State Licensure Requirements

*the list below will get you started on the status of your state, however we encourage you to do further research if you are concerned about licensure
*last updated 7/20/2023
*source – https://ij.org/report/a-dream-deferred/

Select your state below for more info:

In Alabama, to offer hair braiding services, a cosmetology license is required. This involves passing an exam and completing either 1,200 credit hours (or 1,500 clock hours) of cosmetology training, or a three-year cosmetology apprenticeship totaling 3,000 hours.

Source: Ala. Code § 34-7A-1(9), (12) (2005); Ala. Code § 34-7A-22(2) (2005).

In Alaska, hairbraiding may be classified as hairdressing. To practice hairdressing, individuals engaged in hairbraiding must pass an exam and fulfill either 1,650 hours of coursework or 2,000 hours as an apprentice within a one- to two-year timeframe.

Source: Alaska Stat. § 08.13.220(6)(B) (2005); Alaska Stat. § 08.13.080(a)(2), (4), (6) (2005); Alaska Stat. § 08.13.082(b) (2005); Alaska Stat. § 08.13.090 (2005); Alaska Admin. Code tit. 12 § 09.090 (2005).

In Arizona, hairbraiders are not required to obtain a cosmetology license to practice their craft.

Source: Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 32-506(10) (2005).

In Arkansas, although the law does not explicitly reference hairbraiding, it is possible that the practice is encompassed within the definition of cosmetology. To acquire a cosmetology license, hairbraiders are required to pass an examination and fulfill a minimum of 1,500 hours of training.

Source: Ark. Code § 17-26-102(b)(1) (2005); Ark. Code § 17-26-302 (2005); Ark. Code § 17-26-304(4) (2005).

In California, hairbraiders are exempt from cosmetology licensing laws. They can freely practice their art without burdensome regulations, as long as they solely focus on braiding and do not perform additional procedures like chemical dyeing or straightening.

Source: Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 7316(d)(2), (f) (2005).

In Colorado, hairbraiders are required to obtain either a hairstyling or cosmetology license. To obtain a hairstyling license, braiders must pass an exam and complete 1,140 clock hours of training. For cosmetologists, passing an exam and completing 1,450 clock hours of training is required.

Source: Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-8-103(9) & (9.7)(c) (2005); Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-8-110 (2005); Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-8-114(3) (2005); 4 Colo. Code Regs. § 731-1, Rule 7 (2005).
(Note: Effective July 1, 2006, hairstylists will need to complete a 40-credit course, while cosmetologists will require a 60-credit course.)

In Connecticut, African hairbraiders are exempt from cosmetology and hairdressing licensing laws, allowing them to work without unnecessary government regulations. However, a license is required for those who wish to perform hair weaving. As long as braiders solely focus on braiding and do not incorporate weaving techniques, they are free to practice their trade.

Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 20-250(4) (2004), and as amended by 2005 Conn. ALS 272, sec. 11.

In Delaware, the requirement for hairbraiders is uncertain, but a cosmetology license may be necessary. To obtain the license, braiders must pass an exam and complete either 1,500 classroom hours (1,800 clock hours) of cosmetology training or 3,000 apprenticeship hours under a licensed cosmetologist.

Source: Del. Code tit. 24 § 5101(4), (9) (2005); Del. Code tit. 24 § 5107(a) (2005).

In Washington, D.C., hairbraiders have the option to obtain a cosmetology specialty license specifically for braiding. This license requires passing an exam and completing either 100 hours of training in a cosmetology school or equivalent training and experience. 

Source: D.C. Code § 47-2853.06(c) (2005); D.C. Mun. Reg. tit. 17, § 3702.1(c)(1) (2005); D.C. Mun. Reg. tit. 17, § 3703.9 (2005); 50 D.C. Reg. 7699 (Sept. 12, 2003).

In Florida, hairbraiders are required to obtain a specific license for their trade. However, this license does not permit hair extending or weaving. To become licensed, braiders must complete a 16-hour health and sanitation course and pay a $25 biennial fee.

Source: Fla. Stat. ch. 477.013(9) (2005); Fla. Stat. ch. 477.0132 (2005); Fla. Admin. Code r. 61G5-24.019(1) to (2) (2005).

In Georgia, hairbraiding is exempted from the definition of cosmetology as of 2006, following complaints from local braiders. As long as braiders refrain from cutting, singeing, or shampooing hair, they are allowed to freely practice their craft.

Source: S. 145, 148th Gen. Assem., Reg. Sess. (Ga. 2006).

