Hair braiding license exemption approved

Natural hair braiding will be exempt from cosmetology credentialing requirements under a bill passed by the Legislature March 3.

Sponsored by Omaha Sen. Nicole Fox, LB898 exempts an individual engaged solely in the practice of natural hair braiding from the state’s licensing requirements.

The bill defines natural hair braiding as a service of twisting, wrapping, weaving, extending, locking or braiding hair by hand or with mechanical devices without the application of dyes, reactive chemicals, chemical joining agents or other preparations to alter the color or structure of the hair.

The bill passed on a 42-0 vote.