In Louisiana, there are currently around 5,300 people working as hairdressers. The outlook for the future of this career is very strong, with a projected growth of 27% by the year 2016. The job prospects for a career as a hairdresser in Louisiana are better than the national average, which is expected to grow approximately 20% during that same time period. Hairdressers shampoo hair as well as cutting and styling it. They also massage and treat the scalp. Louisiana hairdressers earn an average of $9 per hour, which is $2 per hour less than the national average for hairdressers.
To become a hairdresser in Louisiana, you need to be at least sixteen years old and have at least a 10th grade education at an approved high school. After that, you need to complete at least 1500 hours of training at a hairdressing school in Louisiana. Upon completion of the required training, you will be eligible to take the state cosmetology exam. In order to receive your license, you must pay all of the required fees and pass the examination.
Although Louisiana recognizes reciprocity for licensees in all other states, the requirements vary depending on the state. Applicants from all states must fill out an application, which is available on the Louisiana Board of Cosmetology website. If your license is from Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Washington or Wyoming, you must also provide an affidavit from the state showing that you are licensed. If your license is from Florida, make sure you use the Florida reciprocity application instead of the one used by licensees from other states.
For more information on licensure in Louisiana:
Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology
11622 Sunbelt Court
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
http://www.lsbc.louisiana.gov/