In Hawaii, although the law does not specifically address hairbraiding, individuals practicing hairbraiding may still need to obtain a license as a hairdresser or cosmetologist. Hairdressers must pass an exam and complete either a 1,250-hour training course or a 2,500-hour apprenticeship. Alternatively, obtaining a cosmetology license requires passing an exam and completing either 1,800 hours of beauty school training or 3,600 hours of apprenticeship.

Source: Haw. Rev. Stat. § 439-1 (2004); Haw. Rev. Stat. § 439-11 (2004); Haw. Rev. Stat. § 439-12 (b) & (c) (2004).

In Idaho, the specific mention of hairbraiding in the statute is absent. However, cosmetology students are required to document the number of braiding operations performed as part of their instructional records. This suggests that Idaho considers hairbraiding to be included in the practice of cosmetology. To obtain a cosmetology license, braiders must pass an exam and complete either a 2,000-hour course or a 4,000-hour apprenticeship.

Source: Idaho Code § 54-802(1)(a) (2005); Idaho Admin. Code r. 24.04.01.500(.06)(a) (2005); Idaho Code § 54-805(1) (2005).

In Illinois, hairbraiding is categorized under the definition of cosmetology. To obtain a cosmetology license, hairbraiders must pass an exam and complete a 1,500-hour cosmetology course.

Source: 225 Ill. Comp. Stat. 410/3-1 (2005); 225 Ill. Comp. Stat. 410/3-2(1)(c) & (d) (2005).

In Indiana, although not explicitly mentioned in the statute, hairbraiding is typically considered part of the cosmetology curriculum and falls under the category of cosmetology. To become licensed as a cosmetologist in Indiana, hairbraiders are required to pass a test and complete a 1,500-hour cosmetology course.

Source: Ind. Code § 25-8-2-5(a)(1) (2005); Ind. Admin. Code tit. 820, r. 4-4-4(a) under “hairstyling” (2005); Ind. Code § 25-8-9-3(3) & (4) (2005); Ind. Code § 25-8-5-3(1) (2005).

In Iowa, hairbraiding is classified as cosmetology, which means that braiders are required to hold a cosmetology license. To obtain the license, braiders must pass an exam and complete a 2,100-clock-hour cosmetology course, equivalent to 70 semester credit hours.

Source: Iowa Code § 157.1(5)(a) (2004); Iowa Code § 157.3(1) (2004), as amended by 2005 Iowa ALS 89, sec. 24 (2005 Iowa House File 789); Iowa Code § 157.10(1) (2004).

In Kansas, hairbraiders enjoy an exemption from cosmetology regulations. To be eligible for this exemption, hairbraiders must complete a sanitation brochure’s “self-test” section and keep both the brochure and self-test accessible at their workplace.

Source: Kan. Stat. § 65-1901(d)(2) (2004); Kan. Stat. § 65-1928 (2004).

In Kentucky, while hairbraiding is not explicitly mentioned in the statute, it may still be regarded as part of the cosmetology profession. To obtain a cosmetology license, braiders are required to pass an exam, complete a 1,800-hour cosmetology course, and fulfill a six-month apprenticeship.

Source: Kent. Rev. Stat. § 317A.010(2)(c) (2004); Kent. Rev. Stat. § 317A.050(1) & (2) (2004); Kent. Rev. Stat. § 317A.090(1) (2004).

In Louisiana, braiders have the option to obtain a specialized alternative hair design license. To obtain this license, braiders must complete a 1,000-hour course and pass an exam.

Source: La. Admin. Code tit. 46, § XXXI.101(A) (2005); La. Admin. Code tit. 46, § XXXI.1105(A) (2005); La. Admin. Code tit. 46, § XXXI.1107 (2005).

In Maine, although not specifically mentioned, hairbraiding may be considered a part of cosmetology. Braiders, therefore, are required to meet the same requirements as cosmetologists, which include passing an exam and completing either a 1,500-hour cosmetology course or a 2,500-hour apprenticeship.

Source: Maine Rev. Stat. tit. 32, § 14202(9)(D) & (E) (2004); Maine Rev. Stat. tit. 32, § 14226 (2004).

In Maryland, hairbraiders are exempt from cosmetology licensing requirements, allowing them the freedom to pursue their chosen careers.

Source: Md. Code, Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 5-101(k)(2)(iii) (2005).

In Massachusetts, hairbraiding may be considered a part of hairdressing. To obtain a hairdressing license, braiders must register as an Operator, complete a 1,000-hour course, pass oral, written, and practical tests, and work under supervision for two years before becoming eligible to register as a hairdresser.

Source: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 112, §§ 87T, V, W (2005).

