How Long Does It Take To Become A Cosmetologist In Oregon?

Cosmetology is more than just styling hair or doing nails—it’s about helping people look and feel their best. From hair design to skincare, esthetics to nails, cosmetologists use creativity, technical skills, and a passion for beauty to make a difference in their clients’ lives.

Although some may overlook it as a serious career path, cosmetology can offer both personal fulfillment and financial opportunity. In fact, the average cosmetologist in Oregon earns around $45,000 a year, according to ZipRecruiter—and that number can rise with experience, specialization, and business savvy.

But how long does it actually take to become a licensed cosmetologist in Oregon? Let’s break it down.

How Do You Become a Licensed Cosmetologist in Oregon?

Before diving into the timeline, it’s important to understand the steps required to become licensed in Oregon. To work legally as a cosmetologist in the state, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
• Graduate from a state-approved cosmetology school
• Complete the required training hours for your chosen field
• Pass the Oregon Board Exam
• Pass the Oregon Laws and Rules Exam

Your total training hours and overall time in school will vary depending on the area of cosmetology you pursue. Most students can complete their training and become licensed in as little as 12 months, but the exact timeline depends on several factors (covered below).

Already Licensed in Another State or Country?

If you’re licensed elsewhere, you may not need to repeat cosmetology school in Oregon. Here’s how it works:

• Ask your previous state or country’s licensing board to send a Verification of Licensure to Oregon’s Health Licensing Office (HLO).
• Alternatively, you can fill out an Affidavit of Licensure and submit it by mail or in person.

If you’ve completed training but aren’t yet licensed, you may still be eligible to waive some Oregon training requirements. You’ll need to:

• Provide documentation of your previous education
• Undergo an evaluation at a board-approved Oregon cosmetology school
• Pass a skills assessment
• If qualified, proceed to take the exams

Required Training Hours by Field

Oregon has specific hour requirements for each cosmetology discipline. These hours are divided between hands-on practical work, career development, and Oregon laws and rules training:

• Hair Design: 1,150 hours total
• Barbering: 786 hours total
• Esthetics: 600 hours total
• Nail Technology: 281 hours total
• Dual Program (Hair Design, Esthetics & Nail Technology): 1,835 hours total

An Overview of the Oregon Board Exam

Everyone who wants to be a licensed cosmetologist must pass a written exam for their field of practice. Each exam consists of 100 questions, and a minimum score of 75 percent is needed to pass. After passing that exam, applicants must then pass the Oregon Laws and Rules exam to ensure that they understand the legal standards related to their position. Unlike the other exams, the Laws and Rules exam is only 90 questions. Applicants have 90 minutes to complete each individual exam. If you pass both exams, you will be licensed for 2 years before needing to renew. 

Phagans School of Hair Design offers a reimbursement for licensing exam fees as long as students graduate on or before their contract date and have completed all required hours, operations, senior testing, and other graduation requirements. It’s just one more way we support our students’ success beyond the classroom.

How Long Does It Actually Take?

For most people, the entire process can take about a year from start to finish. This includes:

• Enrolling in a cosmetology school
• Completing the required coursework and hands-on training
• Preparing for and taking both the Oregon written board exam and the Oregon Laws and Rules exam

Of course, this timeline can shift depending on your schedule, your chosen field, and how quickly you grasp the material.

Factors That Influence The Time to Earning a Cosmetology License

Of course, the average time to earn a cosmetologist license will not apply to everybody. The amount of time can rise or fall depending on a number of personal variables. Here are the most important factors that can impact the duration of the process:

• The Rest of Your Schedule: In all likelihood, your cosmetology program isn’t the only task demanding your time. Your current job, friends and family, other hobbies; all of these activities will extend the time you need to complete your education. 
• Study Time: On a related note, the amount of time you can regularly spend studying cosmetology outside of class will also dictate when you are adequately prepared to take the board exam. 
• Your Choice of Practice: Each Phagans program is tailored to be suitable for that specific field of practice. Because of that, each program requires a different amount of time to complete.
• Personal Proficiency: Some people learn faster than others. Your ability to pick up the material is another heavy influence on the length of time you spend in the cosmetology program.

Ready to Begin Your Cosmetology Journey?

Becoming a licensed cosmetologist in Oregon takes commitment, but it can also be one of the most rewarding investments you make in your future. With the right training and support, you can go from dreaming about a beauty career to living it.

Get in touch with Phagans School of Hair Design today to learn more about our programs, flexible schedules, and enrollment process. Your future in beauty starts here.