetology programs don't devote much time to natural hair procedures, though Alabama requires some focus on these topics. So, you can do it all if you go for cosmetology rather than braiding.

READ MORE: Learn More About Alabama Cosmetology School

Alabama Hair Braiding Salary

According to ZipRecruiter, hair braiders in Alabama earn $16,251 to $92,629 per year, with an average earning of $39,457 ($19 per hour). Pay varies based on years of work, skill level, location, workplace, and more.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics, a government agency reporting salaries, doesn't separate hair braiding from other hair careers. However, they say Alabama hairstylists, hairdressers, and cosmetologists averaged $36,140 per year as of 2022, so the hair braiding salary reported by ZipRecruiter is likely close to the norm. The best way to determine how much you could earn is to talk to other braiders near you.

Contact the Alabama State Board of Cosmetology