In Michigan, hairbraiders are not required to obtain a license. However, there is a voluntary license available for “natural hair cultivation.” This license involves an exam (or six months of practical experience if the exam is unavailable) and either a 400-hour course or a six-month apprenticeship. It’s important to note that this specialized license is optional and not mandatory for hairbraiding in Michigan.

Source: Mich. Comp. Laws § 339.1210a (2005); Mich. Comp. Laws § 339.1201(b), (m) & (n) (2005).

In Minnesota, hairbraiding was previously considered part of cosmetology, requiring individuals to obtain a cosmetology license by passing an exam and completing a 1,550-hour course. However, recent changes have lifted these restrictions, allowing braiders to work without specific licensing requirements. New regulations were implemented by the Board, exempting braiders from these previous licensing obligations.

Source: Minn. Stat. § 155A.03(2) (2005); Minn. R. 2105.0140(B) (2005); Minn. R. 2105.0150(A) (2005); 30 Minn. Reg. 449 (October 31, 2005).

In Mississippi, hairbraiders are not required to obtain a cosmetology license. Instead, they must register with the Mississippi Department of Health by paying a $25 fee. Additionally, braiders are required to complete the “self-test” portion of a brochure on infection control techniques and keep the brochure available at their workplace.

Source: Miss. Code § 73-7-31(d) (2005); Miss. Code § 73-7-71 (2005).

In Missouri, recent administrative hearings have determined that hairbraiding is considered a part of cosmetology, although it is not explicitly mentioned in the statute. To obtain a license, braiders must pass an exam and fulfill one of the following requirements: complete a 1,500-hour course, complete 1,220 hours of vocational instruction, or complete a 3,000-hour apprenticeship.

Source: Mo. Rev. Stat. § 329.010(5)(a) (2005); State Bd. of Cosmetology v. Desouza, No. 04-1152, 2005 Mo. Admin. Hearings LEXIS 171, *8 (Sept. 23, 2005); Mo. Rev. Stat. § 329.050.1 (2005).

In Montana, although hairbraiding is not specifically mentioned in the statute, it is listed in the cosmetology curriculum, suggesting that it falls within the definition of hairdressing. To obtain a cosmetology license, individuals are required to pass an exam and complete a 2,000-hour cosmetology course.

Source: Mont. Code § 37-31-101(9)(a) (2005); Mont. Admin. R. 24.121.807(3)(a)(vi) (2005); Mont. Code § 37-31-304(3)(a) (2005).

In Nebraska, although the term “hairbraiding” is not explicitly mentioned in the statutory definition of cosmetology, it appears to be included in the cosmetology curriculum. To obtain a cosmetology license, braiders are required to pass an exam and complete a 2,100-hour course (2,000 credits) or an apprenticeship.

Source: Neb. Rev. Stat. § 71-351 (2005); Neb. Admin. Code tit. 172, § 36-012A (2005); Neb. Rev. Stat. § 71-387 (2005).
(Note: Hair weaving is included under the definition of barbering. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 71-202 (2005)).

In Nevada, although hairbraiding is not specifically mentioned in the statute, it may be considered part of either cosmetology or hair designing. To obtain a cosmetology license, braiders must pass a test and complete either a 1,800-hour course or a 3,600-hour apprenticeship. For hair designing, braiders are required to pass an exam and complete a 1,200-hour cosmetology course.

Source: Nev. Rev. Stat. § 644.023(3) (2004); Nev. Rev. Stat. § 644.0277(3) (2004); Nev. Rev. Stat. § 644.200 (2004); Nev. Rev. Stat. § 644.204 (2004).
(Note: Hair weaving is included in the definition of barbering. Nev. Rev. Stat. § 644.010(7) (2004)).

In New Hampshire, although hairbraiding is not explicitly mentioned in the statute, it is possible that it falls within the definition of cosmetology. To obtain a cosmetology license, braiders must pass an exam and complete either a 1,500-hour course or a 3,000-hour apprenticeship, which must span at least two years.

Source: N.H. Rev. Stat. § 313-A:1(VI) (2004); N.H. Rev. Stat. § 313-A:11(I) (2004).

In New Jersey, although hairbraiding is not specifically mentioned in the law, it includes “hairweaving,” which suggests that braiding may fall under the definition of cosmetology. Braiders seeking a cosmetology-hairstyling license are required to pass an exam and complete either a 1,200-hour course from a licensed school of cosmetology and hairstyling or a vocational program offered through public schools.

Source: N.J. Rev. Stat. § 45:5B-3(j)(2) & (9) (2005); N.J. Rev. Stat.§ 45:5B-17 (2005).

