* Braiding: As of January 1, 2020, natural hair braiders are exempt from licensure requirements in California. This means you do not need a cosmetology license to braid hair in California.
* Weaving: Similarly, hair weaving is also exempt from licensure as long as it does not involve chemical treatments.
However, it is crucial to understand what activities do require a license:
* Chemical Treatments: If the braiding or weaving service involves any chemical treatments (e.g., relaxing, perming, coloring), a cosmetology license *is* required.
* Other Cosmetology Services: If you offer other cosmetology services (e.g., cutting, coloring, styling with heat), a cosmetology license is required for those services, even if you also braid or weave.
In summary: If you only braid, weave (without chemicals), or do other natural hair styling, you do not need a cosmetology license in California. But if you use chemicals or perform other cosmetology services, you do need a license.