The Hoosier state has always been a crossroads for the United States, being a bridge from East to West and North to South. With this strategic location, the economy, and specifically the beauty industry, in Indiana is booming.
With the number of some beauty professional jobs growing as high as 27.9% between 2012 and 2022, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, now is the perfect time to start your beauty career in the Hoosier State.
Indianapolis, a crossroads for the entire US, is home to nationally-recognized salon, Biz on Fletcher. Biz on Fletcher, one of Elle Magazine’s “Top 100 Salons in the US,” is a full-service salon, offering comprehensive hair, nail, and skin care to meet each client’s personalized beauty needs. The cosmetologists at Biz offer cutting-edge cuts, colors, and styles, along with hair treatments such as the Botanical Hair and Scalp Treatment, which improves hair quality up to 71%. The manicurists at Biz offer exotic services, such as the Caribbean manicure, spa manicure, and Caribbean pedicure, which includes sugar scrub exfoliation, a warming seaweed masque, hot towels, and a relaxing leg massage. Finally, the estheticians at Biz offer skin care services based on elemental, natural products, massages, waxing, and makeup services, including eyelash and brow tinting.
Electrologist are the magic-performing beauty specialists, allowing Hoosiers to stay in the sun all day every day without any worry of embarrassing, unwanted hair. Beauty by Polina in Indianapolis offers the only FDA-approved method of permanent hair removal—electrolysis. Along with this, Beauty by Polina offers laser hair removal, lash and brow services, waxing, facials, and permanent makeup—for all client’s beauty needs.
The classic, American art of barbering is entering a revival, with many great barbershops popping up all over the nation. Indianapolis is home to one of the “Manliest Barbershops in America,” according to Men’s Health Magazine. Red’s Classic Barbershop truly awakens the traditional, masculine barbershop of the past with ‘30s throwback memorabilia, straight-razor shaves, classic cuts, razor neck finishes, and boot shines. On top of all that, each client can get a glass bottle of Coke, IBC Root Beer, or Orange Crush from the old-fashioned machine in the back.
Clearly, Indiana is a great place to begin your beauty career, whether you want to become a cosmetologist, manicurist, esthetician, electrologist, or barber. To begin your career as any of these professionals, you’ll start by obtaining an Indiana license from the Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. This Board regulates the education and exam licensing requirements for each beauty professional throughout the Hoosier state.
Guidelines on How to Become a Cosmetologist in Indiana
Cosmetologists get to use their creativity and innovation to perform cutting-edge hair cutting, hair styling, hair coloring, manicuring, and facial services. They are the most all-inclusive beauty professionals, working with men, women, hair, skin, and nails.
Education Requirements for Indiana Cosmetologists
To begin pursuing your Indiana cosmetology license, you’ll start by enrolling in a 1500-hour cosmetology program at a local beauty school. In this cosmetology program, you’ll get to be immersed in the history, theory, and practice of beauty, style, trends, and techniques. You’ll take courses concerning the following cosmetology training subjects:
- Hair Cutting – 275 hours
- Sanitation – 40 hours
- Statues and Rules of Indiana – 10 hours
- Sales – 10 hours
- Management – 10 hours
- Manicuring – 30 hours
- Pedicuring – 20 hours
- Hair Removal (Waxing) – 15 hours
- Anatomy and Physiology – 5 hours
- Skin – 5 hours
- Hair – 5 hours
- Electricity – 5 hours
- Chemistry – 10 hours
- Shampooing – 35 hours
- Scalp Performances – 20 hours
- Facials and Makeup – 65 hours
- Hair Coloring – 190 hours
- Texture Service – 320 hours
- Hair Styling – 280 hours
- Discretionary – 150 hours
After completing your cosmetology training program, you’ll take a final cosmetology school examination. This exam will test your ability to perform certain cosmetology services. Passing scores on this exam are necessary to move on to the next step- the final Indiana licensing examination.
