Hair Business
Do You Need A License To Braid Hair?
By Marquetta Breslin
Sep 27, 2005 - 3:02:00 PM

Hair braiding licensure is a hot topic these days. More and more people are opening styling salons which offer a variety of hair care services and products, including braiding. Some are providing kinky twists, micro braids, and several other types of hairstyles that braid natural black hair in traditional and new ways. Some braiding techniques have been passed down from one generation to another, while other contemporary processes weave faux hair with real hair for a modern cultural look.

In the United States, cosmetologists who offer professional hair care services on a commercial level must pass state-mandated board exams. These exams require hundreds of hours of cosmetology instruction. If successful, the candidate must then pay for the license, which allows them to operate in a shop that is open to the public.

Currently, a majority of cosmetology programs do not offer braiding instruction, since it has largely been practiced in the African-American community. This has led to police ticketing, court cases, and judicial rulings about whether a cosmetology license should be required for braiding hair.

The main need for cosmetology training concerns the chemicals used for processing hair, like those used in permanents, straightening, and coloring. Since braiding does not require the use of chemicals, many believe it should be exempt from the required licensing. In one recent California braiding licensure case, the court ruled against the state on behalf of the plaintiff, supporting her right to braid hair without a license.

Since this is ultimately an entrepreneurial issue as well, legislation is currently pending review in the government. This new legislation would permit experienced braiders to sidestep the cosmetology license requirement, one which does not even test for braiding -since it is not part of the 1,600-hour training curriculum.

Anyone interested in starting a braiding business should check with their local government to find out if there are restrictions or licensing procedures that must be observed.


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