As a beauty professional in Hawaii you will be able to explain the difference between “nani” as in, “beautiful,” or “enjoyable,” and “u’i” as in, “youthful looking,” or, “beautiful.” When people think of Hawaii they think of beaches, resorts, natures, and overall beauty.
As a salon professional in Hawaii, you could find yourself working with gracious clients in some of the most posh settings in the world.
Whether for tourists setting out to enjoy the sun, or for locals whose skin tells a life-long story of playing in the sun, as a skincare professional you may find that Hawaii offers boundless opportunities. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Hawaii has the fifth-highest concentration of skincare professionals in the nation. The rural Hawaii-Maui-Kauai area offers the highest average salary for skincare specialists of all non-metropolitan areas in the nation.
When it comes to the prospects for cosmetologists, hairdressers, and hairstylists, Hawaii beats all other states in terms of offering the highest average salaries. Nail technician specialists will be glad to know they are not far behind, with the Hawaii-Kauai-Maui rural areas offering the fourth-highest average salary for these professionals of all non-metro areas in the country. Makeup artists can enjoy living in the state that is the number one destination for weddings in the nation, not to mention ranking in the top 10 world destinations for nuptial celebrations.
To work as a salon professional you will need to earn the appropriate license issued through the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs’ Professional and Vocational Licensing. This agency works to issue licenses in cooperation with the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology as well as the Hawaii Electrologist Program.
How to Become a Cosmetologist in Hawaii
As a cosmetologist, you will be able to offer a wide range of services to your clients, ranging from hairstyling to skincare; however, hairdressing and styling will be your bread and butter.
Cosmetology Schools in Hawaii
There are two main routes you can take to get the education needed to earn a cosmetology license:
- Graduate from a beauty college that includes a curriculum that is at least 1,800 hours
- Complete an approved apprenticeship that is at least 3,600 hours
If necessary, you can also substitute apprenticeship hours for beauty school hours, and vice versa.
As part of your studies you will learn about:
- Manicuring and pedicuring theory and methods
- Scalp and hair treatments
- Makeup, arching, and facials
- Wet hairdressing, comb out, and shampooing
- Perms and straightening
- Hair coloring, cutting, bleaching, and shaping
- Skin assessments and treatments
- Safety and sanitation
Cosmetology Examination
You will also need to pass the Hawaii Cosmetology Theory Examination to be eligible for your license. This exam is administered by the testing company Prometric. You will have two hours to complete the exam’s 100 questions.
Cosmetology Jobs in Hawaii
As a licensed cosmetologist you will have the largest range of professional opportunities of all beauty practitioners in Hawaii. This can include at places like:
- Beauty salons and spas
- Nail salons
- Hair salons
- Skincare specialty establishments
- Companies that need the services of makeup artists, including theatre, opera, cosmetic, and film production studios
As you search through the field of potential employers, keep in mind that you also have the option of establishing your own salon or spa by filling out a Beauty Shop Application.
How to Become a Hairdresser in Hawaii
As a hairdresser you can offer your clients services that include all aspect of hair services, from cutting and dyeing to perming and styling in the latest trends.
Hairdresser Schools in Hawaii
To get the licensure process started you will need to complete one of the following options for education:
- Graduate from an approved hairdressing school that offers a curriculum of at least 1,250 hours
- Complete an approved hairdressing apprenticeship that is at least 2,500 hours
- Complete an equivalent combination of apprenticeship and hairdressing school courses
As you complete your education you can expect to study subjects that include:
- Hair and scalp treatments
- Shampooing, comb outs, and wet hairdressing
- Hair coloring and bleaching
- Hair straightening and permanent waving
- Shampoo maintenance and management
- Sanitation and safety
Hairdresser Examination
Before you can receive your license you will need to pass the Hawaii Hairdresser Theory Exam, which is administered by the company Prometric. You will have two hours to complete 100 questions on the exam.
Hairdresser Jobs in Hawaii
As a newly licensed hairdresser you have the option of filling out a Beauty Shop Application or seeking employment with businesses like:
- Infuse Hair Design in Honolulu
- Salon Kris in Hilo
- The Fix in Kailua
- Studio Kiss Hair Salon in Waipahu
How to Become a Nail Technician in Hawaii
In order to get to the point where you can offer your clients manicure and pedicure services, you will need to complete a series of nail technician education.
Nail Technician Schools in Hawaii
You have two basic options when it comes to earning the education you will need to become a licensed nail technician:
- Graduate from an approved nail technician education program that is at least 350 hours in length
- Complete an approved apprenticeship program that is at least 700 hours in length
You also have the option of combining education and apprenticeship hours to earn an equivalent qualifying amount of education.
As you study you will cover topics like:
- Manicuring and pedicuring techniques
- Nail art, wraps, gels, and polish
- Nail product chemistry
- Safety, sanitation, and disinfection
Nail Technician Examination
Before you can earn your license, you will need to register with the testing company Prometric to complete the Hawaii Nail Technician Theory Exam. You will have two hours to finish the exam’s 100 questions.
