Minnesota Hair Braiding School and Requirements

If you want to be a natural hairstylist in Minnesota, you don't need to go to hair braiding school or get a license. That said, Minnesota has restrictions on what braiders can do without attending cosmetology school and getting a license, so there are times when you may want to go to classes.

Here, we'll talk about what Minnesota hair braiders can do, how to become one, and how much you could earn. Browse our directory of hair braiding schools in Minnesota, or skip ahead to learn about the state's hair braiding licensing requirements and job outlook.

How to Become a Hair Braider in Minnesota

Minnesota removed its hair braiding licensure requirements in 2019. Before then, you needed to undergo training and get a license. Now, you can essentially just get going!

That isn't to say you don't need to do any work, though.

Most importantly, you need to know how to braid. Minnesota eliminated the licensure requirements in part because braiding is often practiced in people's homes throughout their lives, so they learn from an early age. But this isn't the case for everyone. And some people may feel like going to hair braiding school or taking skill-specific classes could boost their skills and confidence. Even if you feel great about your skills, attending classes could help increase clients' confidence — those certifications show you did the work.

You likely also need a business license if you work for yourself.

What Minnesota Hair Braiders Can Do

Minnesota goes further than many other states in defining its hair braider regulations. The state says that braiders may put tension on clients' hair strands to create styles, use topical agents like pomades and shampoos, provide services using curling or straightening irons, and similar — essentially, things that are easily accessible to the general public are okay for braiders to use.

The closest to permanent or semi-permanent methods Minnesota hair braiders can use are sewing and adhesive hair-binding agents.

So, as a hair braider, you use human hair, natural or synthetic fibers, or extensions to perform:

• Beading
• Braiding
• Cornrowing
• Extending
• Lacing
• Locking
• Sewing
• Twisting
• Weaving
• Wig-making
• Wrapping

If you need to use chemicals like bleach or dye or want to provide haircuts, you need to get a cosmetology or hair technician license. Cosmetology programs run for 1,550 hours and train in hair, makeup, skincare, and nails. Hair technician school takes 900 hours and focuses exclusively on hair services.

READ MORE: Learn More About Cosmetology School in Minnesota

READ MORE: Learn More About Hair School in Minnesota

Minnesota Hair Braider Salary

How much you can earn as a hair braider depends on your location, workplace type, years of experience, certifications, and more. Though the best way to find out your potential earnings is through other braiders, some estimates exist.

• ZipRecruiter (December 2023): $38,727 per year ($18.62 per hour) for working from home
• Indeed (December 2023): $63,865 per year ($27.41 per hour)
• Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2022): $41,950 per year ($20.17 per hour) for hairstylists and cosmetologists

These sources have limitations, particularly regarding the number of data points they considered, so you can see why talking with other braiders may be the best approach!

Contact the Minnesota State Board of Cosmetology