Alabama Hair Schools and Requirements
Do you want to learn how to become a hairstylist in Alabama? We're here to help! Browse our directory of hair design schools in Alabama, or skip ahead to learn about the state's hair design licensing requirements and job outlook.
Browse All Hair Schools in Alabama
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You must attend a school that meets any licensure requirements as defined by your state. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited or state-approved school.
Related Beauty Careers
Not sure this is the right fit for you? Learn more about other career options in the beauty industry. Related specializations include:
How to Become a Hair Designer in Alabama
- 1,000 - 1,500 education hours or 2,000 - 3,000 apprentice hours are required to become licensed.
- The median salary for cosmetologists in Alabama is $29,660.
- There is a predicted 7% job increase between 2022 and 2032 for Alabama cosmetologists, hairdressers, and hairstylists.
To become a hairstylist in Alabama, you must have a full cosmetology or barber license. Cosmetology and barbering differ, so decide what you want your career to look like before enrolling in any program.
If you're unsure which route to take to become an Alabama hair professional, read on to learn about your license options and how much you could earn as a hairdresser in the state.
What License Should I Get to Become a Hairstylist in Alabama?
Required to earn a hair design license
You need to get an Alabama cosmetology or barber license to become a hairdresser in the state. Which you choose hinges on how long you want to study and what you want to do upon getting your license.
| Cosmetologist | Barber |
| 1,500 class hours or 3,000 apprenticeship hours to obtain licensure | 1,000 class hours or 2,000 apprenticeship hours to obtain licensure |
| Can cut hair | Can cut hair |
| Can use chemicals on hair | Can use chemicals on hair |
| Can provide braids and weaves | Cannot provide braids and weaves |
| Cannot shave or trim beards | Can shave or trim beards |
Details from Prometric (2023)
Neither barbers nor cosmetologists are restricted to working with any particular gender. The hairdressing license you need deals more with hair length than whose scalp it comes from.
The big difference in terms of hair? The length. Barber programs usually focus on shorter hair, while cosmetology programs often focus on longer hair. All hair lengths need styling, and that's where Alabama's hairdressers can come in!
READ MORE: Learn More About Cosmetology School in AL
READ MORE: Learn More About Barber School in AL
But what if you want to work with natural hair and braiding? Cosmetologists or natural hairstylists can do that! Cosmetologists undergo a lengthy program, allowing them to perform many procedures. In contrast, Alabama's natural hair specialists undergo 210 class hours (or 420 apprenticeship hours). They can only perform hairstyles that don't require scissors or chemicals on natural hair.
READ MORE: Learn More About Hair Braiding School in AL
Alabama Hairstylist Salary
Average yearly salary for hair design in Alabama
As of 2024, the median salary for Alabama hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists is $29,660, according to CareerOneStop. This government source uses data that was voluntarily reported by businesses and doesn't include self-employed workers. The actual amount that beauty professionals earn is often higher than the government's estimate because of limited business participation.
If you look at ZipRecuiter, you'll find information gathered from job listings and a few outside sources. According to that resource, the average pay for Alabama hairstylists is $39,597 as of November 23, 2025. However, self-employed hairdressers still aren't included.
Your specific pay will vary based on years of experience, location, skill level, and more. The best way to estimate what you could make is to ask other local hairdressers what they make.
As of 2024, the top five areas of Alabama for hairdresser pay are:
| Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Areas | 2024 Median Salary |
| Columbus, GA-AL | $34,830 |
| Decatur, AL | $32,050 |
| Northwest Alabama Balance of State | $31,430 |
| Northeast Alabama Balance of State | $30,830 |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $30,160 |
Source: CareerOneStop (2025)
CareerOneStop reports that the number of hairdresser jobs in Alabama is expected to grow by 7% between 2022 and 2032. This is on par with the national projection.