byAlma Abell

If you’re considering a career as a hairstylist, you will need to attend cosmetology school for training and hold a license. After you obtain a license, you can then work for a salon to gain some experience before starting your own hairstyling service. Here are the qualifications you’ll need to be a professional hairstylist.

Enrolling in School

To study to become a hairstylist, you need to enroll in a school that teaches cosmetology. There are schools in most larger cities or metropolitan areas, including a cosmetology school in Overland Park, KS. Most schools require their students to have at least a high school diploma or a GED and to be over the age of 18. However, some schools will accept younger students, so check with the enrollment office if you are not yet 18 when applying.

Class Options

The types of classes you’ll take will depend on your career focus. If you want to style hair, then you will be taught about hair and how to care for it. Classes on how to cut, perm or straighten hair will usually be offered so you will know how to style it in several different ways. In addition, you may also take classes in cosmetology school on manicures and pedicures or on to become an esthetician.

Length of School

When you enroll in cosmetology school in Kansas, you will be required to complete at least 1,500 hours of training per session in order to graduate and begin the process of receiving a state license. So, if you enroll in classes to learn how to style hair or perform manicures, you will need to have at least 1,500 hours of training in each of these services.

Once you’ve graduated cosmetology school, you will study and take the state boards to earn your license. Afterwards, you can start working as a licensed cosmetologist anywhere in the state.