Makeup schools can be found all over the country, but there are a few great schools located in South Dakota. The training you will receive at a makeup school will benefit you greatly as you pursue a career in the beauty industry.
State Requirements for Makeup Artist Licensing in South Dakota
South Dakota doesn’t have official licensing requirements for makeup artists, so technically, there are no real requirements for people performing makeup artistry. That said, many salons prefer or even require makeup artists to be licensed cosmetologists or estheticians, so there are many benefits for gaining one of those licenses, including better pay. To be credentialed esthetician you must complete a 600-hour course and pass the state exams. Cosmetologists must complete a 2,100-hour curriculum and also pass the state exams.
How Much Do South Dakota Makeup Schools Cost?
For makeup artists that choose to earn an esthetician or cosmetologist license, the classes can be a bit costly in South Dakota. Cosmetology courses average out to about $16,000 in total costs while esthetics programs are closer to $9,000 when all costs are added up. Total costs for these programs include books, supplies, fees, and tuition. We strongly recommend looking for scholarships and other financial aid opportunities while you’re researching your schools to see if you can reduce your total spend.
Required Skills and Classes
Regardless of the discipline that an aspiring beauty professional decides to specialize in, there will be some commonalities.
Esthetics – accredited institutes in this discipline will integrate the following topics into their curriculum such as:
- Infection control and safety
- Skin histology, dermatology, nutrition, anatomy, and physiology
- Aromatherapy
- Consultation and analysis
- Chemical facial treatments
- Electrical and mechanical facial treatments
- Body treatments
- Massage manipulations
- Makeup and eyelash application
- Hair removal and eyebrow shaping
- Business practices
Cosmetology – the best foundation to a bustling career is to have a good education. In SD, an accredited program in this profession contains the following subject:
- Infection control and safety procedures
- Chemistry, bacteriology, anatomy, and physiology
- Tinting, bleaching, highlighting, and tipping
- Chemical hair relaxing
- Haircuts
- Hairstyling, wave shaping, thermal curling, pin curling, and wig styling
- Shampooing
- Braiding
- Scalp care
- Permanent waving
- Nail technology
- Massage of the scalp
- Esthetics and facials
- Business practices
State Licensing Exams
Applicants that successfully finish the required education must submit an application to take the licensure exams which also serves as an initial license application.
Esthetics – would-be practitioners of this profession must be 18 years old to be eligible for the license. On top of the specified age requirements, applicants must also provide the following:
- Esthetician transcripts
- Copy of birth certificate
- High school transcripts
- Completed exam and temporary license application form
- Payment for the Initial $80 license and examination Fee
Out of State – applicants that have acquired their license from another state may also apply for a license in SD by providing the following:
- Out-of-State Education Affidavit
- Out-of-State Work Experience Affidavit
- Proof of Original License
- Verification of Passing National Exam Scores
The given requirements must be submitted to the following address:
South Dakota Cosmetology Commission
500 East Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501
Written Exam – the theoretical aspect of the licensure exams will comprise of 100 questions, all of which are multiple-choice. A total of 90 minutes will be given for completion. Subject areas covered are as follows:
- Basic Sanitation and Infection Procedures
- Basic Chemistry, Anatomy, and Skin Histology
- Skin Analysis
- Facial Cleansing
- Facial Steaming
- Facial Extraction
- Color Theory and Makeup Application
- Facial Masks
Practical Exam – Test-takers are advised to read the South Dakota Practical Exam Candidate Information Bulletin before taking the exam.
To be able to perform the required activities, examinees are required to bring along a live model. They will be given two and a half hours to complete the following:
- Cleansing and Steaming the Face
- Set Up and Client Protection
- Massaging the Face
- Manual Extraction
- Facial Makeup
- Hair Removal
- Facial Mask
Cosmetology – participants of this discipline are required to fill up an application form before being allowed to take the actual exams.
Out of State – an applicant is said to be eligible for a license transfer if the requirements from the home state or country matches or exceed the requirements of South Dakota.
To process the application, candidates must complete the following:
- Application for reciprocity licensure and examinations
- Out-of-state work experience form
- Out-of-state education form
- Optionally, an application for a temporary license
Theory Exam – the state of SD utilizes the National-Interstate Council or NIC as the basis for evaluating upcoming incoming cosmetologists. The 2-hour test will be composed of the following topics:
- Hair services and hair care – 40%
- Principles of hair design and cutting
- Trichology
- Chemical hair services
- Customer care and draping procedures
- Scientific concepts – 30%
- Infection control
- Anatomy and physiology
- Basic principles of chemistry and electricity
- Nail services and care – 15%
- Manicure and pedicure procedures
- Advanced nail care
- Skin services and care – 15%
- Skin histology
- Facial procedures
- Temporary hair removal procedures
Practical Exam – this 3-hour exam utilizes NIC’s format for the practical exam. The time, date, and location can be found in the Cosmetology Commission’s exam calendar. Examinees are given 3 hours to perform the following services:
- Client protection and set-up
- Chemical waving
- Thermal curling
- Hair cutting
- Hair lightening and relaxing
- Basic facial
Laws and Rules Test – the third and last test will be laws and rules related to the practice of cosmetology. The test covers legislations such as:
- South Dakota Codified Law, Chapter 36-15
- South Dakota Administrative Rules, Rule 20:42
How Much Do Makeup Artists Get Paid in South Dakota?
The estimated median salary for makeup artists in South Dakota is $19,143.
Does South Dakota Have Continuing Education Requirements for Makeup Artists?
No continued education is required for makeup artists in South Dakota, but those with esthetician and cosmetology licenses will need to renew their license and pay a renewal fee each year. You can renew a license online or by mail.
Contact Information for Licensing Board
South Dakota Cosmetology Commission
Address: 221 W. Capitol, Suite 101, Pierre, SD 57501
Website: https://dlr.sd.gov/cosmetology/default.aspx
Email: [email protected]
Call: 605-773-6193
Fax: 605-773-7175
