How to Become a Makeup Artist in Alaska

Browse our directory of makeup artistry schools in Alaska, or skip ahead to learn about the state's makeup artistry licensing requirements and job outlook.

How to Become a Makeup Artist in Alaska

You need a hairdresser or esthetician license to become a makeup artist in Alaska. The state doesn't make exceptions for freelance makeup artists, with the state laws saying that anyone who does makeup for pay has to have an Alaska esthetics or hairdresser license.

These programs require different hours and focus on different things, so let's dive into your options to help you make the right decision.

Wait, Why Can Hairdressers Be Makeup Artists in Alaska?

In the 1980s, Alaska separated cosmetology into two sections: Hairdressing and esthetics. Both can do makeup and makeup-related tasks, but that's pretty much the only place they overlap.

Should I Go to Esthetics or Hair School to Be a Makeup Artist in Alaska?

You should compare hair and esthetics curriculums in Alaska when deciding which path to take to become a makeup artist. Luckily, we've done the legwork for you! Well, at least for some main points.

• Alaska hairdressing school lasts for 1,650 training hours, while esthetics school goes for 350.
• But hairdressers only have to do 15 makeup applications, while estheticians perform at least 50.
• Only estheticians can cleanse and manipulate skin.
• Only estheticians can use electricity in skin care.
• Both estheticians and hairdressers can apply false eyelashes and perform manual hair removal.
• Hairdressers can do nails, but estheticians can't.

You may see references to a "limited esthetics" license if you do some digging. That simply covers the limited skin care procedures hairdressers can do. Alaska hairdressers are considered to have hair, nail, and limited esthetics licenses.

So, choosing between hair and esthetician licenses to become a makeup artist in Alaska comes down to two things:

• How long do you want to spend in school?
• What do you want to learn?

Before jumping into one or the other, remember this important point for makeup artists: Alaska hair students only have to do makeup 15 times, while esthetics students have to perform at least 50 makeup procedures. If you want to be a makeup artist in Alaska, period, then esthetics may be best. But hairdressing could be for you if you want to be more of an all-around beauty pro.

Remember: You aren't locked into one or the other for life. You can return to school to earn an additional beauty license anytime! If you want to only do esthetics and, say, manicuring, you can also return to school to add on that license.

As in almost every other state, you must take standardized tests to become a licensed beauty pro in Alaska.

Want to learn more about Alaska hair school and esthetician school? We've got you covered!

READ MORE: Learn More About Alaska Hairdresser School

READ MORE: Learn More About Alaska Esthetician School

Are There Apprenticeships for Alaska Makeup Artists?

Yes, you can earn your esthetician or hairdressing license to become a makeup artist in Alaska via an apprenticeship! Apprenticeships allow hands-on learners to learn by doing a bit more than schooling does.

READ MORE: Learn More About Cosmetology Apprenticeships

READ MORE: Learn More About Esthetics Apprenticeships

What If I Have a Makeup Artist License and Move to Alaska? Do I Need to Go Back to School?

If only there was a hard "yes" or "no" answer to this! The law is a bit murky, so the best way to find out about your situation is to contact the Alaska Board of Barbers and Hairdressers.

Alaska Makeup Artist Salary

ZipRecruiter reports that makeup artists in Alaska earn an average of $67,062 per year ($32 per hour) as of 2023. This is higher than the national average of just under $61,000. Things like location, employer, and years of service affect pay rates.

This site uses job listing details and other data pieces to determine how much makeup artists earn. This means there's little to no representation of self-employed or freelance makeup artists in Alabama or elsewhere. If you want to get a stronger idea of how much you could earn, talk to other makeup artists in the state.

Contact the Alaska State Board of Cosmetology