With the addition of the new Hair Technician License in Minnesota, many industry hopefuls are trying to determine which license to pursue. Barbering and Hair Technician licenses have many similarities and a few differences.
We’re going to break down the pros and cons of both licenses so you can determine which license is right for you.
Click on the [citations] for additional information.
Hours
The first thing to consider when deciding between licenses is the hours of education each requires.
Both programs require training and updated licensure to be able to practice legally in Minnesota.
The Hair Technician License in Minnesota requires 900 hours of education [1] which can take about 6-8 months to complete with a full time program.
The Barbering License in Minnesota requires 1500 hours of education [2] which can take about 9-10 months to complete with a full time program.
Content of Training
While the content of training programs for hair technicians and barbers are fairly similar, there are some key differences to consider.
Both licensing programs require education in scientific fundamentals such as anatomy, biology, chemistry, infectious disease awareness and prevention, and sanitation as it relates to hair, skin, and salon practices. [1] [3]
Both programs also require education on practical skills such as haircutting, coloring, chemical services such as perms and relaxer, facial hair trimming, and styling. [1] [3]
The main differences to consider come down to certain practical skills.
Barbering Education
Training for the Barber License includes facial and neck shaving, which the hair technician training does not. Hair technicians can use razors, but they are not trained to shave the face and neck with a straight razor. [1]
Traditionally, barbering mainly pertained to men’s hair. Nowadays, barbers serve a diverse clientele, including women. Having said that, much of the training still focuses on shorter haircuts such as fades, tapers, clipper cut styles, and pixies.
Barbers undergo extensive training in these shorter styles, as well as training in shaving and facial hair shaping. This specialized training is valuable for those who want to focus on these specific services.
Hair Technician Education
Training for hair technicians typically covers a wide range in hair length. Hair technicians also dive deeper into color techniques and chemical processing.
Hair technicians learn similar haircuts, beard trims, and styles as barbers with the addition of specialty styles such as blowouts, hot tool sets, and updos; advanced color techniques such as balayage; and haircuts, perms, and relaxers for longer hair lengths. [1]
This broad range of training is valuable for those who want to work with many different hair lengths and offer advanced color and chemical services.
Licensure Testing
Once a student has completed their program, they must take the respective exams for their particular license. Licensure testing between hair technicians and barbers is only slightly different in regards to procedure.
Barber Exams
Barber exams are scheduled 4 times per year, but the board may add up to 2 additional test times if they see fit. [4] [5]
The Barber Exam is made up of several parts- 1 written test and 4 practical services that must be performed. [6]
Before testing, barbering students are required to take a “Home Study Course” which prepares them for the exam. [7]
If a student fails their first exam, they will have 1 more chance to take it. [2] There is a small fee for every retake. [13] If they fail the second try, they will be required to take an additional 500 hours of education. Additional tuition costs will incur depending on the barbering school. After taking this additional 500 hours, students can take the exam as many times as they need to until they pass. [2]
A student has up to 4 years after completing school to pass the exams and get licensed. If they do not get licensed within 4 years, they will have to take an additional 500 hours of education. [4]
Hair Technician Exam
Hair technician exams can be scheduled nearly any day of the week depending on your closest testing center. [8]
The Hair Technician Exam is also made up of several parts- 1 practical exam and 3 written exams. The practical exam tests students on their physical skills such as cutting, coloring, and styling. The written exams test on general theory, Minnesota Laws & Rules, and a scenario test (also called the Written Practical). [1]
If a student fails any part of the test, they may retake it as many times as they need to in order to pass. Students must pay another exam fee for each test they retake. [14]
A student has up to 5 years after completing school to pass the exams and get licensed. If they do not get licensed within 5 years, they will have to take an additional skills course. [9]
License Renewal
Like most licensed professionals, both barbers and hair technicians must renew their licenses periodically.
Barbers must renew their license every year by December 31st and pay the required fee. [10]
Hair technicians must renew their license every 3 years by the last day of their birth month and pay the required fee. [11] Hair technicians must also complete 8 hours of continuing education before license renewals. [12] More information on continuing education hours for hair technicians can be found here.
Final Considerations
The MN Barbering License and MN Hair Technician License have many similarities and several differences. The deciding factors for determining which license is right for you include:
- Whether you want to specialize in certain hair lengths or have a broader knowledge
- How deep you want to explore color and chemical services
- How much time you want to invest in your education
- Your testing preferences
- Knowledge of license renewal requirements
No matter which license you choose to pursue, the world of hair is full of endless possibilities. An exciting, fulfilling, lifelong career is just around the corner!
Sources
- 2023 Minnesota Statutes, Ch 155A.2705 Cosmetology (2023).
- 2023 Minnesota Statutes, Ch 154.05 Barbers (2016).
- 2023 Minnesota Statutes, Ch 154.07 Barbers (2016).
- 2023 Minnesota Statutes, Ch 154.09 Barbers (2016).
- Minnesota Administrative Rules, Ch 2100.2500 (2017).
- Minnesota Administrative Rules, Ch 2100.2900 (2017).
- Minnesota Administrative Rules, Ch 2100.2600 (2017).
- PSI Online – One stop Solution for Test Takers
- Minnesota Administrative Rules, Ch 2100.0690 (2016).
- 2023 Minnesota Statutes, Ch 154.15 Barbers (2016).
- 2023 Minnesota Statutes, Ch 155A.25.4 Cosmetology (2014).
- 2023 Minnesota Statutes, Ch 155A.271.1 Cosmetology (2023).
- 2023 Minnesota Statutes, Ch 154.003 Barbers (2013).
- PSI Testing, Minnesota Board of Cosmetology Candidate Information Bulletin (2024).
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