If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a thousand times: An up-to-date license is absolutely key to a cosmetology career.

If you’re a cosmetologist or future cosmetologist, put on your big girl panties and make sure you’re a legal practitioner in your state. Yes, there’s an exam, and yes, it costs money, but it’s not about you. It’s about protecting consumers and maintaining safety standards.

As for the consumers out there, if you’re looking for beauty services, don’t trust someone just because they call themselves a “cosmetologist.” Make sure you see their license. Make sure you double-check with state licensing agencies.

These reminders come after last Thursday’s conviction of Elsa Then, a Bronx woman who was accused in the 2009 death of Fiordaliza Pichardo, as reported by The New York Daily News. Then had been running an illegal – but successful – cosmetology practice when Pichardo came to her to receive silicone injections into her rear end and thighs. The day after the injections, Pichardo died from cardiac arrest after some of the silicone entered her bloodstream and got lodged in her lungs.

Pichardo’s daughter, who was present at the treatment, testified that Then had used Bounty paper towels and Krazy Glue to seal the injection site.

Then was convicted of criminally negligent homicide and faces up to four years in prison.

Now, obviously, this is an extreme example, and just because a cosmetologist is unlicensed doesn’t mean that they are a deadly weapon poised to kill again. But it should serve as a wake-up call that the most important part of the beauty profession is executing services in a clean, sanitary environment using safe techniques. It is unacceptable to practice cosmetology and dangerous to patronize any cosmetologist who doesn’t uphold their licensure and maintain the highest standards.

Great hair, great skin, great nails – that’s all of the fun stuff. Protecting our clients’ health and well-being while they’re in our chairs – that’s the baseline. No exceptions.

Finally! A resolution has been reached for hair braiders licensing laws, bringing much relief. To catch up on the licensed hair braider versus women who braid hair debate, read our previous entry on “Should Hair Braiders Be Required To Have a Cosmetology License?”

The answer to this proposed question is – sort of. Hair braiders won’t be required to get the typical cosmetology license but rather a simpler and special license to braid hair. Before, they were required to go to cosmetology school and pass the state cosmetology exam to become licensed. Sounds simple enough, but throw in the $15,000 cost for school and the language struggle of having English as a second language, and this becomes a difficult feat.

Under the new law, which goes into effect January 1, 2011, hair braiders can apply for a special hair braiding license. The license will require 300 hours of training on hair technique and sanitation methods. A win-win for both sides; hair braiders will be able to stay in business and customers won’t have to worry finding business elsewhere.

It became official July 1. North Carolin hair law now requires anyone who braids hair to have their cosmetology license. Why the sudden regulation? Health concerns! Many customers complained to North Carolina legislation about insanitary conditions and head wounds received at their salons.

“People often got lacerations on the scalp because the braiding was too tight for their hair,” said Rep. Earline Parmon, D-Forsyth. Now, state law enforced by the State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners requires all hair braiders to obtain a cosmetology license in North Carolina. The process involves passing a  state cosmetology exam, which usually has two parts: a written portion and a practical portion.

Sounds simple enough, right? Wrong! Many hair braiders are from West Africa and primarily speak French, knowing little English. Passing the cosmetology exam suddenly becomes a huge obstacle. Many salon owners are worried that they will be forced to close shop and lose their jobs due to being unable to meet these new requirements. Parmon tries to reassure saying, “I will do whatever is necessary to make sure that these people have a fair chance.”

It’s going to be an interesting road up ahead.

For information on this topic:

How to obtain a cosmetology license for hair braiding:

Cosmetology Schools in North Carolina