Guides · for braiders
Do you need a license to braid hair in Texas?
No. Since September 1, 2021, Texas law doesn’t apply to anyone who does only natural hair braiding, extensions included, as long as no chemicals or adhesives are used. Glue, bonding or chemical services need a license from TDLR.
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What counts as natural hair braiding
The Occupations Code exempts a person who “performs only natural hair braiding”, and spells out what that includes:
- Braiding a person’s hair.
- Attaching commercial hair by braiding, so box braids, knotless braids and cornrows with extensions are covered.
- Trimming the extensions, as far as the braiding needs it.
All of it without chemicals or adhesives. It doesn’t matter where you braid, in a salon, from home or at your clients’ places: the exemption is about the service, not the place.
When you do need a license
Glue, bonding or chemicals. Attaching hair any other way than by braiding is hair weaving, and TDLR says braiding with chemicals or adhesives needs a hair-extension license. The license made for it is the Hair Weaving Specialist: 300 hours of instruction at a Texas barbering or cosmetology school, a written and a practical exam, a $50 application fee, and you must be at least 17. It lasts two years. A Cosmetology Operator or Class A Barber license covers hair weaving too.
Other hair services. The exemption is for braiding only. Cutting, coloring, relaxing, cleansing or styling hair as a service of its own is barbering or cosmetology under Texas law, and needs a Cosmetology Operator or Class A Barber license.
Questions braiders ask
Can I trim the ends of the extensions?
Yes. Trimming hair extensions is part of natural hair braiding, as far as the braiding process needs it. Cutting the client’s own hair is not.
Can I do a sew-in or a glued closure?
Not without a license. Attaching commercial hair to a person’s hair or scalp by any method is hair weaving in the Occupations Code; only attaching it by braiding, with no chemicals or adhesives, is exempt.
Can I call myself a cosmetologist?
No. TDLR says someone without a license can’t use the words “cosmetologist” or “cosmetology” for themselves or their business, and the law treats advertising that you are licensed as practicing cosmetology. Call yourself a braider.
Do I need anything else to braid from home?
Possibly a business permit from your city or county, and their rules for working from home. TDLR doesn’t license natural hair braiding anywhere; local rules cover where you work.
Sources
- Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1603 (§ 1603.0011, § 1603.0013)
- TDLR Barbering and Cosmetology: Who Regulates What?
- TDLR: Apply for a Hair Weaving Specialist license
- TDLR: Hair Weaving Specialist scope of practice
Rules and fees change: check the source before you rely on them.
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