How To Get A Cosmetology License In Indiana

Do you like to keep up with the latest make up and fashion trends? If so, a career in cosmetology might be a great fit for you!

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What Does a Cosmetologist Do?

Cosmetologists usually work in beauty salons or spas as nail technicians, hairdressers, estheticians/beauticians or electrologists etc. The typical responsibilities of a cosmetologist include:

• Inspect hair, face, and nails.
• Recommend treatment.
• Discuss hair or nail-style with the client and find the best solution.
• Wash, color, condition and style hair.
• Clean and sanitize all tools as well as workstations after the completing the treatment.
• Enhance clients’ appearance etc.

However, the cosmetologists who own a business and salons & spas often take control of:

• The hiring and firing process.
• Keeping records of the business and inventory.
• Ordering supplies.
• Scheduling appointments etc.

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Indiana?

There are 2 basic steps you need to follow to become a cosmetologist in Indiana.

1. Attend an Accredited Cosmetology School

To successfully become a cosmetologist, candidates must finish at least 1,500 hours of cosmetology education from an accredited school like The Salon Professional Academy (TSPA), Fort Wayne. Typically, the curriculum of cosmetology degree includes courses on Hair Coloring, Hairstyling, Skincare, Waxing and Nail Art etc.

2. Take the State Board Exam to Get the License

All interested individuals in Indiana who want to become cosmetologists need to take the exam conducted by the State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. Passing this exam allows them to obtain a license. The graduates of a cosmetology school can apply for licensure up to 3 years after graduating.

What Type of License Do I Need as a Cosmetologist in Indiana?

There are 2 types of licenses that you can obtain in Indiana.

Indiana Native Licensure

If you have completed your cosmetology education from an accredited school in Indiana such as, The Salon Professional Academy (TSPA), you need the following to obtain the Indiana Native Licensure. All candidates must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have at least a high school diploma or equivalent before enrolling in a cosmetology degree.
• Have completed 1,500 hours of cosmetology education.
• Take and pass the exam conducted by the State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners.

Reciprocity Licensure

In case you did not complete your cosmetology education from Indiana, or you have relocated to Indiana as a professional cosmetologist, you can apply for the Reciprocity Licensure. To obtain this license, candidates must have at least 1,500 hours (or more) of cosmetology education or work experience. A few adjustments or variations in this requirement are allowed by the state. They are as follows:

• • • Work Adjustment: 100 hours of training credit for every year of professional work in the field may be granted with a minimum of 1,000 hours of education.
    • Apprenticeship Adjustment: Apprenticeship hours may be credited if more than 1,500 hours were obtained.
    • Re-examination Adjustment: If you took the license exam in your home state which meets the minimum requirements of Indiana with a few missing factors, then, you may take the state board exam and pass it with at least a 70% score.

How Much Can I Make as a Cosmetologist in Indiana?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the annual mean income for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in Indiana from 2016 to 2018, as:

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

The afore-mentioned income chart depicts a slight increase in the annual mean salary of Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in Indiana from 2016 to 2018.

Career Outlook of a Cosmetologist

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted a rise of 8% in employment for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists over the decade from 2018 to 2028. This employment growth rate is reported to be faster than the average for other occupations.