The Patriot Post® · No More Jail Time for Unlicensed Hair Braiding in Nebraska

Common sense says someone would have to do something pretty serious to spend months (years?) in prison and pay hundreds (thousands?) of dollars in fines. But in Nebraska, the nanny state made this punishment possible for anyone illegally braiding someone’s hair. Yes, you read that right. According to The Daily Signal’s Natalie Johnson, “Just two weeks ago, Nebraskans who wanted to make money braiding hair had to undergo 2,100 hours of training to obtain a cosmetology license, which state officials say dedicates little time to natural hair braiding techniques.”

Getting a license isn’t as simple as completing a one- or two-week class, either. The procedure takes about two years, costing upwards of $22,000. Failure to do so means big-time trouble: “[A]n individual practicing hair braiding without an occupational license could face up to three months in jail and $500 in fines. If the braider continued to practice after receiving a cease and desist order from the state, he or she could be hit with a class III felony, which could subject an individual to four years in jail and $25,000 in fines.”

You can commit some violent crimes for less discipline. Thankfully, this law is no more. “Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts, a Republican, has signed legislation into law that will lift arduous occupational licensing requirements on the state’s hair braiders,” says Johnson. But here’s the thing — it’s not just Nebraska where this is an issue. “Another 15 states require a specialty license to braid hair… The remaining 20 states, along with Washington, D.C., have grouped braiding into the practice of cosmetology, beauticians, and hairdressers … meaning that in those states, individuals have to have at least 1,000 hours of training before they can braid hair professionally.” It’s really no different from your teenager making some money off cutting your neighbor’s yard, or selling crocheted garments on the side. If you’re good at it, the market should be able to reward you regardless of your credentials.