Examination Requirements for License as an Indiana Cosmetologist
After graduating from cosmetology school and passing the final exam, you’ll be ready to take the Indiana cosmetology licensing examination, listed as follows:
- Indiana Cosmetology Written Exam administered by Pearson VUE
Passing scores on this exam will allow you to receive your Indiana cosmetology license.
Job Opportunities for Cosmetologists in Indiana
As a cosmetologist in Indiana, you’ll get the opportunity to work in local, high-end salons or spas that offer hair services. Most jobs will be hourly, commission-based, or rental salon jobs. In commission or rental, you will want to be sure to stay on the cutting edge of hair care services, techniques, and products by taking advanced courses in cosmetology. All of this will help you build a strong clientele who trust your latest cosmetology knowledge and skills.
Indianapolis is home to another best-rated salon, G Michael Salon. G Michael was recognized by one of the top hairstyling magazines in the world, Sophisticates Hairstyle Guide. This salon focuses on stylists’ continuing education and creative training, which takes place in locations like New York, Los Angeles, and London, to keep stylists up to date on the latest trends. Along with this, G Michael offers a full line of organic, Beverly Hills styling products, sure to keep your hair sexy and healthy. Along with all this, each client gets a steamed towel hand massage included with each hair service.
For other top-rated hair salons throughout Indiana, consider some of the following options:
- Salon Orange Moon – Indianapolis
- Regis Salon – Greenwood
- Bei Capelli Salon & Spa – New Albany
How to Become a Manicurist in Indiana
Manicurists specialize in the science, art, and beautification of hands, nails, and feet.
Manicurist Education Requirements
To begin pursuing your Indiana manicuring license, you’ll start by enrolling in a 450-hour manicurist training program at a local beauty college. In this manicurist training program, you’ll learn the science and art of beautifying nails, hands, and feet by taking the following courses:
- Sanitation – 40 hours
- Anatomy and Disorders – 25 hours
- Statues and Rules – 10 hours
- Nail Techniques and Sanitation – 190 hours
- Manicuring – 60 hours
- Pedicuring – 35 hours
- Chemistry – 10 hours
- Sales – 15 hours
- Electric Drill/Files – 20 hours
- Discretionary – 45 hours
As you approach graduation, you’ll be required to pass a final, practical exam. In this exam, you’ll demonstrate your ability to perform different manicuring services. Upon passing this exam and graduating from your program, you’ll be ready to move on to the next step—passing the Indiana theory licensing exam.
Manicurist Examination Requirements
After graduating from your manicurist training program, you’ll be ready to pass the following Indiana licensing exam:
- Indiana Manicurist Theory Exam administered by Pearson VUE
After successfully completing this exam, you’ll be ready to obtain your Indiana manicurist license.
Job Opportunities for Manicurists in Indiana
As a manicurist in Indiana, you can apply for nail salon jobs, full-service salon jobs, or day spa jobs. Most jobs will be hourly, commission-based, or booth rental positions. In commission or rental positions, you’ll want to build a strong clientele by staying on the cutting edge of nail care services, nail art, and nail care products through advanced nail education courses, which will help your clients trust your knowledge and return to you again and again.
Lotus Spa and Nails, located near the Glendale Town Center and Broad Ripple Park in Indianapolis, is just one of the many top-notch nail salons throughout Indiana. Lotus focuses on the latest trends in nail services, similarly to other Indiana salons and spas, by offering clean, sanitary, and environmentally friendly products without chemical odors. Along with nail services, Lotus offers skin care, waxing, and spa party services, so that you can benefit from the continual stream of clients.
For other best-rated nail salons in Indiana, consider some of the following options:
- V S Nails – Lafayette
- Abstract Nails & Wellness Studio – Indianapolis
- Oasis Nail Spa – Indianapolis
Essential Steps to Become an Esthetician in Indiana
Estheticians specialize in the study of skin, learning how to use facials, chemicals, peels, body wraps, and more to make client’s skin glowing, radiant, and smooth.
