Last Tuesday afternoon as representatives from both groups asked lawmakers to ease regulations on natural hair care, a critical aspect of “black culture”. Oregon law currently prohibits natural hair care practitioners from braiding, cornrowing, extending, lacing, twisting and performing similar functions outside their homes without undergoing extensive cosmetology coursework.

The bill up for public hearing would exempt natural hair care from the state’s barbering requirements, establishing an online certification process for natural hair practioners. Supporters state that natural hair care should not be regulated the same as barbering since it doesn’t entail the use of chemicals that are often used in perming and coloring hair.

Currently Oregon’s cosmetology coursework does not include information on natural hair care, should they be regulated under the same standards? Weigh in and join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter!

Love Your Hair,

Jane