Hair Braiding Programs in Arizona

The exciting new field of hair braiding presents plenty of opportunities to prospective beauty students. Learn more about this specialty here at BeautySchools.com and let us help you find a braiding school near you!

Hair Braider Training in Arizona

Hair braiding is very popular in Arizona; this has led to the creation of several independent hair braiding schools. In addition to standalone braiding schools, there are several cosmetology schools in Arizona that offer braiding programs.

Find Hair Braiding Programs in Arizona

The length of your hair braiding program depends largely on what your school deems necessary, since the state of Arizona does not have any minimum training requirements. Some schools pack up to 30 hours of training into one weekend, while other schools require several months of daily training.

In your hair braiding program, you can plan on learning several different hair manipulation techniques. Popular techniques include braiding, twisting, locking, cornrowing, and weaving. Before you try these techniques yourself, you watch videos and observe your instructor performing them on a mannequin head. After you have perfected your technique on multiple mannequin heads, you may practice on real clients.

While most programs in Arizona fully train you in all five types of braiding, some schools allow you to choose one or two techniques to specialize in. This is particularly beneficial if you know that one type of braiding is preferred in your area.

Licensing and Certification Requirements in Arizona for Hair Braiding

Arizona is one of few states in the country that does not have any licensing requirements for hair braiders. In fact, the Arizona Board of Cosmetology specifically frees hair braiders from the education and licensure requirements set forth by the Board of Cosmetology. However, if you plan on using hair dye, reactive chemicals, straightening chemicals, or curling chemicals, you must be licensed as a cosmetologist.

This is a relatively new development in Arizona cosmetology law. The Institute for Justice reports that until 2004, hair braiding was considered cosmetology. As a result, you had to complete 1,600 hours of classroom instruction to work as a hair braider. In 2004, the Board of Cosmetology passed a law exempting hair braiders from cosmetology licensing.

Career Outlook and Employment Opportunities for Hair Braiders in Arizona

Once you have mastered your chosen hair braiding techniques, you can begin your career as a braider. There are two main paths you can take in your career. First, you may rent a chair or get hired by a full-service salon to offer braiding treatments. Most hair braiders complete the majority of their work during evening and weekend hours.

You may also look into owning your own hair braiding salon if you do not want to work for a full-service salon. This can offer you more freedom in when you work, since you may be able to work by appointment only. If you go this route, you will likely need to take on the tasks required of business owners. You may spend some of your time paying bills, scheduling clients, and maintaining salon cleanliness.

Although hair braiding has grown rapidly in the last decade, it is still a relatively new profession. As a result, there is little information available about braiding salaries. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that hair stylists earn an average salary of $25,800 per year. Your salary depends on how much of a client base you build and what services you offer, so you can maximize your income potential by ensuring client satisfaction and offering a variety of braiding services.