Connecticut Hair Braiding Schools and Requirements

You don't need a license to braid hair in Connecticut, but you do need one to cut, color, or use chemicals on clients' hair.

Read on to learn what Connecticut hair braiders can (and can't) do, the pros and cons of getting a license, and how much you may earn as a hair braider. Browse our directory of hair braiding schools in Connecticut, or skip ahead to learn about the state's hair braiding licensing requirements and job outlook.

What Hair Braiders in Connecticut Can Do

In Connecticut, hair braiders can shampoo and braid hair. Hair braiding includes anything involving braiding, corn rowing, locking, twisting, or providing natural hairstyles without using chemicals or scissors on the person's hair.

If you want to be able to cut, dye, or use chemicals on clients' hair, you need to get a Connecticut hairdressing license.

Pros and Cons of Getting a License to Braid Hair in Connecticut

Whether or not to go to hairdressing school to braid hair in Connecticut depends on what you want to do in your career and how you feel about going to hair school.

Connecticut hairdressers are the equivalent of cosmetologists in most other states. This means they can:

• Cut hair
• Dye and bleach hair
• Use chemicals to straighten or curl hair
• Offer more in-depth hair treatments
• Provide makeup, nail, and basic skin services

However, they need to spend 1,500 hours in hair school or complete an apprenticeship, plus pass tests. On average, the 1,500 hours take about a year to complete.

If you aren't ready to spend that time (and money), you can split the difference by beginning as a hair braider. This way, you can earn money while determining if this field is right for you before starting a hair school program.

READ MORE: Learn More About Hairdressing School in Connecticut

Connecticut Hair Braider Salary

In Connecticut, hair braiders typically earn between $14.66 and $23.37 per hour ($30,492.80 and $48,609.60 per year) as of October 2023, according to ZipRecruiter. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that hairdressers average $38,420 annually ($18.47 per hour) as of 2022. Neither of those amounts includes self-employed people, as the BLS uses information from employers to find averages.

How much you could earn as a hair braider in Connecticut depends on your location, type of workplace, years of experience, specialties, and other relevant factors. Speak to other hair braiders who align with your goals to get a good idea of your potential pay.

Contact the Connecticut State Board of Cosmetology