PEOPLE GOT TO BE FREE: Deregulation Causing Debate Among Some Virginia Hair Stylists.

A new law that goes into effect at July 1st clarifies hair braiding is not cosmetology, and therefore does not require a license.

Virginia deregulated hair braiding licenses in 2012 saying it was limiting job opportunities in an already struggling market. The results have been positive – increasing salon growth by 7 percent – but, teaching professionals don’t necessarily agree with the law.

Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation found in 2012 that hair braiding showed “no evidence of public harm.” So the state got rid of the nearly 200 hours of training and licensing fees. That deregulation is seen as a victory in the African-American community.

“This is a cultural thing, this is passed down. This is something that we need for our hair so, it’s totally unfair to be charging people to do something like this,” said Destinee Wright with Luxie Hair Services LLC.

But CATEC Cosmetology Instructor Karen Brown says this was the wrong move: “Yes, it is a custom, but most importantly, it truly is a craft.”

She says braiders need formal training.

Paid instructor claims people ought to be required to pay for instruction — how is this worthy of attention?

Rent-seekers need to be mocked, mercilessly.