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Hair Schools in Oklahoma

Many people are drawn to the hair industry because it offers a creative outlet, the opportunity to work with people, and a flexible job schedule. If you’re interested in becoming a licensed hairstylist in Oklahoma, the first step is to find a hair school that meets your needs. With so many options available, it’s important to do your research to find a school that offers quality instruction and is accredited by the state of Oklahoma.

While the hair industry can be competitive, it’s also incredibly rewarding. If you’re passionate about hair and styling, it can be a great career choice. There are many ways to build a successful career in hair, whether you focus on cutting, coloring, or styling. With hard work and dedication, you can create lasting relationships with clients and build a name for yourself in the hair industry.

If you’re interested in finding an Oklahoma hair school near you, check out our comprehensive listings below as you begin your research. Read on to learn more about the specifics of earning your license.

Hair Schools in Oklahoma

State Requirements for Hairstylist Licensing in Oklahoma

To become a licensed hairstylist in Oklahoma you’ll need to attend and pass a state-accredited cosmetology program with a minimum of 1,500 hours of coursework. If you don’t want to attend a cosmetology school, you can also earn your license through an apprenticeship path if you work under a licensed instructor and work for more than 3,000 hours.

The state requires you to be at least 16 years old and have an eight grade education to begin an apprenticeship program or take a cosmetology course.

If you come from out of state and you already have a license you can gain a license through reciprocity. If you have out-of-state academic credentials for completing a hair design or cosmetology program, you can submit your request to take a reciprocity exam. If accepted, you can pass that exam and earn licensure in Oklahoma.

If you take the hair school or apprenticeship routes, you’ll need to apply for and pass Oklahoma’s written and practical exams. Once you’ve done that, you can apply to the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering with your required credentials and licensing fee. Upon a successful review, you will receive your license and can begin working as a hair designer in Oklahoma.

Online application forms for licensing can be found on the OK.gov website.

How Much Do Oklahoma Hair Schools Cost?

There are a couple of different options you can take when applying for a hair school program in Oklahoma. One, you can go with a technical school that has very low tuition costs (in the neighborhood of $3,000 on the low end) or you could go after a high end beauty school that can cost up to $16,000 or more. Most programs will be around 12 months long, and may also have additional expenses for books and supplies.

Required Skills and Classes

As you complete the 1,500 required hours in your program you will be instructed on a number of necessary skills for hairdressers as well as other topics that fall under the state’s cosmetology skills requirements. You’ll receive training in a variety of areas to sharpen your practical skills in things like haircutting, styling, shampooing, etc. You’ll also cover a number of other topics depending on your program, but you’ll take courses on a number of required topics such as:

  • Sterilization and sanitation
  • Chemistry
  • Anatomy
  • Salon operations
  • Manicures
  • Makeup training
  • Operations and customer service

While your program will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to pass the Oklahoma state cosmetology exams, you’ll want to invest time outside of class to work on memorizing information and techniques. Many students use flashcards to quiz themselves on the specifics of their courses so they can excel on their exams.

State Licensing Exam

After you’ve completed your hair school education you can submit an exam registration form and pay a $35 fee. There are technically two separate exams in Oklahoma, a written theory exam as well as a practical exam.

The written exam will cover the knowledge you’ve gained in your hair school program, covering everything from sanitation, safety, and Oklahoma laws to proper cosmetology techniques and anatomy.

The practical exam will require you to demonstrate proper techniques in sanitation and safety as well as the hair styling and cosmetology skills you’ve learned.

How Much Do Hairstylists Make in Oklahoma? 

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the average salary for a hairstylist in Oklahoma is $13.28 per hour or $27,630 annually.

Does Oklahoma Have Continuing Education Requirements for Hairstylists? 

Oklahoma does not require hairstylists to complete any continuing education hours with their annual license renewal. However, it can be beneficial for your career to keep your skills up to date with current trends and also stay in the know on any changes to state laws or regulations for cosmetologists. Though there are no CEU requirements, you will need to pay an annual license renewal fee of $25 to keep your license current.

Contact Information for Licensing Board

Licensing in Oklahoma is managed by the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (sometimes referred to as the OSBCB). For specific questions on licensing you can reach out to them using the following contact information.

Website: Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (405) 521-2441