Kentucky Hair Braiding School and Requirements

Kentucky hair braiders don't need to attend school or get a license. However, depending on your goals, you may want to get a cosmetology or barbering license. In this piece, we'll talk about what hair braiders in Kentucky can do, when you might consider getting a license, and how much you may get paid.

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

How to Become a Hair Braider in Kentucky

Kentucky hair braiders may perform natural hair services that don't involve changing the structure of the hair itself. So, they may:

• Use natural or synthetic hair extensions or fibers,
• Apply beads or other hair accessories,
• Twist, wrap, weave, extend, lock, or braid hair,
• Use topical treatments like shampoo and pomade,
• Make wigs,
• Only trim tiny amounts of hair as necessary for creating braids and other designs.

If what you're doing can affect the hair long-term—such as cutting, dyeing, or using keratin bonds—you need a cosmetology license.

When Braiders Should Consider a Kentucky Cosmetology License

You need a cosmetology license to use chemical hair products, cut hair, run a salon, or use your skills to teach or demonstrate product use in Kentucky. Essentially, if you perform hair services beyond working on natural hair without affecting it and are paid, you need a Kentucky cosmetology license.

However, if you're unpaid or provide cosmetology treatments as a small part of your job in a particular work environment, you may be able to work without a license. Some permitted workplaces are:

• Department of Corrections,
• Department of Juvenile Justice,
• Funeral service businesses,
• Medical facilities,
• Military

Of course, if you want to provide more services than braiding, you must attend cosmetology school. Cosmetology programs in the state run for 1,500 hours and focus mainly on hair services.

You might also consider a cosmetology program if you want to be a braider but have little to no training. Unlike most states, hair braiding is part of the required cosmetology curriculum in Kentucky.

READ MORE: Learn About Cosmetology School in Kentucky

Kentucky Hair Braiding Salary

According to ZipRecruiter, as of December 2023, the average pay for Kentucky's work-from-home hair braiders is $38,032 annually. However, this only includes those who work from home, so braiders in salons or other locations aren't included.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which only reports pay for those employed by others, says the state's hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists averaged $28,440 per year in 2022.

The best way to figure out how much you can make as a Kentucky hair braider is by talking to working braiders in your area in your chosen type of workplace.

Contact the Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology