The Natural Hair Specialist program prepares individuals for board requirements for training and licensure and allows practicing cosmetologists to earn Continuing Education Units.
Course work covers the following techniques and subjects:
- Twisting the hair
- Wrapping
- Extending
- Locking
- General sciences
- Practices specific to infection control
- Bacteriology
- Client consultation
- Business management
- Professional ethic
- Other related topics
For information about classes, email [email protected] or call 919-334-1590.
Registration requirements
- Government-issued ID
- Social Security number or tax ID number
- High school diploma or equivalency
More registration information can be found in the video.
Industry-recognized credential: North Carolina State Board of Cosmetics Arts
Complete in: Five months or less (348 hours)
Professional licensure
Wake Tech academic programs (credit and non-credit) that are designed to lead to professional licenses are tied to North Carolina or national certifications. If you intend to pursue professional licenses outside North Carolina once you have completed your academic program at Wake Tech, please refer to the Professional Licensure section of the college's distance education authorization page for additional information.
Natural Hair Specialist Courses
Natural Hair Specialist
Course Objectives
The student will be able to state the difference between cleaning, disinfection and sterilization.
The student will be able to identify infection control procedures in the salon.
The student will learn to select wisely, care for and use properly the commercial products that are related to the application of natural hair treatments.
The student will develop the technical skills required in the practice of a natural hair beauty culture.
The student will be able to identify and create protective style techniques for natural hair.
The student will prepare for state board examinations to obtain a license to practice natural hair.
Outline of Instruction
Weeks 1 & 2:
Orientation PowerPoint
Class Introductions, student handbook, class rules/expectations and kit inventory
Use Natural Hair Curriculum
Definition of (14a) Natural Hair Care
Theory:
Infection Control and Blood Exposure Procedures as defined in 21 NCAC subchapter 14H
Chapter 2 Infection Control – Explain all that does not apply for our state within Chapter 2 of Milady
Practical:
Demo, teach and practice Infection Control and Blood Exposure Procedures.
Introduce and explain rubrics
Student practice
Performance-evaluation testing at the end of two weeks using approved SB rubrics
Week 3
Review Infection Control and Blood exposure procedures
Theory:
Bacteriology and board laws, regulations, board website and licensure scope of practice (use Natural Hair Curriculum)
Teach 21 NCAC 14H. 0403 and Demo Station
Set up of workstation using 21 NCAC 14H. 0403 North Carolina State Board of Cosmetic Arts Rules and Regulations on how to maintain a safe working environment
Practical:
Sanitation, Disinfection Procedures and Safety Procedures
Station set up
Show and tell – single-use implements
Show and tell – how to dispense or remove products for use from containers
Student practice:
Infection control
End-of-week evaluations:
Infection Control
Blood Exposure (self and client)
Continuing performance evaluation testing
Week 4
Theory: Chapter 1 & Shampooing and Draping (Test Friday)
Practical:
Demo and teach draping, shampoo and condition manikins, sectioning for scalp treatments
Student practice
Performance evaluation
Week 5
Review shampoo and draping/scalp analysis
Product knowledge
Purpose and chemistry of shampoos and conditioners
Scalp conditioning services
Procedure
Scalp massage
Scalp and hair analysis
Client consultation/contact
Analysis to provide proper service
Theory:
Chapter 3 Personal and Professional Success and blow dry and thermal iron (Test Friday)
Practical:
Explore, demo and teach blow dry and thermal iron
Student practice:
Station set up, draping, shampoo, condition, blow dry and thermal iron
Performance evaluation
Weeks 6 & 7
Review Chapter 3
Theory:
Chapter 4: The Professional Consultation (scientific brushing and other procedures and how to service clients with special needs) (Test Friday)
Chapter 5: Hair Types, Structure and Textural Differences
Hair structure and growth cycle( hair type and wave pattern)
Midterm Test: Chapters 1-5 on Friday
Introduce Performance Sheets
Station Assignments
Practical:
Teach and demo twisting techniques
Station Setups
Student practice:
Two-strand twists
Chapter test Friday
Rubric practice
Continuing performance evaluation testing
Week 8
Review: Chapters 4 & 5 (Ethics, communication/consultation, record keeping)
Theory:
Chapter 6: Hair and Scalp Diseases and Disorders
Chapter test (identify and discuss different bacteria and scalp infections)
Practical:
Teach and demo wrapping and extending techniques (2-strand overlap, 3-strand overbraid and underbraid, invisible braid, Nubian coils)
Station set up
Kit check
Student practice
Service evaluations
Week 9
Review Chapter 6
Theory:
Chapter 7: Basic Anatomy, Physiology and Nutrition (anatomy of the head and neck)
Chapter test
Practical:
Teach and demo single box braids and braid removal
Student practice
Service evaluations
Week 10
Review: Chapter 7
Face shape and structure and anatomy of head and neck
Theory:
Chapter 8: Shampoo, Conditioners, Herbal Treatments and Rinses
Chapter test
Practical:
Demo consultations
Student practice
Clients/performance sheets
Service evaluations
Week 11
Review Chapter 8
Theory:
Chapter 9: Textured Hair is Manageable and Protective Styles (purpose, definitions and techniques for loc grooming and tools, implements and materials needed)
Practical:
Teach and demo knots and locs
Student practice
Service evaluations
Week 12
Review Chapter 9
Theory:
Chapter 10: Natural Hair and Braiding Sculpting Techniques
Chapter test
Practical:
Teach and demo track and sew weft (crochet weave, feed- in cornrows, yarn braids)
Student practice
Service evaluations
Week 13
Review Chapter 10
Theory:
Small-business class
Mock state board prep
Student practice
Lock style and procedures (Purpose, definitions and techniques; comb technique; palm roll; tools, implements and materials; placement, design and direction; developmental phases; maintenance
Week 14
Mock state board practice
Practical
Week 15
Review previous chapters
Theory:
Physiology and Trichology
Practical:
Teach and demo wig-making and adding hair extensions (placement, design and direction; adding extensions without glue; artificial hair)
Student practice
Week 16
Small-Business Center/Business class
Chapter test
Clients/performance sheets
Review for final
Timed performances
Clients/performance sheets
Week 17
Mock state board practical exam
Review and prepare students for the state board exam and go over the application procedure for DL Roope.
Project sheets due
Small-Business Center/Business Class
Protective styles
Final exam
Clients/performance sheets
Practice and prepare for mock state board practical
Contact Hours
348
CEUs
No
Industry Standard, State or National Certification
Certification
North Carolina State Board of Cosmetics Arts
Website
Certification Learning Outcomes/Requirements
N/A
CE or CU Articulation
No
Prerequisites
None
Learning Supplies Needed
Milady Standard Natural Hair Care and Braiding and the workbook
Latch hook Crochet needle
Curved weaving hair extension needle
Thread
Hair on weft for sew-in weave
Clinical Site/Special Facilities
N/A
Requirements for Successful Completion
90% attendance
Accreditation/Special Approval Requirements
N/A
Intended Audience
N/A
Specific Industry or Business Support Needs
N/A
Wake County Need for Industry Positions
N/A
Industry or Job Titles Related to Training Outcomes for Employment
Natural Hair Care Specialist
| Details | Section | Date(s) | Location | Price | Seats | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 326699 | 05/11/26 - 10/12/26 | Beltline Education Center | 206.00 | 0 |
If you would like to be notified when additional sections become available, please use Wake Tech's Notify Me service.
