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Hair Schools in Pennsylvania

If you’re looking for a hair school in Pennsylvania to become a licensed hairstylist, there are a few things you should consider. First and foremost, is it a good job to have? And if so, why? Let’s take a closer look.

As a licensed hairstylist in Pennsylvania, you’ll enjoy a few key benefits. For starters, it’s a great way to earn a living. Not only do you have the potential to earn a good wage, but you also get to be your own boss and set your own hours. Additionally, being a hairstylist can be quite rewarding as you help your clients feel their best.

So, if you’re considering becoming a licensed hairstylist in Pennsylvania, the answer is yes – it’s definitely a good job to have! With all of the advantages it offers, from earning potential to the ability to be your own boss, it’s no wonder so many people are choosing this career path. Read on to learn more about the requirements for becoming a hairstylist in Pennsylvania and check out our listings to find a Pennsylvania hair school near you.

Hair Schools in Pennsylvania

State Requirements for Hairstylist Licensing in Pennsylvania

If you’re interested in starting a career as a hairstylist in Pennsylvania you have two main options. First, you can attend a state-accredited cosmetology program and complete a minimum of 1,250 hours. Second, you could apply for an apprenticeship and complete 2,000 hours of work under the tutelage of a licensed cosmetologist. You can find an apprenticeship application form online here.

Once you’ve completed your Pennsylvania hair school program or your apprenticeship, you can apply to take the Pennsylvania State Board’s cosmetology exams. The exams are administered by Pearson Vue, a national testing agency. You will need to pass both a written and practical exam along with a criminal background check, and once you have done so, you can pay your fees and submit your documentation to receive your license.

Pennsylvania also requires that all applicants have at least a 10th-grade education or be at least 35 years old or a military veteran.

How Much Do Pennsylvania Hair Schools Cost?

According to the website collegetuitioncompare.com, the average tuition cost for a cosmetology program is just under $16,000. Programs usually run for about nine months, and also may have an additional $2,000 in costs for supplies and books.

Required Skills and Classes

Earning your license to become a hairstylist in Pennsylvania means you’ll need to take an accredited cosmetology program. Obviously, you’ll be learning critical theory and tangible skills related to hair design, hair cutting, hair coloring, hair chemical treatments, and more. But, as it is a cosmetology program, you’ll also gain experience with other topics such as:

  • Makeup artistry
  • Skincare
  • Manicures
  • Safety and sanitation
  • Business management
  • Pennsylvania state regulations

Depending on your program there may be more emphasis on some topics than others. For example, some programs will place more emphasis on running the business. Though this isn’t something you’ll need to pass your board exams, it can be a huge help if you’re interested in going into business for yourself.

State Licensing Exam

After you’ve completed your hair school courses or apprenticeship, you can apply to take Pennsylvania’s state licensing exams. This requires that you’ll pay a fee of $93 to Pearson Vue for the exams when you sign up.

The practical exam is a test of your hairstyling and cosmetology skills. You’ll have to supply your own mannequin and demonstrate a range of techniques and processes such as:

  • Facials
  • Tweezing
  • Hair braiding
  • Waving or curling hair
  • Haircuts of various styles with clippers or scissors
  • Hair removal
  • Nail applications and painting
  • Makeup application
  • Manicures

The written theory exam includes 110 questions and covers questions related to technique as well as Pennsylvania rules and regulations. You’ll want to brush up on topics related to:

  • Safety and sanitation
  • Hair coloring and bleaching
  • Waving, straightening, and relaxing hair
  • Haircutting
  • Hair styling
  • Esthetics
  • Nail care
  • Shampooing
  • Scalp analysis
  • Trichology

How Much Do Hairstylists Make in Pennsylvania? 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ most recent numbers on wages for hairstylists in Pennsylvania places the average hourly pay rate at $16.54 per hour. That works out to an average of $34,400 annually.

Does Pennsylvania Have Continuing Education Requirements for Hairstylists? 

The Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology does not require hairstylists to earn continuing education credits to renew their licenses. However, it can be a useful exercise if you want to improve your techniques, learn about new trends, or stay up to date on new laws and regulations. Though there are no continuing education requirements you will need to renew your license in Pennsylvania every two years and pay a $67 renewal fee.

Contact Information for Licensing Board

Licensing for hairstylists and cosmetologists in Pennsylvania is handled by the Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology. Their contact information is below.

Website: Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (717) 783-7130