The Patriot Post® · License-Happy

Last June, two inspectors from Washington State’s Department of Licensing visited Salamata Sylla and told her she needed a cosmetology license if she was going to continue with her business. Sylla braids hair in ornate designs that originated from Africa – a skill not taught in the usual cosmetology school. And in Washington State, they take cosmetology a little too seriously because to earn a license, a person needs to take 1,600 hours of classes and pass two exams, which can cost $20,000. Sylla told The Seattle Times, “A person should be allowed to use their natural gift to make a living.” She continued, “This job is what helps me keep my dignity at the end of the day.” So she sued the Department of Licensing in federal court. She is not alone. The Institute for Justice is suing three states over the freedom to braid hair. When it takes more time and money to get a license to cut hair than an EMT license, as in the case of Missouri, it is clear some government licensing only hampers people from doing honest work. More…