How much training and education is needed to braid hair? Should the people who perform this service need a license?
Juan Yates has been in the hair braiding business in Fairfax County since 2000, and in that time he has seen the industry go through a number of changes. At first, anyone could do it. Then Virginia required a license — that required training and education and fees. Then five years ago, the industry was deregulated.
“With the license, it gives the client, the consumer, more security of sanitation and professionalism. Without a license, it’s pretty much anyone who can walk in off the street.”
Virginia is one of a handful of states that have deregulated the hair-braiding industry, which brought it to the attention of Edward Timmons at Saint Francis University. He took a look at Virginia’s hair-braiding industry and found that deregulation increased the number of salons and created more opportunity for entrepreneurs. He says licensing drives up costs.
“Individuals might potentially not be able to get a hair braid at all. Or potentially people might not be able to become hair braiders because of the regulations that are imposed upon them.”
Yates says he liked the system better when hair braiders needed a license, especially because dangerous chemicals are involved. Timmons says that could be handled with a certification system — not as stringent or expensive as licensing. But creating minimum standards for safety.
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.