Esthetician Educational Requirements
To begin your career as an esthetician, you will start by enrolling in a 700-hour esthetician training program at a local beauty school. You will take fun, invigorating courses that explain everything from the science of skin to the art of makeup, including the following:
- Chemistry of Skin Care – 40 hours
- Physiology and Histology – 60 hours
- Bacteriology, Disinfection, Sterilization, and Sanitation – 35 hours
- Introduction to Skin Care Machinery – 50 hours
- Facial Structure and Skin Analysis – 45 hours
- Skin Care – 155 hours
- Makeup – 55 hours
- Hair Removal – 70 hours
- Advanced Spa Techniques – 25 hours
- Safety – 20 hours
- Professional Personality and Development – 20 hours
- Sales, Marketing, Salon Management and Retail – 45 hours
- Indiana Statues and Rules – 10 hours
- Discretionary – 70 hours
Upon approaching graduation, you’ll take a practical exam. Passing this practical exam will enable you to graduate and move on to the second step—passing the Indiana esthetician licensing exam.
Esthetician Examination Requirements
After graduating from an Indiana esthetician training program, you’ll be ready to take and pass the following Indiana esthetician licensing exam:
- Indiana Esthetician Written Exam administered by Pearson VUE
Successful completion of this exam will allow you to obtain your Indiana esthetician license.
Esthetician Job Opportunities in Indiana
As an esthetician in Indiana, you can apply for skin care specialist jobs at full-service salons, day spas, wellness centers, medical spas, or even dermatology offices. Most jobs will be hourly, commission-based, or booth rental positions. If you get a commission or rental job, you’ll want to build a strong clientele by staying on the cutting edge of skin care services and products. You can do this through taking advanced skin care courses and continuing education, which will allow your clients to trust that you’re the best in the business.
Ethereal Day Spa and Salon is a full-service salon in Brown County, located in the Village of Nashville. A peaceful retreat, this spa offers couples rainforest showers, couples facial rooms, and a gathering room with a warm fireplace. The estheticians offer the ethereal signature facial, among others, which includes cleansing, steaming, toning, and chemical, enzyme exfoliation for your skin, finished off with a hydrating, moisturizing mask. These estheticians are so skilled that they are able to perform galvanic facials, high frequency facials, and light and heat energy facials.
For other top-notch spas throughout Indiana, consider some of the following:
- State of Mind Salon & Day Spa – Crown Point
- Evan Todd Salon & Day Spa – West Lafayette
- Inspire Salon and Spa – Valparaiso
How to Become an Electrologist in Indiana
Electrologists are the specialists in permanent, FDA-approved hair removal through the methods of electrolysis, thermolysis, and the blend method.
Electrologist Education Requirements
To begin pursuing a license in electrology, you’ll start by enrolling in a 300-hour electrologist training program. In this, you will take the following courses that are designed to teach you the science of permanent hair removal:
- Introduction to Electrology – 3 hours
- Infection Control – 35 hours
- Basic Electricity – 5 hours
- Basic Chemistry – 2 hours
- Causes of Hair Growth – 8 hours
- Anatomy and Physiology – 20 hours
- Understanding Electrology Treatments – 22 hours
- Single Needle Electrolysis – 32 hours
- Multiple Needle Electrolysis – 39 hours
- Manual Thermolysis – 28 hours
- Automatic Thermolysis – 34 hours
- The Blend – 60 hours
- Professional Considerations – 5 hours
- Clinical Learning – 7 hours
After completing your electrolysis program, you’ll take a final, practical exam. Upon completion of this exam, you’ll be ready to move on to the second step—passing the Indiana electrolysis licensing exam.
Examination Requirements for an Indiana Electrolysis License
After graduating, you’ll be ready to pass the Indiana electrolysis license exam, listed as follows:
- Indiana Electrolysis Written Examination administered by Pearson VUE
Successful completion of this exam will allow you to receive your Indiana electrolysis license.
