STATEHOUSE (May 2, 2017) — Gov. Eric Holcomb signed into law State
Rep. Tim Wesco’s (R-Osceola) bill removing the cosmetologist licensing
requirement to practice natural hair braiding in the state.
Previously, braiders could only
work if they first obtained a cosmetology license, which requires at least
1,500 hours of training. However, many cosmetology schools do not teach natural
braiding.
“The regulation stopped braiders from earning an honest living,” Wesco said.
“One woman moved to Texas because she couldn’t legally start a hair
braiding business here. If someone with this talent wants to practice their
craft, they should be able to do so with no penalties.”
Wesco said before now, people who
practiced without a license faced a Class C infraction with a $500 fine.
This law only applies to natural
hair braiding services. Hair braiding that requires the use of chemicals, such
as for hair relaxation or hair coloring, still requires a license.
House Enrolled Act
1243 will go into effect on July 1. Visit iga.in.gov
to learn more about this legislation.
