Hair stylists in Alaska provide an essential service, helping people to look and feel their best. In addition to providing basic hair care services, stylists also offer a wide range of treatments, including coloring, highlights, and extensions. As a result, stylists play an important role in the local beauty industry. Fortunately, several hair schools in Alaska offer the necessary courses for you to become a licensed hair stylist in the state.
In addition to providing an essential service, being a hair stylist in Alaska means you can enjoy a number of unique benefits. For starters, the state’s scenic beauty provides a perfect backdrop for styling hair. In addition, the state’s cool climate is ideal for keeping hair healthy and looking its best. Finally, hair stylists in Alaska enjoy strong demand for their services. Due to the state’s small population, there is a limited supply of stylists relative to the number of people who need their services. As a result, hair stylists in Alaska typically enjoy high levels of job security and earning potential.
On this page, you’ll find a number of local educational centers offering courses in hair design in Alaska, along with valuable information about earning your license.
Hair Schools in Alaska
What are the state requirements for hair designers in Alaska?
You’ll need to attend a licensed hair school or take on an apprenticeship to earn your license in Alaska. For an apprenticeship, that means 2,000 hours, or you’ll need 1,650 hours of classroom time. Most programs can be completed in under a year, and once you’ve met your hourly requirements you’ll need to pass both a written and proficiency exam (which replaced the practical exam in 2020).
Once you’ve earned your hair stylist license in Alaska you’ll have to renew your license every two years (which comes with a fee), but there are no state requirements for continuing education to maintain once you have your license.
How Much Do Alaska Hair Schools Cost?
At a minimum, you can expect to pay $7,000 to $8,000 to get into an accredited cosmetology school program with a hair design program.
Required Skills and Classes
Most Alaska hair schools will require you have a high school degree or the equivalent – and they won’t accept candidates younger than 16 years old. Depending on the route you choose, you may also spend time working under a licensed hairdresser’s supervision as you build your skills. You can expect to learn about the latest hairstyles, as well as staple techniques like hair straightening, dying, highlights, up dos, and more.
Along with learning about modern hairstyles, you’ll also get educated on the types of chemicals you’ll come in contact with on a day-to-day basis. You’ll also learn about the various tools hair stylists use. There is a lot of information to digest, and a lot of memorization – so be prepared for that when you start your program.
State Licensing Exams
To become a hair stylist in Alaska, you’ll need to pass both components of the Board of Barbers and Hairdressers exam. This includes a written exam and then a proficiency exam.
You’ll need to fill out an application and pay the $150 fee, and then a $60 exam fee. You can see the available dates on the website.
How Much Do Hair Stylists Make in Alaska?
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, as of May 2021 hair stylists in Alaska made an average of $13.87 per hour or $28,860 annually.
Does Alaska Have Continuing Education Requirements for Hair Stylists?
Unlike some other cosmetology-related jobs, hair designers in Alaska are not subject to any ongoing continuing education requirements – you’ll simply need to pay the fee and fill out your renewal application every two years with the state board.
Contact Information for Licensing Board
The Alaska Board of Cosmetology and Barbering can be reached through the information below:
Website: Alaska Board of Barbers and Hairdressers
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (907) 465-1158
