There are many reasons why someone might want to become a hairstylist in New Jersey. For one, hair design schools in the state are some of the best in the country. This means that students can benefit from learning from experienced and knowledgeable educators. On top of that, the hair design industry is booming in New Jersey. This means that there are plenty of opportunities for stylists to find work and build a successful career. Finally, being a hairstylist can be a very rewarding profession. This is because stylists have the opportunity to help people feel their best by giving them a great hair day.
This website is designed to help you find a hair school near you in New Jersey to help you earn your license and begin working in this rewarding career.
Hair Schools in New Jersey
State Requirements for Hairstylist Licensing in New Jersey
The state of New Jersey has a handful of requirements for people looking to achieve their license as a hairstylist in the state. First, candidates must be at least 17 years old. Second, they will need to prove that they have completed high school or earned an equivalent educational certification. Third, candidates must complete 1,200 hours of cosmetology and hair styling instruction at an approved program in New Jersey or another state. Finally, candidates must pass the examination administered by the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling.
It is possible to receive a temporary license prior to taking the exam if you apply with the state, but it’s only valid for 120 days. After that, you’ll need to pass the exam. If you have an existing job offer, however, this can be a good stopgap measure.
How Much Do New Jersey Hair Schools Cost?
There are a lot of different options when it comes to earning your hairstylist and cosmetology certification in New Jersey. There is everything from local vocational schools to well-known nationwide programs to choose from, and the prices can vary quite a bit. On the low end of things, you can sometimes find tuition for as low as $7,000 or $8,000 at vocational schools or community colleges. On the high end, you can be looking at as much as $20,000 for some elite programs. On top of that, you’ll likely incur some additional costs for books and supplies, which can sometimes cost as much as $3,000 more.
You’ll want to ask about some of these additional costs as well as scheduling times and length of the program as you begin to compare hair school programs in New Jersey to see which one is right for you.
Required Skills and Classes
Before potential hairstylists can begin working in a salon in New Jersey, they must first complete an accredited hair school program. During their training, they will learn about the different haircutting and styling techniques, as well as the chemistry of hair and hair products. They will also receive instruction on how to properly shampoo and condition hair, and how to safely use hair color and other chemicals.
In addition to many hair-focused classes, they will need to complete courses on more general cosmetology topics like facial massages, makeup, manicures, and more. Many programs also provide instruction and courses covering salon business management, which will teach them how to run a successful salon. By the time they graduate from hair school, they will have the knowledge and skills necessary to pass the state exam and begin their career as a hairstylist.
State Licensing Exam
New Jersey’s cosmetology and hairstyling exam is administered by Prometric. Once you’ve completed your hair school program they will upload your eligibility requirements to Prometric and then candidates will receive an email back verifying receipt of the application. Once accepted, candidates can sign up to pay their exam fees and schedule a date on the website here.
The exam has two sections, a written portion that covers theory learned in your hair school program, and a practical portion that requires you to demonstrate your haircutting and styling skills on a mannequin, as well as safety and sanitation procedures as required by the state of New Jersey. You need to score 75 or better on both exams to pass.
How Much Do Hairstylists Make in New Jersey?
The most recent salary information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the average annual salary for a hairstylist in New Jersey was $39,370, or an hourly rate of $18.93.
Does New Jersey Have Continuing Education Requirements for Hairstylists?
For hairdressers and cosmetologists in New Jersey, there are no continuing education requirements to renew your license every second year. However, it’s not a bad idea to register for classes periodically to update your knowledge of state regulations, and sanitation requirements, and update your skills to account for new beauty trends. If a license has expired for more than seven years, the state does require that applicants take a 250-hour refresher course and take, and pass, the state exams again.
While there are no continuing education requirements you will still need to renew your license every two years and pay a $50 fee.
Contact Information for Licensing Board
Licensing in the garden state is handled by the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling. If you need to connect with them you can use the information below.
Website: New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (973) 504-6400
