NEW: Hair Technician License
A new hair technician license has been created through legislation and can be issued beginning July 1, 2024. This new license type allows you to perform hair care services only, rather than pursuing a cosmetology license, which includes the additional practices of skin care and nail care services.
The following is information about this new license type and instructions on how to apply.
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A "hair technician" is any person who, for compensation, performs personal services for the cosmetic care of the hair on the scalp.
Hair technician services include cutting the hair and the application of dyes, bleach, reactive chemicals, keratin, or other preparations to color or alter the structure of the hair (see Minnesota Statute 155A.23 Subd. 21). A person who only performs hairstyling as defined by 155A.23 Subd. 19, is not a hair technician.
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- Complete a 900-hour hair technician course at a Minnesota cosmetology school. To find a school that offers the course, click here: Find a School
- Pass the practical skills test, as well as three written exams.
- Submit the Initial Operator Application for licensure along with payment. To find the application, click here: First-Time Licensees
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You can transfer your license if your original training course was 900 or more hours (or you have been licensed in another state for three or more years) AND your training included chemical hair care.
Find the Domestic or Foreign Transfer Hair Technician Operator License Application (Espanol, Trang Viet) to see all licensure requirements.
I don't meet these requirements; what now?
If your original training course was less than 900 hours or it did not include chemical hair care, you must:
- Enroll at a Minnesota cosmetology school as a transfer student.
- Complete the remainder of the 900-hour hair technician course.
- Meet all testing requirements.
- Apply with the Initial Operator License Application.