Riverland Community College

Riverland’s Hair Technician Program is a comprehensive and specialized educational program that offers training in the art and science of hair care. The hair technician program will equip students with the skills and knowledge required to pursue a successful career as a licensed professional hair technician in the state of Minnesota. A hair technician performs personal services for the cosmetic care of the hair on the scalp. Services include styling and cutting the hair and chemical services that include permanent waving, relaxing and smoothing the hair.  

Students can expect the following from Riverland’s Hair Technician Program:

Core Curriculum: Riverland’s hair technician program covers a wide range of topics including shampooing and conditioning, hair styling, haircutting, haircoloring, hair texture and structure, anatomy, disorders of the hair and scalp, product chemistry, electricity, Minnesota statutes and rules pertaining to the regulation of hair technology, safety, sanitation, and infection control in the salon setting.

Hands-On Training: Practical training is a significant component of Riverland’s hair technician program. Students will have the opportunity to work on mannequins and classmates during their preclinical training. Once preclinical training is completed students will work on clients in our student salon under the supervision of their licensed instructors. The practical experience helps our students gain confidence in their abilities and ensures they are well prepared for their career as a licensed hair technician.

Hair Care and Maintenance: Students will learn the fundamentals of hair care, which includes shampooing, conditioning, and treatment techniques. They will also gain knowledge about various hair types, textures, conditions and disorders of the hair and scalp to better cater to diverse client needs.

Haircoloring and Chemical Treatments: Students in Riverland’s Hair Technician program can expect in-depth training in haircoloring and chemical treatments such as permanent hair color, permanent waves and chemical hair relaxers. Students will learn how to mix and apply hair color, lightener, direct dye pigments and the safe use of chemicals to achieve desired results.

Haircutting and Styling: Students are taught various cutting and styling techniques, including precision cutting, layering, texturizing techniques, as well as creating different hairstyles for various occasions. Students will also learn about the use of haircutting tools, hairstyling tools and equipment.

Client Communication and Consultation: Effective communication with clients is a crucial skill for hair technicians. Students will learn about client consultation and professionalism in the workplace.

Safety, Sanitation, and Infection Control: Proper infection control practices are emphasized to ensure for the protection of the public and the hair technician student.  Students will learn about Minnesota Rule that pertains to salon infection control practices.  

Salon Management: Riverland Hair Technician students will learn about salon management, including scheduling clients, customer service and the business aspects of running a successful hair salon.

Licensing Requirements

Minnesota requires hair technician students to complete a minimum of 900 hours in a licensed cosmetology school. Topics must include:

• 300 hours of preclinical instruction in the theory of anatomy, properties of the hair and scalp, disorders and diseases of the hair and scalp, chemistry, electricity and light, client and service safety, Minnesota statutes and rules pertaining to the regulation of hair technology
• 300 hours in hair cutting and styling that includes hair and scalp analysis, cleaning, scalp and hair conditioning, hair design and shaping, drying, arranging, curling, dressing, waving and nonchemical straightening.
• 300 hours in chemical hair services that includes hair and scalp analysis, coloring, hair lightening, reactive chemicals, keratin products, permanent waving and straightening, predisposition and strand tests, safety precautions, chemical mixing, color formulations and the use of dye removers.

An applicant for a hair technician license must be at least 17 years old and must pass a practical skills test, a general theory test, a written practical test and a Minnesota Laws and Rules test.

Last Updated: April 1, 2024