Braiding without a cosmetology license is no longer a crime in the state of Iowa after a new law took effect on the first of July.
Before the new law, stylists who practiced the art of plaiting hair, risked a misdemeanor charge punishable by up to one year in prison. But, according to Forbes, the law was lifted thanks to two hair braiders, Aicheria Bell and Achan Agit and the Institute for Justice who brought a civil rights lawsuit against the state.
The state previously forced hair braiders to complete 2,100 hours of cosmetology training and pass a cosmetology licensing exam, spending up to $22,000, “under the guise of protecting consumer health and safety,” when hair braiding is not even part of the cosmetology licensing curriculum.
“I am grateful I can now pursue my passion and support my family without feeling like a criminal,” said Bell in a statement. “This new law opens the door for so many braiders to start and grow their own businesses.”
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