How to Become a Cosmetologist in Missouri

When we think about a cosmetologist, first that comes to our mind are barbers and hairstylists.

However, cosmetologists are also nail-stylists, estheticians and skin care professionals.

What cosmetologists typically do during the day is:

• Inspecting and analyzing hair and  skin
• Discussing and advising clients about the hairstyle or nail style options
• Washing, coloring, and lightening of hair
• Cutting, drying and styling it
• Receive payments from clients and scheduling appointments
• Cleaning and disinfecting all tools and work areas.

Cosmetology Programs in Missouri

Even though there were efforts to eliminate the license requirement for cosmetologists in Missouri, the professionals emphasized the need for proper education and training in the use of chemicals and sanitation and the decision was that specialized training is needed if you want to become a cosmetologist in Missouri.

Popular Programs

The Missouri State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners determine the regulations and offer two ways of getting the appropriate training, either by enrolling in schooling and completing 1500 hours or becoming an apprentice and complete 3000 hours under the supervision of a certified mentor.

Other requirements are that you must be at least 17 years old, have a high school diploma or GED and complete the state’s Student Enrollment Form.

Some of the most popular schools are:

• Crave Beauty Academy – St. Louis
• Donna’s Academy of Hair Design – Kansas City.
• Elaine Steven Beauty College – St. Louis
• Grabber School of Hair Design – St. Louis
• Independence College of Cosmetology – Independence.
• Missouri College of Cosmetology – Jefferson City.

When choosing the school in Missouri, you should look for the accredited one and there are many of them in:

• Louis
• Springfield
• Poplar Bluff
• Sedalia
• Independence
• Hannibal
• Kansas City
• Chillicothe
• Jefferson City
• Farmington
• Branson

How many hours of training will be dedicated to each skill is determined in great detail:

• Shampooing of all kinds – 40 hours
• Hair coloring rinses and bleaches 130 hours
• Haircutting and shaping – 130 hours
• Permanent waving and relaxing – 125 hours
• Hair setting, pin curls, thermal curling, finger paves – 225 hours
• Comb-outs and hairstyling methods- 105 hours
• Scalp treatments and diseases – 30 hours
• Facial, eyebrows and arches – 40 hours
• Manicuring, hand and arm massage, nail treatment – 110 hours
• Cosmetic chemistry – 25 hours
• Salesmanship and shop management – 10 hours
• Sanitation and sterilization – 30 hours
• Anatomy- 20 hours
• State law – 10 hours
• Miscellaneous – 470 hours

For a person who wants to become an apprentice, he/she has to get an enrollment form from the Board and give it to the licensed mentor who should complete and approve it and submit it to the Board.

Additional documentation that needs to be submitted is the proof of age, two character references, two passport-sized photos and proof that you have completed at least the 10th grade.

Cosmetology Exams in Missouri

To pass the cosmetology examination, you will need to finish your cosmetology training or apprenticeship in Missouri.

You should complete the Application for Examination/Temporary Permit and submit it directly to the Board or your school can submit it for you.

The fee which is $150 should not be submitted with this application, but only when you schedule your exam with the Professional Credential Services online.

Then, you will get the instruction on how to schedule the Theory exam, as well as an Admission Notice for the Practical exam.

The NIC National Cosmetology is in charge of the practical examination which will test your skills, such as:

• Set up and client protection
• Thermal curling
• Haircutting
• Chemical waving
• Virgin hair lightening application and hair color
• Retouch
• Virgin relaxer application and relaxer retouch
• Manicure

The score that is better than 75% is necessary to pass it.

The Theory exam is done via IQT testing, on computers.

This exam is offered in:

• Southeast Missouri State University – Cape Girardeau
• Missouri University of Science and Technology – Rolla
• University of Missouri – Columbia
• Identity Services – St. Peters
• University of Missouri-Kansas City
• State Fair Community College – Sedalia
• Kirksville Area Technical Center- Kirksville
• Penmac – Springfield
• Mineral Area College- Park Hills
• Sylvan Learning – Springfield

You will have 90 minutes to complete questions about scientific concepts, hair care, skin care, nail care, and services:

Your score again has to be better than 75% to pass.

Keeping Your License Current in Missouri

The Theory and Practical Examinations are passed and you achieved your license, but you will need to renew it every odd year as it expires on September 30.

The payment is $30 to the Board and the continuing education is not required to maintain a cosmetology license in Missouri.

Still, you can choose to advance in your career by visiting cosmetology fairs, seminars, and additional courses.

Average Annual Cosmetologist Salary in Missouri

The average cosmetologist salary in Missouri was $25,882 according to the state’s Department of Economic Development and, interestingly, the difference among the major cities in the salaries is not significant as in some other states.

However, a newly licensed cosmetologist cannot expect to earn as much as the experienced ones.

Another way of earning is through tipping, as their customers typically tip them 10-25%.

Cosmetology jobs are expected to increase in Northeast and Kansas City, and future certified cosmetologists should not worry about their careers.

Salons and spas throughout Missouri and the resorts that have their salons look for licensed cosmetologists. Athletic clubs and medical facilities also hire cosmetologists.

Missouri has a great number of possible cosmetologists’ employers, like:

• HairIS-Jefferson City
• John Knox Village- Lee’s Summit
• ULTA Salon, Cosmetics and Fragrance, Inc. – Chesterfield and Blue Springs
• Beauty Brands – Lee’s Summit
• Northwest Missouri Psychiatric Rehab – Saint Joseph
• Brow Art 23 – Chesterfield
• Sport Clips – Ballwin
• Dillard’s Salons and Spas – Richmond Heights
• YRS Boutique and Spa – Chesterfield
• 1st Impressions Spa & Cuts – Saint Robert

All in all, they can always start their salon, if they cannot find the employer that suits them, but you must file an Application for Establishment Registration with the Board.

What should be attached is a floor plan, a copy of your bill of sale or lease agreement for the establishment, a copy of your current business license, a copy of your business’ Fictitious Name Statement, and fees.

Regional Salary in Missouri

Cosmetology by State