Living in the “American Heartland” you know how humid summers and winters can be in the state of Iowa. The extreme lows and highs in temperatures can play havoc with your skin and hair.
Iowa’s beautiful rolling hills and lakes make the perfect backdrop for award winning salons. Estilo Salon and Day Spa in Des Moines was recognized by The Industry Source magazine as one of the top 200 fastest growing salons in North America and the Best of the Best Salon and Day Spa. It was also featured in Bridal Guide Magazine as one of the Best Bridal Salons in Iowa. The salon sees over 900 customers every week and has a staff of 40. It is known for its unsurpassed customer service and high quality spa services.
Makeup artists in Iowa can find steady employment, especially when doing makeup for weddings, graduations and engagements. Makeup salons like Beauty of All Faces in Des Moines, employs makeup artists trained in flawless makeup application. The staff even travels around the state for onsite makeup application for special events.
The national growth rate for salon jobs is predicted to be 13% through 2022. Cosmetologists in Iowa can make upwards of $45,000 once established, which is above the national average.
To begin your journey, you must first meet the license requirements set by the Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences.
 | Becoming a Cosmetologist in Iowa |
| Becoming a Manicurist in Iowa |
| Becoming an Esthetician in Iowa |
| Becoming an Electrologist in Iowa |
| Becoming a Barber in Iowa |
Becoming a Cosmetologist in Iowa
As a cosmetologist you may specialize in hair cutting and styling, apply makeup or do manicures and pedicures. Or you may choose to work in a salon where you can do all of these things.
Education Requirements
In order to take the Iowa state licensing exam, you must first complete 2100 hours of training. Training will consist of the following categories:
- Core life sciences – 150 hours
- Cosmetology theory – 615 hours
- Supervised practical instruction – 1335 hours
Continuing education of eight hours is required biennially for license renewal.
Examination Requirements
After completing cosmetology school, you must pass the following tests:
- National Inter-state Council of State Boards of Cosmetology Exam
- Iowa Law Exam scheduled and taken with Experior Assessment
- Cosmetology Theory Exam through PSI Services
Employment Opportunities
Iowa has some of the nation’s most comprehensive training requirements for cosmetology licensing. This is reflected however in the superior pay received by those working in this field. There are many types of salons within the state, some large and some smaller and more family oriented.
Rick Mosley Hair in Des Moines is a luxurious salon that specializes in hair services. Rick Mosley has been in the industry for over 30 years and besides working with world famous talents, he also holds a position with the Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences.
Other salons in the state include full-service salons such as the following:
- Signature Salon and Day Spa in Altoona
- Zender’s Salon & Spa in Iowa City
- Finesse Spa Salon in Ames
Becoming a Manicurist in Iowa
As a manicurist in Iowa you will use learned nail techniques to shape and paint nails on the hands and feet and apply artificial nails when requested. You may also massage hands, feet, arms and legs during your daily duties.
Education Requirements
The state of Iowa requires completion of 325 hours of course training in nail technology before being able to take the certification exams. Coursework will be divided into the following segments:
- Core life sciences – 150 hours
- Nail technology theory – 50 hours
Continuing education of eight hours is required biennially for license renewal.
Examination Requirements
After completing the required nail technology coursework, you must pass the following tests:
- National Inter-state Council of State Boards of Cosmetology Exam
- Iowa Law Exam scheduled and taken with Experior Assessment
- Cosmetology Theory Exam through PSI Services
Job Opportunities
As a manicurist you will have the unique opportunity to have face-to-face conversations with your customers. This can help build a strong relationship and help you build a steady clientele that returns again and again. People want to be comfortable with their nail technician so a friendly attitude and expertise in communication are key qualities for manicurists.
Nail Spa in Council Bluffs provides superior nail services and adheres to a strict sanitation process, ensuring the health and safety of both employees and customers. It offers a relaxing atmosphere where the stresses put upon your hands and feet can be erased in a matter or minutes.
Additional nail salons in Iowa include:
- Nikki & Nails in Ames
- Nails & Beyond in Ankeny
- Haley’s Nails & Spa in Ames and Spa in Kansas City, MO offering the very best in personal care and comfort.
Becoming an Esthetician in Iowa
A smooth, beautiful complexion can be hard to come by, especially when dealing with hot summers and freezing winters. Skin can get too much moisture one season and become dried out the next. Enter estheticians. As an esthetician in Iowa you will learn to access the best skincare year-round for your clients as the seasons change.