In New Mexico, although the statute does not specifically mention hairbraiding, it is included within the cosmetology curriculum according to the regulations. To obtain a cosmetology license, braiders must pass an exam and complete a 1,600-hour course.

Source: N.M. Stat. § 61-17A-4(A) (2005); N.M. Admin. Code § 16.34.8.15(C)(5)(m)–(p) (2005); N.M. Stat. § 61-17A-9 (2005).
(Note: Braiding is also included in the barbering curriculum. N.M. Admin. Code § 16.34.8.15(B)(5)(m)–(p) (2005)).

In New York, hairbraiders have the option to obtain a specialty “natural hair styling” license by passing an exam and completing a 300-hour course of study. However, it is worth noting that many cosmetology schools in New York do not offer the natural hair styling curriculum, which can make obtaining this license challenging.

Source: N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law § 400(5) (2005); N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law § 406(2)(b) (2005); 19 N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. § 162.3(a) (2005).

In North Carolina, hairbraiders are classified as “natural hair braiders” and are not required to obtain a cosmetology license. They can freely work without unnecessary state regulation. However, if braiders provide additional services such as hair cutting or applying dyes or chemicals, they are considered “natural hair stylists” and must obtain a cosmetology license.

Source: N.C. Admin. Code tit. 21, r. 14A.0101(10) & (11) (2005).

In North Dakota, although hairbraiding is not specifically mentioned in the statute, it is possible that it falls under the definition of cosmetology. To obtain a cosmetology license, individuals are required to pass an exam and complete a 1,800-hour course.

Source: N.D. Cent. Code § 43-11-01(2) (2005); N.D. Cent. Code § 43-11-24 (2005); N.D. Cent. Code § 43-11-21 (2005); N.D. Cent. Code § 43-11-16(2) (2005).

In Ohio, braiders have the option to obtain a specialty “natural hair styling” license by passing an exam and completing a 450-hour hairbraiding course. However, it is worth noting that since its inception, only 21 braiders have obtained the natural hair styling license.

Source: Ohio Rev. Code § 4713.01 (2005); Ohio Rev. Code § 4713.24 (2005); Ohio Rev. Code § 4713.28(D) & (J) (2005).

In Oklahoma, braiders have the opportunity to obtain a specialty “hairbraiding technician” license by passing an exam and completing either a 600-clock-hour course (20 credit hours) or a 1,200-hour apprenticeship under a licensed instructor.

Source: Okla. Stat. tit. 59, § 199.1(11) (2005); Okla. Admin. Code § 175:10-9-25 (2004); Okla. Admin. Code § 175:10-3-43(b) (2004); Okla. Admin. Code § 175:10-9-2(a)(5) (2004); Okla. Stat. tit. 59, § 199.8 (2005).

In Oregon, hairbraiding is included under the category of hair design according to the Administrative Code. To obtain a hair design license, individuals are required to pass an exam and complete 1,700 hours of training, which includes 1,450 hours in hair design and 250 hours in sanitation and career development.

Source: Or. Rev. Stat. § 690.005(10) (2003); Or. Admin. R. 817-005-0005(37) (2005); Or. Rev. Stat. § 690.046 (2003); Or. Rev. Stat. § 345.400(3) (2003).

In Pennsylvania, a natural hairbraiding license was established in 2006, requiring braiders to complete 300 hours of training and pass an exam.† However, braiders who can demonstrate continuous practice for three years prior to the implementation of the new license will be grandfathered in and only need to complete 150 hours of training (if they apply within one year of the board’s promulgation of the new natural hairbraiding regulations).

Source: Cosmetology Law, as amended by S. 707, 2005 Reg. Sess. (Sept. 5, 2006) (to be codified at 63 Penn. Cons. Stat. § 507 et seq.); see also Diwara v. State Bd. of Cosmetology, 852 A.2d 1279, 1286 (Pa. Commw. 2004).
† Hair weaving is also included in the definition of barbering. 63 Penn. Cons. Stat. § 552.1 (2005).

While hairbraiding is not explicitly mentioned in Rhode Island statutes, it is possible that it falls within the definition of hairdressing or cosmetic therapy, which includes the term “weaving”. To obtain a hairdresser’s or cosmetician’s license in Rhode Island, braiders are required to pass an exam and complete a 1,500-hour course.

Source: R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-10-1(10) & (16) (2005); R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-10-8(a)(5) & (6) (2005); R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-10-9(1) (2005).

