Ellie Bermingham
Regulations for starting a Dreadlocks Business
Updated: Aug 11, 2021
There are different regulations of different countries and even states within countries. This is to keep people safe. I feel dreadlocks needs to be more regulated to ensure quality work is done.
Before starting your business, check out this general list below to see what is needed in your area.
Australia and New Zealand: There is no regulation for dreadlocks. Please consider your body corp regulations on running a business at home (if you are under that structure). You will need an ABN (or the NZ equivalent) and this can be a Sole Trader
Canada: Generally there is no regulation license needed. I can say for sure for Ontario and
British Columbia there is no special license needed. Please check your state to confirm.
Europe: There is no special license needed generally. There are some countries that you will need to have your studio inspected by the health department and acquire a permit. You also will need to start your own company
United Kingdom: Generally there is no license required. To be professional and legitimate it is advised that you start your own company for tax purposes.
USA: This is where it really varies from state to state. If you have requirements. To find your state requirements and Cosmetology licence here.
Alabama: Special Braiding License Required.
Alaska: Full Cosmetology License Required.
Arizona: No license is required.
Arkansas: No license is required.
California: No license is required.
Colorado: No license is required.
Connecticut: No license is required.
Delaware: No license is required.
Florida: Special Braiding License Required.
Georgia: No license is required.
Idaho: Full Cosmetology License Required.
Hawaii: Full Cosmetology License Required with an option of a hairstyling license.
Illinois: Special Braiding License Required
Indiana: No license is required
Iowa: No license is required
Kansas: No license is required
Kentucky: No license is required
Louisiana: Special Braiding License Required- A completely separate “braiding” license is offered. (1000 hours of training required)
Manie: No license is required
Maryland: No license is required
Massachusetts: Full Cosmetology License Required
Michigan: No license is required
Minnesota: Special Braiding License Required- Mandatory safety and sanitation hours required.
Mississippi: No license is required
Missouri: Full Cosmetology License Required.
Montana: Full Cosmetology License Required.
Nebraska: No license is required.
Nevada: Special Braiding License Required.
New Hampshire: No license is required.
New Jersey: Full Cosmetology License Required
New Mexico: Full Cosmetology License Required.
New York: Special Braiding License Required - One must have a Natural Hairstylist License in order to do braiding.
North Carolina: Special Braiding License Required - One must have a Natural Hairstylist License in order to do braiding (300 hours of training required)
North Dakota: Full Cosmetology License Required
Ohio: You need to register a Boutique Services Registration that costs approx $75.
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Oklahoma: Special Braiding License Required- A completely separate “Braiding” license is offered in our State (600 hours of training required).
Oregon: Special Braiding License Required.
Pennsylvania: Special Braiding License Required- A completely separate “Braiding” license is offered in our State (300 hours of training required).
Rhode Island: Full Cosmetology License Required
South Carolina: Special Braiding License Required- Braiding is under Barbering, only 6 hours of safety and sanitation required.
South Dakota: No license is required
Tennessee: Special Braiding License Required
Texas: No license is required
Utah: No license is required
Vermont: Full Cosmetology License Required
Virginia: No license is required
Washington: No license is required
West Virginia: No license is required
Wisconsin: Full Cosmetology License Required
Wyoming: Full Cosmetology License Required
I hope that you find this as a valuable step to setting up your livelihood that is very rewarding and profitable.