Thread: Hair-Braider Sues over Utah Law Requiring Cosmetology Licens

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Jestina Clayton (photo: Jim Urquhart, Associated Press) Jestina Clayton is suing the state of Utah for requiring her to get a cosmetology license so she can weave hair—something she claims is unconstitutional.

A refugee from Sierra Leone, Clayton says she was told by a state regulator two years ago that she would not need licensing for her part-time work, since her traditional African hairstyling does not involve chemicals or cutting. Then, last year, she discovered her business was illegal unless she obtained a cosmetology license. But getting a license requires taking about 2,000 hours of coursework, at a cost ranging from $9,000 to $18,000 in tuition. Clayton makes less than $5,000 a year braiding hair.

With the help of the libertarian Institute for Justice, Clayton has filed a lawsuit to force the state to change its cosmetology law. Mississippi did just that in 2005, by amending its statute as it pertains to hair-braiders.

Another 10 states, including California and Arizona, already exempt braiders from such laws.

http://www.allgov.com/Unusual_News/View ... nse_110430

They use glue when they braid hair and glue is a chemical.

Wonder if they use spitball beads that are the rage among the trendy around here.

don't most states require cosmetologists to go to school and pass exams to be licensed to do their jobs?

Originally Posted by uniteasone

don't most states require cosmetologists to go to school and pass exams to be licensed to do their jobs?

Yes they do. In Florida unfortunately governor Rick Scott is deregulating everything.