DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Two women say they’ve filed a lawsuit against Iowa’s cosmetology board because the regulatory system creates a barrier for them to do African-style hair braiding in the state.
Aicheria Bell and Achan Agit say the Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences requires 2,100 hours of training at a cosmetology school to secure a license to do hair braiding in the state. The women say the training does not include hair braiding and can cost as much as $22,000.
The lawsuit claims Iowa’s system violates the women’s constitutional rights to earn an honest living without irrational government regulation. The women spoke Wednesday at the state Capitol.
The Iowa Department of Public Health oversees the cosmetology board. Polly Carver-Kimm, a department spokeswoman, says the agency cannot comment on pending litigation.
