How to Become a Hairstylist in Oregon

Have you always been the go-to friend for hair braiding, styling, or glam transformations before a night out? If you’ve got a passion for hair and creativity running through your fingertips, becoming a hairstylist might be more than just a fun idea—it could be your dream career.

But how do you turn that dream into a reality in Oregon? At Phagans School of Hair Design, we’re here to help guide you step-by-step, from your first day of class to your first day on the salon floor.

Let’s walk through everything you need to know about becoming a licensed hairstylist in Oregon—and how Phagans can be the perfect place to start your journey.

Why Consider a Career in Hairstyling?

Cosmetology and hair care aren’t just thriving industries—they’re creative, people-centered professions that offer flexibility and personal expression. In fact, the beauty industry employs over 640,000 professionals, and job growth is projected to rise by 7% over the next decade.

At Phagans, we’ve helped thousands of students discover their calling and build a future in this exciting and dynamic field.

Step 1: Meet Oregon’s Licensing Requirements

Before you can officially work as a hairstylist in Oregon, you’ll need to meet several state licensing requirements. These include:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Graduate from an Oregon Board-approved cosmetology school (like Phagans!)
• Complete the application to take your licensing exams
• Pay the required fees

Already Licensed in Another State?

You may be eligible for an Oregon reciprocal license. If you’ve held an Oregon license in the past three years but let it lapse, you can apply for reinstatement without retaking exams. If it’s been longer, though, the exams will be required again.

Step 2: Enroll in a Hair Design Program at Phagans

To sit for your Oregon licensing exams, you need to complete your education at an approved school. That’s where Phagans School of Hair Design comes in.

With decades of experience in beauty education and two Oregon locations (in Portland and Salem), we offer a hair design program that prepares you for success, both in passing your exams and thriving in the real world.

Program Length

• Full-Time: Around 10 months
• Part-Time: Flexible schedule that fits around work or family obligations

Whether you’re fresh out of high school or making a career change, we make sure our programs meet you where you are.

Step 3: Learn Hands-On Skills That Matter

At Phagans, our curriculum goes beyond basic hairstyling. We help you build the well-rounded expertise you need to excel in the beauty industry.

What You’ll Learn:

• Hair cutting, coloring, and styling
• Nail care (manicures & pedicures)
• Skin care and facial techniques
• Sanitation and health regulations
• Product chemistry and ingredients
• Business and customer service skills

One of the highlights of our program is the student salon clinic, where you’ll practice your skills on real clients under the guidance of experienced instructors. This hands-on experience is key to building confidence and preparing for your future career.

Step 4: Pass the Oregon Licensing Exams

Once you’ve completed your education, it’s time to take the exams required by the Oregon Health Licensing Office. You’ll need to pass:

• A written theory exam
• A practical skills exam
• An Oregon Laws & Rules written exam

If you don’t pass on your first attempt, don’t stress. You can retake each exam up to 10 times, and many students schedule a retake for as early as the next day. Once you’ve passed all exams and paid your fees, you’ll receive your license and can begin working immediately.

Step 5: Start Your Career as a Hairstylist

With your Oregon cosmetology license in hand, the possibilities are wide open.

Many of our graduates start their careers in:

• Local salons or barber shops
• Spas and wellness centers 
• Cruise ships or luxury hotels
• Entertainment and fashion industries

Explore Other Career Paths With Your Cosmetology License

Hairstyling is just one of many options in the world of beauty. A cosmetology license from Phagans School of Hair Design can open doors to a wide range of careers:

• Hair stylist or colorist
• Nail technician
• Skincare specialist or esthetician
• Makeup artist
• Cosmetology instructor
• Salon or spa manager
• Beauty influencer or brand ambassador
• Product rep or sales specialist

At Phagans, we encourage our students to explore all areas of the industry and find the path that best aligns with their passion.

Why Choose Phagans School of Hair Design?

We know that choosing the right cosmetology school is a big decision. At Phagans, we’re more than just a beauty school—we’re a community of creative professionals committed to helping you thrive.

Here’s what makes us different:

• Decades of experience in beauty education
• Small class sizes for personalized attention
• Real-world experience through our student salon
• Ongoing support from experienced instructors
• Locations in Portland and Salem to serve you better

When you enroll at Phagans, you’re not just joining a program—you’re joining a legacy of passionate beauty professionals who are changing the industry every day.

Begin Your Journey to Becoming a Hairstylist at Phagans School of Hair Design

You can realize your dreams of becoming a hairstylist, and it all starts with choosing the right cosmetology school for your needs. Phagans School of Hair Design has a curriculum and reputation for excellence that you deserve. Our team and staff members take pride in offering a first-class education and providing you with the skills you need to be successful in your new career. Contact us today and take a tour of our campus.