Arizona Hair Braiding Schools and Requirements

Arizona doesn't require licensure or certification for hair braiders, as most people with this interest typically learn these skills in their homes. That said, you may want to get a license to perform other hair treatments, including haircuts, or if you want to be a hair braider but have no experience.

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

How to Become a Hair Braider in Arizona

What Can Arizona Hair Braiders Do?

Hair braiders in Arizona can create hairdos that use tension on hair strands or roots. This includes wrapping, extending, locking, braiding, and twisting.

However, Arizona doesn't let hair braiders go further than that. You can't dye, chemically curl or straighten, or cut hair. If you want to offer any services beyond tension-related treatments, you need a cosmetology or hairstylist license.

Should I Get a Cosmetology or Hairstylist License to Braid Hair in Arizona?

Though you don't need a license to braid hair in Arizona, you may want to consider a hairstyling or cosmetology license to perform other services. However, these two licenses have different requirements and allow you to do different things.

• Cosmetology licenses take 1,500 training hours, while hairstyling license training runs 1,000 hours.
• Both can use chemicals, cut hair, and provide braiding and natural hair services.
• Cosmetologists can offer services beyond hair, like makeup and nails, while hairstylists can only do hair.

After completing either cosmetology or hairstyling school, you must go through exams and apply for your license.

If you don't want to undergo any training before beginning an Arizona hair braiding career, that's fine! But if you feel you need braiding and natural hair training or want to offer clients additional services, whether you choose a cosmetology or hairstyling license is up to you.

READ MORE: Learn More About Cosmetology School in Arizona

READ MORE: Learn More About Hair School in Arizona

Hair Braider Salary in Arizona

As of 2023, there's no solid information about hair braiding salaries in Arizona. But ZipRecruiter, which estimates pay based on employers' job listings and a few other factors, states that the national average pay for hair braiders is about $36,119 per year ($17 per hour).

Zooming out a bit, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from Arizona says hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists in the state earn $42,070 ($20.23) as of 2022. Since cosmetologists are licensed and hair braiders aren't, this affects the BLS information for hair braiders. It's best to consider your workplace, years of experience, areas of expertise, and more to better understand how much you could earn.

Contact the Arizona State Board of Cosmetology