How To Become A Beauty Professional in Alabama

Southern states have a certain cozy appeal, but that doesn’t mean they lack in style! The Alabama beauty industry is booming and so are the cosmetology schools. Southern girls love experimenting with their looks just as much as everyone else. If this sounds like you, you might be looking for a chance to turn your passion for beauty into a full-blown career.

Becoming a cosmetologist can seem like a long journey, but it’s really a great adventure. And it begins with choosing the right school to start you on your path.

How Long Do Cosmetology Schools in Alabama Take?

Becoming a licensed cosmetologist in Alabama starts with clocking at least 1500 hours in a formal program.

To attend an institute you should be at least 16 years old with a 10 grade education. There are many options, you could take a junior college course, a night school course, or a beauty school diploma or degree at a vocational school. If you are in high schools check with them to see if there is a beauty course so you can get a head start on your training.

Where you go, and what you take, depends on your own career goals. If you want to become a manicurist, you must clock at least 750 hours in a manicure program. Esthetics takes 1000 hours.

If you want to run your own salon someday, an associate in applied science will help you gain the skills you need in business management, customer service, anatomy, and skin care techniques.

Find your schools here:

If cosmetology schools don’t fit into your schedule, you may choose an apprenticeship. You will need to work 3,000 hours within 3 years, under the direct supervision of a licensed cosmetologist.

Getting Officially Certified In The AL Beauty Profession

You’ll need to apply for your license within two years of completing either your program or apprenticeship hours.

Once you finish the application and pay the fee, you will be notified by the board if you are eligible to sit your exams. Your exams include one theory exam and one written. The National exam requires 75% to pass. Once you pass, and pay your fees, you will be officially licensed.

License Reciprocity With Other States

Some states have reciprocity agreements with Alabama.

To find out if your current active license is viable in Alabama, you must have your application, copies of government issued ID, and record of your current license in good standing, sent to the Alabama State Board of Cosmetology.

If you don’t currently have an active license, you’ll have to prove you worked more than 3,000 hours. Depending on your home state’s licensing requirements, you may still need to sit your exams.

Keeping Up-To-Date

Your license will need to be renewed every two years, on odd numbered years. There are no continuing education requirements. There is a fee with your application. Your renewal is due the last day of your birth month on odd-numbered years.

AL Beauty Job Search

There are plenty of jobs available in Alabama for a hard-working cosmetologist. The average salary is around $24K, and the more you specialize, the more you can potentially earn. Cosmetologists may choose to specialize either in skin care, or as a nail technician. You may also choose to work toward running your own business, or even teaching at a cosmetology school. If you’re looking for a place to begin your career try looking for cosmetologist jobs in alabama on this website.

… so how much does school cost anyway, and how will you pay for it?

Alabama Business College – Decatur

Beauty Enterprise – Anniston

Cambridge College – Enterprise

Center Point Beauty School – Birmingham

Gaither & Co Beauty College – Scottsboro

Hueytown Beauty School – Hueytown

Jasper Beauty Academy – Jasper

Johnson’s Beauty School – Huntsville

Mimi’s Beauty Academy of Cosmetology – Huntsville

Premiere Institute of Beauty and Wellness – Center Point

Ray’s University of Beauty – Florence