What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Beauty Instructor?

The cosmetology industry is a thriving field that draws more and more people to train as hair stylists, estheticians, and nail technicians. There is a real need for dedicated cosmetology instructors. With an active license and a passion for teaching, aspiring instructors can undergo additional training to refine their instructional techniques and share their craft with emerging beauty professionals. In some states, it’s required to have more than a cosmetology license to instruct. For instance, you must have an instructor cosmetology license in Washington State.

Becoming a licensed instructor is more than just a career move—it’s a commitment to nurturing talent and passing on hard-earned wisdom.

You must be a licensed cosmetologist

To become a beauty school instructor, you must first be a licensed cosmetologist. Most states, including Washington State, require an active cosmetology license and a school diploma as the minimum qualifications for pursuing this path. To learn the exact requirements for your state, contact a licensed cosmetology school or consult your state’s board office.

In Washington State, obtaining a cosmetology license requires completing 1,600 hours of coursework within a cosmetology program. These hours are a mix of lecture-style classes and hands-on training in a beauty school salon on campus. Once these requirements are met, you must pass the state board exam, which evaluates whether you have the necessary skills to earn your license.

After earning your cosmetology license, you can explore additional training to obtain a cosmetology instructor license. This step involves completing specific hours of instructor training and gaining teacher experience, which prepares you to guide and inspire future cosmetologists.

To finalize the process, passing an instructor exam is required. This pathway opens up diverse career opportunities in the beauty industry, from teaching in a licensed cosmetology school to working in advanced training programs.

Attending a cosmetology school will help you earn your instructor licensure

Attending a cosmetology school is essential for anyone aspiring to earn their cosmetology instructor license. Before stepping into the role of a mentor, in most accredited schools, you must already possess a current professional license in cosmetology, which proves that you have met the foundational requirements of the field.

Many schools require a diploma and a current cosmetology license before you can embark on instructor training, ensuring you have the academic foundation and practical experience to move forward.

Once you have met the prerequisites, you can begin specialized courses designed to prepare you for teaching.

These courses may include:

• Training on instructional techniques
• Classroom management
• Curriculum development
• Guiding new students tactfully

Upon completing these programs, you can apply for instructor certificates. The application process for a cosmetology instructor license typically involves submitting proof of eligibility, completed coursework, and an application fee.

Earning a cosmetology instructor license opens up many career opportunities and will give students teaching experience.

With an instructor certificate, you will deepen your understanding of beauty and hone your teaching skills and technical techniques, whether you’re a hair designer, nail tech, barber, or esthetician. 

The hours of practice for an instructor licensure may vary. 

About Evergreen Beauty College

Evergreen Beauty College offers a cosmetology instructor training program that meets all the requirements for becoming an instructor in Washington State. Students will have an advanced course instructor curriculum that will prepare them for outlining coursework for their classrooms.

Evergreen students will easily transition from any of our programs to the teacher training program. We offer financial aid, payment plans, and flexible schedules for students who continue to work while attending classes. 

Our facilities are equipped with all the products and tools the students will need to train. We have a student-operated salon on each of our campuses where instructors in training can oversee their students working on clients. 

Contact us for more information about the training program and how we can help you take the next step in your career.

FAQ: What are the requirements for becoming a beauty instructor?

What are the basic requirements for becoming a beauty instructor?

Before taking the plunge to become a beauty instructor, you should have a current cosmetology license and a high school diploma. Attending a cosmetology program typically takes less than a year to complete when you attend the program full-time. Attending cosmetology school part-time will usually take a little more than a year. 

What kind of training is needed to earn a cosmetology instructor license?

Most beauty schools will require instructors to have additional instructor training hours. This specialized coursework includes teaching methodologies, classroom management, and curriculum design. The training is necessary for beauty professionals to develop the skills needed to guide and teach students effectively and tactfully.

What other steps are involved in obtaining a cosmetology instructor license?

Beyond meeting educational and training requirements, you will typically need to submit an application to your state’s board of cosmetology and pay an application fee.