Do I need a license to braid hair?
No, but you do need a registration. Effective July 1, 2019, hair braiders are exempt from Title 62, Chapter 4 provided that the following general requirements are met:
1. Obtain 16 hours of training in health and hygiene in-person or online;
2. Register biennially and pay a $30.00 registration fee by going to CORE on or after July 1, 2019;
3. Use only disposable or properly sanitized instruments; and
4. Post a notice that the hair braider is not licensed. A person providing hair braiding services pursuant to this section shall not refer to themselves as a licensed natural hair stylist unless the person otherwise meets the requirements under TCA§ 62-4-ll0(f)
5. As of now our department is following the Tennessee Department of Labor labor laws which allows a person to work at the age of 14.
Does a Hair Braider have to hang the 16 hour health and hygiene certificate posted at their work station?
There is not a requirement to post your 16-hour course but you should post your hair braider registration card if are are working in a licensed shop. The law does have the requirement to show your certificate of completion upon request.
Can a person open a shop only for hair braiding?
Yes, and this does not require a license. However if this shop hires any person that is a Licensed Natural Hairstylist or Cosmetologist, then that shop will have to be licensed as a Natural Hairstylist Shop or Cosmetology Shop.
Are only Cosmetology and Barber schools allowed to offer the 16 hour training course for health and hygiene?
No. Other places can offer the course, such as the Health Department. A certification of completion must be given after completing the course.
If a person started and attended some school to become a Natural Hairstylist, and in their general hours the school taught a course in health and hygiene. Could that person use that course as their 16 hours of training?
Yes, as long as they have a certificate of completion for the course.