Job Opportunities for Electrologists in Indiana
As an electrologist in Indiana, you can apply for permanent hair removal jobs at electrolysis clinics, laser hair removal centers, or skin care centers. Most jobs will be hourly or commission-based. Otherwise, you have the option of opening your own electrolysis clinic. To obtain competitive jobs and get client referrals, you will want to learn the latest trends in electrolysis, so you can provide your clients with state-of-the-art, painless, comfortable, and quick electrolysis procedures.
Another great clinic for electrolysis is Northside Arborcrest Electrology & Creative Cosmetics, located in Indianapolis. Arborcrest boasts that electrolysis is still the most effective, established, and permanent method of removing all types of hair, whether coarse, fine, blonde, grey, or red. Along with this, Arborcrest also offers permanent cosmetics.
For other great electrolysis clinics in Indiana, consider some of the following:
- Ideal Image – Indianapolis
- Jill Health Electrolysis & Skin Care – Indianapolis
- Swan Dermatology Center – Lafayette
Steps to Become a Barber in Indiana
Barbers are the revivalists of classic, American masculinity, who are experts in men’s hair, beard, and mustache cutting, styling, and designing.
Barber Education Requirements
To begin your career as a barber, you will start by enrolling in a 1500-hour barber training program. In this, you will take stimulating courses that will teach you the history, science, and art of barbering. Specifically, your barber school will follow the following course and hourly outline:
- Sanitation, Bacteriology, and Sterilization – 40 hours
- Indiana Barber Laws and Rules – 20 hours
- Salesmanship – 15 hours
- Management – 10 hours
- Skin – 10 hours
- Hair – 10 hours
- Facials – 45 hours
- Hair Styling – 225 hours
- Electricity/Light Therapy – 10 hours
- Chemistry – 10 hours
- Shampoo/Massage -70 hours
- Scalp Treatments – 35 hours
- History of Barbering – 10 hours
- Shaving/Shaping – 45 hours
- Honing and Stropping – 15 hours
- Personal Hygiene and Professional Ethics – 10 hours
- Equipment Care – 10 hours
- Hair Coloring – 130 hours
- Permanent Waving and Chemical Relaxing – 265 hours
- Hair Cuts -300 hours
- Anatomy and Physiology – 15 hours
- Hairpieces – 50 hours
- Discretionary – 150 hours
Upon approaching graduation, you’ll take a practical exam, which will grade you on your ability to perform barbering services. Passing this exam will enable you to graduate and move on to the second step—passing the Indiana barber licensing exam.
Barber Examination Requirements
After graduating from your Indiana barber training program, you’ll be ready to take and pass the following Indiana barber licensing exam:
- Indiana Barber Written Examination administered by Pearson VUE
Passing this exam will enable you to receive your Indiana barber license and begin working as a licensed barber.
Barber Job Options in Indiana
As a barber in Indiana, you can apply for barber jobs at local barbershops. Shop jobs will be hourly, commission-based, or rental, where you will work as an independent contractor from within a shop. If you’re working off of commission or as a renter, you’ll want to stay on top of the latest trends in barbershop business models and barbering services, techniques, and products. You can do this by attending advanced, continuing barber courses, barber shows, or by becoming a member of the Indiana Cosmetology and Barbering Association, which holds an annual membership meeting.
Another authentic barbershop is True Barbers in Carmel, Indiana. Offering hot lather and straight razor neck shaves, hot towel treatments, and professional shoe shining, True Barbers truly brings back the atmosphere of classic men’s grooming. Along with this, True Barbers offers cutting-edge services, such as stress relief massages and signature, four-step facials.
For other great barbershops in Indiana, consider some of the following options:
- V’s Barbershop – Fishers
- Jefferson St. Barber Shop – Franklin
- Classic Barber Shop – Carmel