Creativity and a great attitude are necessary to work in the beauty industry, but it also takes a lot of hard work. If you're looking to become a cosmetology professional West Virginia beauty schools are some of the most rigorous in the country. For instance, even California cosmetologists require fewer hours of training.

WV's emphasis on continuing education also means you're always growing, and honing your skills. If you're excited to get started, check out this guide to how to get your education, your license, and eventually, how to build a great career.

German Valley, WV
German Valley, WV photo by Jarek Tuszynski [CC BY 3.0]

How Long Are Schooling Requirements For Cosmetology In WV?

To complete your cosmetology education, you'll need to take a course that is at least 1000 hours long for a hairstylist, and 1800 hours for a cosmetologist. Often you can take some beauty classes while in high school so you can get a head-start on your training. To find an approved school nearby use the app below:

West Virginia has strict hours for their regulations. Check with the West Virginia State Board of Cosmetology website for details.

You can expect classes in hair styling and cutting, state law, and infection control and nutrition, as well as skin disorders, and skin care products, nail structure and practical manicure and pedicure techniques.

Procedure For Getting Your West Virginia Cosmetology License

To get your license, you'll need to pass two exams.

First the written exam, which is a 90 minute exam covering the theory of anatomy, bacteriology, and other topics to test your theoretical knowledge.

You'll need to take the practical exam on the same day.You'll also need to bring your own mannequin head and table clamp to the exam.

After that, there's a 30-minute state law exam. To specialize in hair styling, you'll need to take two additional exams, the hairstyling written, and practical exam, which are separate from the overall cosmetologist exams.

Already Licensed & Moving From Out-Of-State?

West Virginia has reciprocity agreements with several states.

If you are looking to move, you'll need to officially transfer your license. If your home state has similar requirements to West Virginia, you can apply with an application via reciprocity.

However, you could make up the hours in work experience. One month of work experience equals 25 hours of education, up to 50% of your education requirements.

You will still need to complete the West Virginia law exam, and to do that, you'll need the Out-of-State Exam application.

How To Renew Your West Virginia Cosmetology License

WV requires you to renew your license every year.

You are required to earn 4 hours or 4 credits of continuing education per year to keep your license active. Your date of renewal is December 31st. You can apply for renewal online, and pay the fee there as well.

Job Opportunities For Beauticians in WV

Your work opportunities in West Virginia are varied. Because of the study hours required, you will be among the best trained beauty specialists in the country.

Choosing where to start your career among the many salons resorts and spas in West Virginia is the easy part.

For a head start, check out workforcewv.org and get a jump on your amazing new career!

… so how much does school cost anyway, and how will you pay for it, and generally speaking just how long will the training take?

Some West Virginia Cosmetology Schools with Tuition Costs

Name Address Tuition Other Programs
Charleston School of Beauty Culture 210 Capitol Street, Charleston, 25301 $12,200 Aesthetics, Barbering, Manicuring
Roane-Jackson Technical Center 9450 Spencer Road, Leroy, 25252 $7,560 Continuing Education
International Beauty School 201, 3211, West King Street, Martinsburg, 25401 $24,900 Hair Stylist, Nail Technology, Esthetics
Art & Science Institute of Cosmetology
& Massage Therapy		 45 Cory Rd
Fairmont, 26554		 Unknown Hair Stylist , Massage Therapy, Nail Technology, Aesthetics, Barber Crossover
Morgantown Beauty College 276 Walnut Street, Morgantown, 26505 $17,900 Hair Stylist, Esthetics, Massage Therapy, Nail Technology
Carver Beauty Academy 4799 Midland Drive, Charleston, 25306 $9,400 Barbering and many more...

Other WV schools for nail technicians, estheticians, and barbers.

Interesting video on the West Virginia Board's Salon Inspection Process

School URLs:
www.charlestonschoolofbeautywv.com/
www.huntingtonschoolofbeauty.com
www.laurel.edu
www.morgantownbeautycollege.com

Did we miss any cosmetology institutes in WV? Please let us know.