The average person spends around $50 a month on hair care, and that number only goes up as people age. That means there’s always a demand for good hair stylists. If you live in Colorado, you’re in luck. The state is home to some of the best hair schools in the country.
By becoming a hair stylist, you can enjoy a creative career that lets you express yourself while helping others look their best. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to build lasting relationships with your clients. And with the average salary for hair stylists hovering around $30,000 a year, you can earn a good living while doing something you love.
This site is designed to inform aspiring hair designers and hairstylists about what it takes to earn their license and where to find hair schools in their area. Let’s take a look at some details about the programs available in Colorado.
Hair Schools in Colorado
You’ll need a significant amount of education to become a licensed hairstylist in Colorado. The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies requires hairstylists to complete 1,200 contact hours working on clients and 40 credit hours from a program approved by either the Division of Private Occupational Schools (DPOS) or the Colorado Community College System (CCCS). Upon completion, you’ll receive your transcripts to prove you’ve finished this requirement.
Upon completing your hour requirements, you’ll need to pass the state exam to become a licensed hairstylist in Colorado. The test is administered by PSI Services. They will only allow you to take the exam if you’re at least 16 years old.
If you’re already licensed in another state, you can submit an endorsement application online. You’ll need your previous state’s license number and expiration date as well as any documentation you have on previous violations or certifications.
How Much Do Hair Schools in Colorado Cost?
If you attend a hair school in Colorado it’s going to cost you some money. How much? According to collegetuitioncompare.com you’ll likely see prices ranging on the low end from around $8,000 up to around $20,000.
Required Skills and Classes
The coursework for hairstylists typically includes classes on hair cutting, hair styling, hair coloring, and hair care. Students also learn about customer service and salon operations. In addition, cosmetology programs often include hands-on training in a hair salon, which gives students the opportunity to practice their skills on real clients. By the time they graduate from a cosmetology program, hair stylists should have the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully start their careers.
In addition to business and technical skills, you’ll also get a healthy dose of information regarding how to use the necessary tools for hair styling as well as a variety of chemicals. Courses are information-heavy, and you’ll need to memorize a lot to do well on your exam.
State Licensing Exams
After completing your hairstylist program you need to apply to take the licensing examinations, which can be done through the Colorado Cosmetology Licensure Portal. The process is managed through third party PSI Services, and you’ll pay a $27 fee for the first written exam. Once passing that you can apply for the practical exam which typically takes 48 hours to hear if you’ve been approved. The fee for that exam is $71. You have one year from your initial application to pass both exams to earn your license.
How Much Do Hair Stylists Make in Colorado?
The most recent information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics from May of 2021 stated that hairstylists in Colorado made an average of $17.88 per hour or $37,190 annually, which ranked 15th in the country for hairstylist wages.
Does Colorado Have Continuing Education Requirements for Hair Stylists?
The state of Colorado does not require continuing education credits to retain your license, though furthering your skills is advisable to keep you up to date on the most recent techniques and designs. You will need to keep your license up to date, however. All hairstylist licenses in Colorado expire on March 31st of even number years – you’ll need to apply for renewal and pay the fee to keep current. You can apply for renewal six weeks prior to your expiration date.
Contact Information for Licensing Board
The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies manages hair stylist and cosmetology licensing in Colorado. Their contact information can be found below.
Website: Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 303-894-7800
