If you’re considering a career in hair styling, you’ll need to find an accredited hair school to earn your license to begin working in South Dakota. Once you’ve completed your training, lots of options will become available to you as far as places to work.
Hair styling is a great career choice for many reasons. First, it’s a creative field that allows you to express your artistic side. Second, it’s a people-oriented job that allows you to build relationships with clients. Third, it can be quite lucrative, especially if you’re working in a high-end salon. Fourth, it’s a relatively stable industry, so you can feel confident that there will always be a demand for your services.
If you’re looking for a rewarding and challenging career, hair styling is definitely worth considering. Read on to learn more about the requirements to become a licensed hairstylist in South Dakota and to find a school near you.
Hair Schools in South Dakota
To become a hairstylist in South Dakota you’ll need to obtain a cosmetology license. There are a number of requirements from the state in order to earn this license. They include:
- 1,500 hours of cosmetology education at a state-approved program.
- Be at least 18 years old and have a valid form of identification that proves this
- Pay for and pass your state licensing examinations
Once you’ve earned your license you will have to pay the annual renewal fee.
If you were previously licensed in another state, you can apply for licensing through reciprocity. You can download the form and checklist here.
How Much Do South Dakota Hair Schools Cost?
You won’t find too much variance in pricing at the hair schools in South Dakota. On average, you should expect to pay about $13,700 for tuition alone. You’ll also likely need to pay for some of the books and supplies you’ll use during the program, though that will vary a bit depending on the school you attend. You should probably budget $2,500 for those costs. Most programs will take about 12 months to complete before you can sit for the state exams.
Required Skills and Classes
While every program is different you’ll undoubtedly cover topics that will be part of the written and practical exams that you’ll need to pass to earn your cosmetology license to practice hair design in South Dakota. That means your program will cover topics such as:
- Shampooing and rinsing
- Haircutting
- Hair coloring
- Chemical treatments
- Relaxing and waving hair
- Styling hair
- Manicures
- Esthetics
- South Dakota laws and regulations
- Sanitation and safety
- Anatomy and biology
Depending on your school you may delve into some of these areas deeper than others, and some programs will also put a greater emphasis on salon management and business skills. If you’re interested in going into business independently, having classes on bookkeeping, marketing, and employee management can also be very helpful for your career.
State Licensing Exam
Once you’ve completed your required hours at an approved hair school in South Dakota you’ll need to pass the state’s two cosmetology exams. The written theory exam is developed by the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) and administered by the state of South Dakota.
This will cover the theoretical knowledge you gained in your coursework. You’ll need to prepare for questions on:
- Scientific concepts
- Hair care and services
- Skin care and services
- Nail care and services
The practical exam will focus on demonstrating the tangible knowledge you’ve learned and the proper execution of day-to-day tasks performed by a hairstylist and a cosmetologist. This will cover items such as:
- Setting up and preparing clients for service
- Haircutting
- Performing a facial
- Chemical waving
- Thermal curling
- Hair relaxing
- Hair lightening
There is a $100 fee that you’ll need to pay when registering for the exams. Also be sure to show up to the exams with your notice of admission and a valid government ID.
How Much Do Hairstylists Make in South Dakota?
Hairstylists in South Dakota get paid nearly the national average. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, hairstylists in the state make an average of $33,870 annually or $16.28 per hour.
Does South Dakota Have Continuing Education Requirements for Hairstylists?
South Dakota does not have any continuing education requirements for hairstylists. However, you will need to renew by your birthday each year and pay the required $25 fee to keep your license current. Though not required, it can be beneficial to take continuing education credits to stay current on new techniques as well as updating your knowledge of regulations and safety practices.
Contact Information for Licensing Board
Licenses in South Dakota are managed by the South Dakota Board of Cosmetology, a section of the Labor Licensing Regulation Division. You can use the contact information below to reach them.
Website: South Dakota Cosmetology Commission
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (605) 773-6193