In South Dakota, hairbraiding is included in the definition of cosmetology. To obtain a license, braiders must pass an exam and complete either a 2,100-hour cosmetology course or a 3,000-hour apprenticeship.

Source: S.D. Codified Laws § 36-15-2(1) (2005); S.D. Codified Laws § 36-15-19.1 (2005); S.D. Codified Laws § 36-15-17(2) (2005); S.D. Codified Laws § 36-15-45 (2005).

In Tennessee, hairbraiders can meet the requirements for a specialty “natural hair styling” license by passing a test and completing a 300-hour course.†

Source: Tenn. Code § 62-4-102(a)(14) & (15) (2005); Tenn. Code § 62-4-110(f) (2005).
† Hair weaving is also included in the definition of barbering. Tenn. Code § 62-3-105(6) (2005).

In Texas, braiding is considered part of cosmetology, but a specialty certificate in braiding is available. Braiders must complete a 35-hour course. Hairweaving also has a separate specialty license, requiring an exam and a 300-hour course.

Source: Tex. Occ. Code § 1602.002(a)(2) (2005); Tex. Occ. Code § 1602.258 (2005); 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 89.31(b) (2005); 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 89.72(7) (2005); 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 89.15(i) (2005).

In Utah, hairbraiding is not explicitly mentioned in the statute, but it may be considered part of cosmetology, similar to hair weaving. To become a certified cosmetologist, braiders must pass an exam and complete either a 2,000-hour cosmetology course or a 2,500-hour apprenticeship.

Source: Utah Code § 58-11a-102(21)(a) (2005); Utah Code § 58-11a-302(1) (2005); Utah Code § 58-11a-306(1) (2005).

In Vermont, although hairbraiding is not explicitly mentioned in the statute, it may be considered part of cosmetology. Braiders seeking a cosmetology license must pass an exam and complete either a 1,500-hour course or a 2,000-hour apprenticeship.

Source: Vt. Stat. tit. 26, § 271(3)(A) (2005); Vt. Stat. tit. 26, § 283 (2005); Vt. Stat. tit. 26, § 278 (2005); Vt. Code R. 04-030-030(3.2) & (3.6) (Weil 2005).

In Virginia, hairbraiding is typically considered part of the cosmetology field. However, it’s worth noting that there was a temporary regulation providing for a specialized “hair braider” license, which expired on June 30, 2005. As of the date of this report, the licensing requirement may not be in effect, but it’s advisable to consult the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation for the most up-to-date information regarding hairbraiding licensing.

Source: Va. Code § 54.1-700 (2005); 20 Va. Regs. Reg. 2639 to 2646 (July 26, 2004), to be codified at 18 Va. Admin. Code § 41-30-10 et seq. Please note that the emergency regulation providing for the hairbraiding license has expired.

Braiders in Washington are no longer required to obtain a cosmetology license. The previous requirement of an examination and completion of a 1,600-hour course or apprenticeship has been removed.

Source: Wash. Rev. Code § 18.16.020(6) (2005); Wash. Rev. Code § 18.16.100(1)(b) & (c) (2005); Wash. St. Reg. 05-04-013 (January 24, 2005).

The laws in West Virginia regarding hairbraiding are not clear and may be subject to interpretation. While hairbraiders may be required to obtain a beautician or cosmetologist license, the specific regulations and requirements for hairbraiders, such as the completion of a 2,000-hour instruction at a licensed beauty school, are not explicitly outlined in the statutes.

Source: W. Va. Code § 16-14-2 (2005); W. Va. Code § 30-27-3 (2005); W. Va. Code St. R. § 3-1-4.1 (2005); W. Va. Code St. R. § 3-1-6.1 (2005).

Wisconsin’s laws do not specifically address hairbraiding. While it may be considered under cosmetology, the licensing requirements for hairbraiders are not clearly defined. Current information suggests that hairbraiders may not require a license. Cosmetology license applicants must pass an exam and complete either a 1,800-hour course or a 4,000-hour apprenticeship with 288 hours of classroom instruction.

Source: Wis. Stat. § 454.01(5)(a), § 454.06(2), § 454.10 (2005).

Wyoming statutes do not specifically mention hairbraiding, but administrative rules classify it under cosmetology. To obtain a cosmetology license, braiders must pass an exam and complete a 2,000-hour course. Wyoming amended its Cosmetology Act in 2005 to allow for individualized licensing as a hair stylist, which requires only 1,250 hours.

Source: Wyo. Stat. § 33-12-120(a)(v) and (ix), § 33-12-130 (2005); Code Wy. R. § 006-033-001, § 7, § 006-033-006, §§ 1 & 2 (Weil 2005).