NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - A proposal to loosen state regulations surrounding hair braiding is advancing inside the Tennessee Statehouse.
The House Government Operations Committee agreed Monday that hair braiders should not face the same strenuous licensing requirements as most cosmetologists.
Currently, Tennessee requires hair braiders to complete at least 300 hours of natural hair styling at a cosmetology school.
However, the proposed change would allow hair braiders to attend just 16 hours of health and hygiene training. Hair braiders would also have to register with the state and post a notice declaring they are not licensed by the board of cosmetology and barber examiners.
Opponents argued the deregulation would place the public at risk because some techniques require boiling hot water to set the braid. Supporters countered that practice would not be allowed.