Two Kansas women, Deb Jennings and her partner Wendy Mood, also known as the Braiden Maidens, were cited for operating an unlicensed salon for braiding hair at the annual Kansas City Renaissance Festival. Hair braiding falls under the jurisdiction of the State Cosmetology Board. The board ordered the pair to stop braiding hair at the outdoor event. The two women received a court injunction against the board's decision, then took the issue to their legislator. Sen. Sandy Praeger, R-Lawrence, worked to exempt hair braiding from regulation by the state board of cosmetology.
Hair braiding, more common in resort areas and other special events, is akin to face painting.
Most anyone can do it. It doesn't require advanced skills, although a professional hair stylist is bound to know better techniques and offer a more polished finished look. The fine motor development skill of braiding is often taught to children as young as preschoolers. Once the art of braiding is learned, children particularly those of the female persuasion, often practice on each other. Braiding hair is also very common for parents and child-care providers, among others.