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Cosmetology is a broad category of skilled trades that includes a range of personal care services for hair, skin, and nails. While you may be interested in training for a cosmetology degree, you can start by completing specialized registrations or certifications, so you can work as you continue your education.

If you’re pursuing a career in haircut, color, and styling services, you may want to enter the field by offering braiding services. In Tennessee, you need a hair braider registration approved by the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology before you can offer these services in a commercial setting.

What are the job duties of a hair braider, and how can you complete your registration?

What Does a Hair Braider Do?

Many hairdressing tasks require a high degree of precision and dexterity, and braiding is no exception. As a registered hair braider, you are permitted to provide clients with braiding, twisting, and wrapping services. You can also attach hair weaves and extensions.

In addition, you’ll perform client assessments and recommend scalp and other hair care treatments, as well as offer advice on aftercare and maintenance for braids, extensions, and so on. You are required to comply with all health, cleanliness, and sanitation standards regarding your tools and work station.

Registered hair braiders are not permitted to provide cutting or coloring services. You also may not perform chemical hair treatments, such as perming or straightening.

How to Obtain Your Hair Braider Registration

It’s important to understand the difference between registration and certification as a hair braider in Tennessee.

To become certified, you must complete 300 hours of approved training and pass a state-administered exam. However, you don’t need to be certified to practice hair braiding in a professional setting. The state only requires that you complete a registration to legally offer services.

To become a registered hair braider, you must be at least 14 years old. You are required to complete 16 hours of training in approved health and hygiene courses and obtain a certificate that proves attendance and completion of required training. You may complete this in person or through online courses.

Common topics covered in approved training courses include:

• Health and hygiene (sanitation, sterilization, infection control, etc.)
• Communicable diseases, including HIV/AIDS
• Bloodborne pathogens
• Diseases and disorders of the scalp
• State rules and laws
• Safety and emergency procedures, including materials safety
• Professional procedures and client care

Hair braiding registration expires two years from the date it was issued and must be renewed before the expiration date. There is no continuing education required for renewal; just submit an application with the associated registration fee to renew.

Choosing the Right Training Course

Your hair braider registration is only valid if you complete the required courses approved by the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology. You’ll want to choose a program that offers the convenience of self-paced learning with 24/7 online access to course materials. A program that provides an instant certificate of completion is ideal.

Are you ready to get your career started with a hair braider registration in Tennessee? Contact RocketCert now to find the approved registration course you need.