Colorado Hair Schools and Requirements
To become a hairdresser in Colorado, you must complete a hairstylist program and pass state exams. This differs from many other states, which require a full cosmetology license. This means you get to sink your teeth into your hairstyling passion without spending time on different topics.
Browse our directory of hair design schools in Colorado, or skip ahead to learn about the state's hair design licensing requirements and job outlook.
Browse All Hair Schools in Colorado
For School Owners
Don't see your school listed? Want to discuss becoming a featured school in the directory? Contact us to learn more.
16534 Keystone Boulevard
Parker, CO 80134
5125 North Academy Boulevard
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Paul Mitchell The School Colorado Springs – Accredited
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
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:
What Hair School Classes Do I Need to Take in Colorado?
Hair school looks similar in all states offering it: You focus on hair and scalp care. Colorado hairstylist programs also include laws, safety, and business management courses. The state requires classes to break down as follows:
Your hairstylist program may choose to add additional hours to their programs.
How Long Does Hair School Take in Colorado?
Colorado hairstylist programs last for 1,200 contact hours or 40 credit hours. One contact hour is 50 minutes of class and at least one five-minute break. One credit hour is thirty contact hours. Schools get to choose which term to use. Your hair school program should take about one year of full-time study.
What's On the Colorado Hairstylist License Tests?
The two CO Hairstylist Examinations cover everything you should have learned in your hair school, with one testing you in writing and the other examining your practical work. The practical test takes 115 minutes, and the written test takes 100 minutes.
When you apply to take your tests, you must pay a $28 fee if you haven't already taken a test or your previous exam application has expired. You must also pay a $28 fee if you have already taken the practical test and are applying for the written one.
In addition to that application fee, you must pay $69 for your practical and $55 for your written test. If you have to retake your tests, that's another $119.
After passing your tests, you can get your Colorado hairstylist license. You need to renew your license by March 31st of every even-numbered year. If you got your first license within 120 days before the renewal date, you don't have to renew until the next even-numbered year.
What Can a Colorado Hairstylist Do?
Colorado hairstylists can cut and style hair, change hair colors, and provide perms or chemical straightening services. Many other states only allow hairdressers to perform things like updos!
If you want to do more than hair, consider taking a cosmetology program.
How Much Do Colorado Hairstylists Make?
Average yearly salary for hair design in Colorado
As of 2022, hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists in Colorado earn an average of $46,340 annually ($22.28 per hour). Remember that that amount doesn't include self-employed stylists, and many hairdressers choose that route.
Your exact pay will depend on where you live, your experience, how many clients you have, and other factors.
Contact the Colorado State Board of Cosmetology
- 1560 Broadway Suite 1350, Denver, CO 80202
- Website: Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure
- Email: dora_barber-cosmetology@state.co.us
- Call: 303-894-7800
- Fax: 303-894-0364