Nail Technician Jobs in Hawaii
As a nail technician you can potentially work at nail salons and full-service beauty spas on any island, including:
- Le Aloha Nails in Pearl City
- A Place of Perfection in Kaneohe
- Nicole’s Nails in Hilo
- Heaven on Earth Salon and Day Spa in Honolulu
How to Become an Esthetician in Hawaii
As an esthetician you can offer your clients enticing options that include:
- Makeup services
- Spa services
- Skincare services
Esthetician Schools in Hawaii
- Spa Luna Holistic School – 70 E. Kaahumanu Ave, Unit B-8, Kahului, Hi 96732 – 808–575–2440
Educational Paths
You can choose between two educational paths to become eligible for a license:
- Graduate from an approved esthetician course of study that is at least 600 hours in length
- Complete an approved esthetician apprenticeship that is at least 1,200 hours in length
You also have the option of combining hours from an apprenticeship with those from an official course of study to equal an equivalent amount of education. The subjects your education will cover include:
- Makeup application techniques
- Eyebrow arching
- Facial mask treatments
- Skin disorders and treatments
- Safety, disinfection, and hygiene
Esthetician Examination
You will also need to pass the Hawaii Esthetician Theory Exam before you can receive your license. This exam is administered by the testing company Prometric, and you will have two hours to complete 100 questions.
Esthetician Jobs in Hawaii
Beginning your career as a newly licensed esthetician can take you in several directions. Prospective employers can include companies seeking a makeup artist, beauty salons, and skincare specialty establishments. Examples include:
- Natural Beauty Spa and Massage in Hilo
- MAC Cosmetics in Honolulu
- Walt Disney Resort and Spa in Kapolei
- Hawaii Opera Theatre
- Pulelehua Skin Care Aesthetics in Honolulu
How to Become an Electrologist in Hawaii
As an electrologist you can permanently remove human hair. To become licensed as such you will need to complete a specific series of education.
Electrologist Education
You can choose one of the following three options to earn the education you will need to be eligible for an electrology license:
- Complete an electrology education program that is at least 600 hours in length from an accredited electrology school
- Complete an approved electrologist apprenticeship that is at least 800 hours and at minimum six months
- Complete a combination of electrology school and an apprenticeship that totals at least 700 hours
As you complete your education you will study subjects like:
- Electrolysis methods
- Disinfection and sterilization
- Safety and emergency procedures
- Infectious diseases
Electrologist Examination
To earn your license you will also need to pass the Hawaii Electrology Theory Exam. This exam is administered by the testing company Prometric, and you will have two hours to complete 100 questions.
Electrologist Jobs in Hawaii
As an electrologist you might be surprised at just how many beach goers demand your services. Potential employers can include places like:
- Little Venus Electrology in Honolulu
- Accurate Electrolysis in Honolulu
- Tru Skin in Maui
- A Touch of Class in Kailua
How to Become a Makeup Artist in Hawaii
Whether for film shoots, cosmetic companies, or weddings, as a makeup artist in Hawaii you can provide your skills for clients in a variety of fields.
Because Hawaii’s Professional and Vocational Licensing department does not specifically provide a makeup artist license, you will need to earn one of the following licenses to work professionally as a makeup artist:
- Esthetician license
- Cosmetology license
Makeup Artist Jobs in Hawaii
As a makeup artist you may find that your skills are in demand from a variety of fields, including cosmetic companies, movie production studios, bridal companies, and beauty spas. Your potential employers can include some of Hawaii’s best known businesses, like:
- Bare Escentuals in Honolulu
- Nordstrom in Honolulu
- Cornerstone Multimedia in Honolulu
- Lucid Makeup Artistry in Honolulu
- Bellaviva Salon and Spa in Pearl City
- Honolulu Theatre for Youth
- Diamond Head Theatre in Honolulu
How to Become a Barber in Hawaii
As a barber you can offer your clients services that relate to hair cutting and styling, including those that relate to facial hair. To qualify for a barber license you must complete a prescribed amount of education.
Barber Schools in Hawaii
You will need to complete either of these education requirements to earn a barber license:
- Graduate from an approved barber school whose curriculum is at least 1,500 hours
- Complete an approved barber apprenticeship that is at least 1,500 hours
As part of your education you will study topics like:
- Mustache and beard maintenance, including shaving
- Hair cutting, hair styling, hair coloring, and hair bleaching
- Hair perms and hair straightening
- Shampooing and conditioning
- Facials
- Sterilization and sanitation
- Shop sales and management
Barber Examination
You will also need to pass the Hawaii Barber Theory Exam, which is administered by the company Prometric. You will be allowed 2.5 hours to complete this exam’s 110 questions.
Job Opportunities for Barbers in Hawaii
As a barber with a new license in hand, you can start hitting the pavement in search of employers on any island. This can include places like:
- Mojo Barbershop in Honolulu
- Modie Barber Shop in Hilo
- Sport Clips in Mililani
- Iku’s Barber and Hair Styling in Kailua
You can also consider filling out a Barber Shop Application that, when approved, will earn you the right of establishing your own place of business.