AR State Board of Cosmetology Licensing Information

Arkansas Cosmetology State Board

In this post, we’ll help you find the best cosmetology schools in Arkansas near you. You’ll also find helpful information about the standard Arkansas State Board of Cosmetology licensing requirements and fees.

The beauty business is a growing industry, so you’re moving towards a fruitful career, if you’re considering becoming a cosmetologist!

Best Cosmetology Schools in Arkansas: Table of Contents

  • Essential Cosmetology Skills
  • How to Become a Cosmetologist in Arkansas
  • Cosmetologist Employment Outlook
  • How Much Do Cosmetologists Make in Arkansas?
  • Two Top Cosmetology Schools in Arkansas
  • How to Find the Best Cosmetology School in AR Near You

Do You Have What it Takes to Become a Cosmetologist?

Before attending cosmetology school, it’s helpful to consider the most important skills that a cosmetologist uses in their day-to-day work. First of all, you should start out with this very basic question: Do I want to become a cosmetologist? Your clients can tell if you’re truly enthusiastic about your job, so it’s important to have a passion for beauty. 

Once you’ve established that you really enjoy (and have a knack for) pampering the hair, skin, and nails, it’s time to move onto the “Essential Cosmetology Skills” checklist:

  • Endurance: Ability to be on your feet for long hours + carry on a conversation with a number of clients every day 
  • Communication Skills: Good communication skills; able to communicate effectively with people from all different types of backgrounds
  • Attention to Detail: No matter what you’re doing – hair, skin, or nails – you need to be paying close attention at all times and performing all procedures in a precise manner

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Arkansas

There are a few simple steps to take in order to become a cosmetologist in Arkansas. Although they are simple, they do require hard work and determination. But you’ve got this! The reward is worth the effort.

#1. Consider Your Options

First, think about the different types of beauty academies near you. Which cosmetology program fits in best with your lifestyle?

We encourage you to consider factors such as:

  • Tuition
  • Class schedules
  • Location
  • Length of Cosmetology School Program

For example, if you are already juggling a busy schedule, you might want to find a cosmetology school with part-time programs. Or, if you already have a full-time day job, you’ll need to find a cosmetology school with night classes.

In order to find the best cosmetology school in Arkansas near you, enter your information into the toolbar below. Campus Explorer will then find the best cosmetology academy in your area, and you’ll receive custom updates to help you choose the best school for you. 

#2. Complete an Accredited Cosmetology Program in AR

The next step is to attend an accredited cosmetology school in Arizona and complete your training hours. In Arkansas, students must finish 1,500 training hours in order to qualify for a cosmetology license.

#3. Pass the Arkansas Cosmetology State Board Exam

Once you’ve completed the required training hours, you’ll need to take the official Arizona Cosmetology State Board Exam. This will have two parts: a theory (written) exam and a practical (hands-on) exam. The theory exam is $20, and you’ll also owe $65 for the practical exam.

In Arkansas, you take the practical exam first. Every cosmetologist practical exam test location is the same: 101 East Capitol Street, Suite 106, Little Rock.

After passing the practical, you’ll qualify to take the written exam.

Check out our free Cosmetology Practice Exam & Study Guide.

#4. Apply for Your License 

After passing both exams, you’ll be eligible for your license and the fun can begin! In order to get your license, you’ll need to pay a $60 fee in Arizona.

Cosmetologist Employment Outlook

The cosmetologist employment outlook in Arkansas and the United States is amazing. In fact, it’s above-average, in comparison to other careers in the US.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for barbers, hair stylists, and cosmetologists will grow by 13% between 2016 and 2026. That means that in only ten years, there will be about 87,600 new cosmetologists waiting for graduates like you!

How Much Do Cosmetologists Make in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, cosmetologists make an average annual salary of $26,340, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. (That’s $12.66 per hour)

Cosmetologists in the 75th percentile in Arkansas earn an average of $28,230 per year, and those in the 90th percentile make an average salary of $39,320. 

The Two Best Cosmetology Schools in Arkansas

In this section, we’ll profile just two of the best cosmetology schools in Arkansas. Keep in mind that these are just a few; there are plenty more options for those wishing to attend beauty school in Arkansas. It all depends on your specific budget, desires, and needs.

Arkansas Beauty School in Little Rock, AR

This cosmetology school in Little Rock, Arkansas boasts of a 100% job placement rate for graduates! This beauty academy is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences (NACCAS).

Additionally, they are approved by:

  • The United States Department of Education
  • Veterans’ Administration
  • State of Arkansas Rehabilitation Services

The Arkansas Beauty School has Cosmetology, Manicuring, Teacher Training, and Esthetics programs.

How Long is Cosmetology School? 11 months
How Much is Cosmetology School? $9,570 + $750 Kit Cost

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Lee’s School of Cosmetology in Little Rock, AR

Like the Arkansas Beauty School, Lee’s School of Cosmetology is also located in Little Rock. This top beauty school boasts of a 100% graduation rate and 85% job placement rate for graduates immediately after graduation. 

How Long is Cosmetology School? 11 months
How Much is Cosmetology School? $13,870 + $1,110 Kit Cost

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How to Find the Best Cosmetology School in Arkansas Near You

The two cosmetology schools in Little Rock from the previous section are only a sampling of the kind of beauty academies that Arkansas has to offer. In order to find the best cosmetology schools in Arkansas nearest you, take advantage of the free Campus Explorer toolbar below.

All you have to do is enter in some basic information, and you’ll receive personalized recommendations directly. It will save you lots of time and effort, so say goodbye to searching all over the internet for the “best cosmetology schools near me.” 

The most awesome part? It’s a free, no-strings-attached tool, so you can unsubscribe at any time.

It’s time to take charge of your earning potential!

We at TFC wish you the best of luck as you apply to cosmetology schools!

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