There’s nothing more rewarding than helping others feel better about themselves. Cosmetology is more than makeup and hair. It’s a rewarding career in a growing field that is all about helping others feel great, and look fantastic!

If this sounds like a great job, you might consider studying at one of Oklahoma’s registered beauty schools, or at a college program for cosmetology. Who knows where it will lead?

Oklahoma City skyline
Oklahoma City skyline photo taken by Soonerfever [CC BY-SA 2.0]

Oklahoma Cosmetology Schools: Hours Required

OK allows for a degree of flexibility when you’re becoming a cosmetologist. You can choose to study at a registered college program for 1500 hours at least, or you may choose an apprenticeship.

Once you’re enrolled, you’ll be expected to complete courses in:

  • hair styling
  • sanitation
  • anatomy
  • chemical skin composition and treatments
  • … and a lot more!

If a course at a traditional school is to doable for you, you can complete an apprenticeship. You must prove that an apprenticeship is the better decision financially, and you must prove that you are at least 16 years old and have an eighth grade education. IF you are still in grade school and your high school teaches cosmetology, you may be able to get your training almost free!

You also need to confirm that the owner of the facility you will be working in has agreed to act as your instructor. You must log a total of 3,000 at your chosen facility to qualify for your license.

If choosing a school use our app below to find a location nearby:

Getting Your OK Beauty License

Once you’ve completed either the educational requirements or the apprenticeship hours, you will need to apply for your written and practical exams.

If you studied at a recognized college or beauty school, the school will apply on your behalf.

If you were apprenticed, you’ll need proof of your hours worked, your identification, education level, and any transcripts.

You will receive information on where and how to take your exams from the Oklahoma board when you apply. You must pass both exams to get your license.

Out-Of-State

You should check with the Oklahoma State Board to view your home states reciprocity requirements before applying for a cosmetology license from another state. But generally, it is a simple matter of contacting your home state board to provide proof of your current license.

If your home states educational requirements are lower than Oklahoma’s, you can usually make up the time in experience, at a rate of two hours of experience to one hour of training. If your state does not require a license, you may be required to take the Oklahoma state exams before being licensed.

Renew Your Oklahoma Cosmetology License

You must renew your license every year during your birth month. No continuing education hours are required to renew your license, but there is a fee and application involved. If you are a certified barber, you must renew your license on the last day of June every year.

Job Hunting/Career Opportunities for OK Cosmetologists

Oklahoma requires licensing for anyone working to alter appearances, chemically, electrically, or changing hair and skin.

The state has several smaller licenses that allow for specialization.

You can also work as a freelance cosmetologist, or rent a chair in a high end salon and spa. Become a hairstylist, and begin your career at one of these top jobs okjobmatch.com.

Or go the distance and take a 1200 hour course to become an instructor at one of the states many dedicated education programs and increase your salary too!

Some Cosmetology Schools in Oklahoma

Academy of Hair Design11920 North May Avenue, Oklahoma City, 73120$15,000None
Elite Academy of Cosmetology912 Southwest C Avenue, Lawton, 73501UnknownBarbering, Esthetician, Nail Technician
The Hair Cafe Cosmetology & Barber College8494 Northwest Expressway, Oklahoma City, 73162$7,000 Barbering,Esthetics/Facial Program, Manicuring/Nail Technology, Hair braiding
Bethany Beauty College3900 Noth Peniel Avenue, Bethany, 73008UnknownEsthetology, Nail Technology
River Valley Cosmetology Institute1309 South Broadway Street, Poteau, 74953$13,500 Nail Technician, Esthecian
Broken Arrow Beauty College 400 South Elm Place, Broken Arrow, 74012$13,500Manicurist, Esthetician
Shawnee Beauty College410 East Main Street, Shawnee, 74801$8,650Manicurist/Nail Technician, Barbering

CC’s Cosmetology College – Oklahoma City

CC’s Cosmetology College – Tulsa

Eve’s College of Hair Styling – Lawton

Hollywood Cosmetology Center – Norman

Poteau Beauty College – Poteau

Imagine, a Paul Mitchell Partner School – Norman

Other OK schools for nail technicians, estheticians, barbers and makeup artists

School Websites:
academyofhairdesignok.com
itsacademyofbeauty.com
bethanybeautycollege.com
csbaokc.com
claremorebeautycollege.com
clarysagecollege.com
cuttersedgeschool.org
enidokbeautycollege.com
francistuttle.edu
itsacademyofbeauty.com
salonpmca.com
sandspringsbeautycollege.com
virgilsbeautycollege.com
vc.edu
yukonbeautycollege.com

Did we miss any cosmetology institutes in Oklahoma? Please let us know.