Education Requirements
To become licensed as an esthetician in Iowa, you must complete 600 hours of training at an approved school. Training will be in following categories:
- Core life sciences – 150 hours
- Esthetics theory – 115 hours
- Applied practical instruction – 335 hours
Continuing education of eight hours is required biennially for license renewal. Two of the required hours must be in Iowa law.
Examination Requirements
After completing the required nail technology coursework, you must pass the following tests:
- National Inter-state Council of State Boards of Cosmetology Exam
- Iowa Law Exam scheduled and taken with Experior Assessment
- Cosmetology Theory Exam through PSI Services.
Job Opportunities
Many estheticians in Iowa work in salons or medical offices while others have a private practice. You will perform facials, chemical peels and minor laser techniques such as microdermabrasion.
Finesse Spa Salon in Ames offers esthetician services that are custom-blended for each client to ensure the best technique is used for the best results. Soderstrom Skin Institute has locations in Clinton and Davenport and offers a medical setting as well as Skin Dimensions, the clinics day spa.
Additional spas and medical centers in Iowa include:
- d’Vine Medical Spa in Waterloo
- The Sanctuary Spa in Cedar Rapids
- Des Moines Plastic Surgery in Des Moines
Becoming an Electrologist in Iowa
Electrology is the removal of unwanted hair and is the only hair removal procedure considered by the FDA to be permanent. You will be trained to remove excess hair via electronics or electric needle.
Education Requirements
Electrologist license applicants must complete 425 hours of coursework from an approved institution. Areas of study will include the following categories:
- Core life sciences – 150 hours
- Electrology theory – 50 hours
- Applied practical instruction – 225 hours
Applicants who are already licensed in cosmetology can complete the following in order to take the Electrology license exam:
- Electrology theory – 50 hours
- Applied practical instruction – 225 hours
Continuing education of eight hours is required biennially for license renewal.
Examination Requirements
After completing your electrology studies you must pass the following tests:
- National Inter-state Council of State Boards of Cosmetology Exam
- Iowa Law Exam scheduled and taken with Experior Assessment
Job Opportunities
Many electrologists in Iowa work in clinical settings because of the nature of the work. Places like Clinic of Electrology and Laser may require you to also be trained in nail fungus treatment and removal of other minor skin imperfections. Laser Therapy can also be used in this line of work to treat the scalp, allowing for healthier hair.
Additional electrology options are:
- Advanced Laser Clinics in Davenport
- Clinic of Electrology in Iowa City
- Infinity Skin Care & Spa in Coralville
Becoming a Barber in Iowa
As a barber in Iowa you will learn grooming services for men and boys including trimming, shaving, cutting and coloring hair. You may also find yourself in the middle of a social forum where men come to discuss current events. Barber shops have long been a place not just for haircuts but also as a gathering spot for lively conversation.
Education Requirements
The Barber Practitioner License requires 2100 hours of coursework from a board-approved institution. In addition licensed barbers must complete 8 hours of continuing education as well as 4 hours of training in teaching methodology to renew the license biennially. You must also be a minimum of 16 years old and have at least a tenth grade education.
Courses will include the following subject matter:
- Hairstyling, shampooing, conditioning
- Haircutting, clipper, cutting, razor cutting
- Permanent waving, hair coloring and hairpieces
- Facials, massage, packs and tonics
- Shaving
- Sanitation, bacteriology, hygiene and physiology
- Skin and scalp disease
- Hair structure and science
- Business management, history and ethics
- Salon internship
Examination Requirements
After completing the required nail technology coursework, you must pass the following tests:
- Barber Styling Exam through National Inter-state Council of State Boards
- Iowa Law Exam scheduled and taken with Experior Assessment
- Practical Exam through PSI Services
Job Opportunities
Barbering in Iowa can be a very rewarding career. If you’re able to develop a good rapport and give great service you may find yourself servicing generations of families including grandfathers, fathers and sons. Barber shops are a great place to make new friends while providing a service where you can be both creative and structured at the same time.
Tom’s Barber Shop in Ames gives its customers the traditional feel of an old-time barber shop while keeping up with current trends in cuts. In business since 1970, this is the type of barber shop where you can really develop a large clientele that returns again and again.
Other great options for barber shops in Iowa are:
- Franklin Plaza Barber Shop in Des Moines
- Butler & Son’s Barber Shop in Waterloo
- College Hill Barber Shop in Cedar Falls