Learn professional natural hair braiding and natural hair styling, and how to turn them into a business, in our new 40-hour Natural Hair Braiding & Styling Certificate in San Bernardino, starting spring 2027. Taught by a California-licensed cosmetologist, with small hands-on cohorts, practice on real clients, and a business plan you can use the week you finish.
Why learn braiding and natural styling now?
Braiding is one of the fastest ways to start earning with your hands. In California, natural hair braiding and styling that involves no cutting and no chemicals does not require a cosmetology license (Business and Professions Code §7316), so graduates can begin taking clients as soon as they complete training and set up their business.
Demand in the Inland Empire is strong. Local braiders charge roughly $120 to $550 per install depending on size and style, and kids' styles, knotless braids, twists and locs stay booked year-round.
What you will learn
- Weeks 1–2, Foundations and safety: hair and scalp basics, natural textures, sanitation and tool disinfection, client consultation, and the California rules on what braiders can and cannot do
- Weeks 3–4, Core braiding: parting, cornrows, feed-in cornrows, three-strand plaits and tension control
- Weeks 5–6, Extensions: box braids, knotless braids, prepping and blending braiding hair, and speed drills
- Weeks 7–8, Natural hair styling: two-strand twists, flat twists, coils, passion twists, loc maintenance and retwists, wraps, goddess and Fulani styles, and gentle styles for children
- Weeks 9–10, Business and client clinic: pricing, booking apps, deposits and cancellation policies, business license and insurance, Instagram photos that book clients, landing your first 10 clients, supervised styling on real clients, and a final portfolio photo shoot
Practice on real clients
Students start on mannequins and move to real clients under the instructor's supervision. Every client signs a consent and release form before service. Students never cut hair or use dyes, relaxers or other chemicals, and every module teaches braiding that protects the hairline: loose edges, no braiding through pain, sensible braid size and weight, covered elastics instead of glue, and clear guidance on how long styles should stay in.
Who is this class for?
- Cosmetology students and graduates who never learned to braid
- Beginners who want a new skill and a flexible income
- Self-taught braiders who want speed, technique and a real business setup
- Parents who want to braid and style their children's hair with confidence
- Youth ages 16 to 24 who want a skill plus a small business, including Future Leaders Academy participants
- Job seekers looking for a fast path to income
Class details
- Course code: BRD 101
- Starts: Spring 2027. Exact dates will be announced soon.
- Length: 40 hours over 10 weeks
- Schedule: Thursday afternoons, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
- Instructor: A California-licensed cosmetologist and experienced braider
- Location: The Ayangbah Foundation, 255 N. D Street, Suite #200-XXVII, San Bernardino, CA 92401
- Class size: 8 to 10 students, each with their own station, mannequin and table clamp
- Tuition: $2,500 total, including your mannequin head, tools, braiding hair and all supplies
- You receive: a Certificate of Completion, Natural Hair Braiding & Styling, a photo portfolio, a client intake and consent form, a pricing sheet and a referral list of salons that rent booths
This is a skills training certificate from The Ayangbah Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. It is not a state license.
Start free: intro workshops
Not sure braiding is for you? Try it first. Both workshops are hands-on, take about 2 hours and are taught by our licensed instructor.
- Free Intro to Braiding Workshop: learn basic box braids on a mannequin and meet the instructor. Free.
- Braiding for Parents and Caregivers: simple, gentle styles for your children's hair. Free or low cost.
Workshops begin in spring 2027, and dates will be posted on the class schedule page. To save a seat, email info@ayangbahfoundation.org or call (909) 454-7076.
Help paying for the program
The Ayangbah Foundation is working to make this program eligible for public workforce funding, including WIOA. Job seekers, youth, CalWORKs participants and others may also qualify for sponsored seats through community partners. Tell us on your application if you need help with tuition, and we will walk you through your options.
How to join
- Apply online and tell us you want "Natural Hair Braiding & Styling."
- We will contact you to confirm your seat, funding options and the next cohort start date.
- The first cohort starts in spring 2027. Applicants will be the first to hear the exact dates, which will also be posted on the class schedule page.
Churches, youth programs, reentry programs and community organizations can sponsor seats for their members. Email info@ayangbahfoundation.org or call (909) 454-7076.
Students from nearby cities
We welcome students from across San Bernardino County, including Fontana, Rialto, Colton, Redlands and Highland.
Pay online: pay full tuition or a $100 seat deposit by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay.
FAQ
Do I need a license to braid hair in California?
No, not for natural hair braiding, twisting, locking, wrapping or extensions, as long as you do not cut hair or use dyes, relaxers, heat straightening or other chemical services. Adding those services requires a cosmetology or barber license.
Can I braid clients at home after the class?
It depends on your city. The City of San Bernardino does not allow beauty businesses as home occupations, so many braiders work mobile or rent a booth in a salon. We cover your options in the business module.
Do I need any experience?
No. The first class starts from the basics. Experienced braiders and cosmetologists also benefit from the advanced styles and the business module.
What should I bring?
Your supplies are included. Bring a notebook and your phone for portfolio photos.