From short and sassy to long and luxurious, hair is a huge part of everyday life. As a hair stylist, you have the opportunity to help people feel their best by creating styles that suit their personalities and lifestyles. In Connecticut, you can work as a hairstylist in a wide range of salons, from high-end to budget-friendly. You also have the chance to attend industry shows and meet other hair professionals from all over the world. With so much to offer, becoming a hair stylist in Connecticut could be the perfect career move for you.
Read on to learn more about how to become a licensed hairstylist in Connecticut and find a hair school near you.
Hair Schools in Connecticut
What are the state requirements for hairstylists in Connecticut?
Hairstylists in Connecticut are required to complete a program at an accredited school with at least 1,500 education hours before they can apply for and take the state licensing exam. The hours must take place at a program approved by the Connecticut State Board for Barbers and Hairdressers or a school operating under the supervision of the state board of education. The state also requires that anyone getting a license must have successfully completed the 9th grade or passed testing to prove equivalence.
Beyond the above requirements, applicants will need to then pass the Prometric Licensing exam. With a passing score, you’ll need to send in that documentation, along with an affidavit of your classroom hours, proof of education, and a photograph along with a $100 fee.
How Much Do Hair Schools in Connecticut Cost?
According to collegetuitioncompare.com the average tuition cost for the top programs in Connecticut is just under $19,000, but that doesn’t include books and supplies, which can also cost you $2,000-$3,000 on top of that.
Required Skills and Classes
Hair stylists learn a variety of skills in cosmetology school. In addition to learning how to cut and style hair, they also learn about hair care, color theory, and hair styling history. They also spend time practicing their skills on real clients. As a result, when they graduate from cosmetology school, they are prepared to work in a salon or barbershop. In addition to their technical skills, hair stylists also need to be good at communication and customer service.
Hair designers need to be able to listen to their clients and understand their needs. They also need to be able to give instructions clearly and concisely. Finally, hair stylists need to be able to work well under pressure and handle last-minute changes.
If you take an associate degree program you’ll learn all aspects of the job – including the types of soft skills mentioned above, and you’ll also take a number of classes focusing on how to manage and grow a business. An associate’s degree program will typically take an extra six months or so over a certificate program but can be beneficial if you intend to run your own salon.
State Licensing Exam
While many states have two separate exams, Connecticut only has a single licensure exam. Upon completing your hair school program, you’ll apply for the Connecticut licensure exam, which is managed by Prometric – you can visit their website for information on registering for the exam. There is a $65 fee to take the exam.
How Much Do Hair Stylists Make in Connecticut?
The beauty industry can be fairly lucrative, as the average pay for a hairstylist in Connecticut was $16.91 per hour or $35,180 annually according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ latest data from May of 2021.
Does Connecticut Have Continuing Education Requirements for Hair Stylists?
Connecticut does require ten hours of continuing education every license renewal period. Hairstylists must renew their licenses every two years by the last day of their birth month. Typically, you will receive notice 60 days in advance of your license expiring.
Contact Information for Licensing Board
The Department of Public Health manages licensure in Connecticut for hairstylists. The contact information for that agency can be found below:
Website: Connecticut Department of Public Health
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (860) 509-7603
