Delaware hair braiding rules
Do you need a license to braid hair in Delaware?
No license needed. Hand braiding is exempt from Delaware's cosmetology licensing law, and a Master Barber license also covers braiding. Below: locs (not stated), hair extensions and sew-ins (not stated) and wig installs (not stated), each answered from Delaware's own statutes, rules or board pages, read on October 29, 2026, with the state's own words.
- Braiding
- No license needed
- Locs
- Not stated
- Extensions
- Not stated
- Wig installs
- Not stated
Licensed by the Delaware Board of Cosmetology and Barbering.The board's site Hours and fees for each licenseThe state's own words
Hair braiding
Do you need a license to braid hair in Delaware?
No license needed. Hand braiding is exempt from Delaware's cosmetology licensing law, and a Master Barber license also covers braiding.
- License needed
- No license needed
- Licenses that allow it
- Master Barber
- Exemption
- Persons engaged in the practice of hair braiding are exempt, but hair cutting, dyes, reactive chemicals, and straightening, curling or altering the hair's structure are not part of braiding.
Delaware is one of 35 states whose official pages exempt hair braiding from licensing.
Locs
Do you need a license to do locs in Delaware?
Not stated. Delaware's official pages we read do not say whether starting and maintaining locs need a license. Ask the Delaware Board of Cosmetology and Barbering before you offer them.
- License needed
- Not stated
Hair extensions and sew-ins
Do you need a license to do hair extensions or sew-ins in Delaware?
Not stated. Delaware's official pages we read do not say whether hair extensions and sew-ins need a license. Ask the Delaware Board of Cosmetology and Barbering before you offer them.
- License needed
- Not stated
- Exemption
- Braiding may use extensions only when the extensions are attached by natural means.
Wig installs
Do you need a license to install wigs in Delaware?
Not stated. Delaware's official pages we read do not say whether installing wigs on a client needs a license. Ask the Delaware Board of Cosmetology and Barbering before you offer it.
- License needed
- Not stated
Good to know
What else Delaware asks of braiders
- Braiding is exempt only if the work does not include cutting, dyeing, or chemically altering the hair.
- A salon or shop must hold a professional license from the Division of Professional Regulation for each location.
Sources
What Delaware's official pages say
Each answer above, in the words of Delaware's own statutes, rules or board pages, read on October 29, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the Delaware Board of Cosmetology and Barbering before you start charging for a service.
- Hair braiding
“Persons engaged in the practice of hair braiding. Hair braiding does not include hair cutting, application of dyes, reactive chemicals or other preparations to alter the color of the hair or to straighten, curl, or alter the structure of the hair.”
delcode.delaware.gov “A Master Barber can provide the same services as a Barber, but he or she can also embellish, clean or beautify human hair by arranging, dressing, curling, permanent waving, cutting singeing, braiding, pressing, chemically bleaching or coloring, chemically straightening, or similar work.”
dpr.delaware.gov - Hair extensions and sew-ins
“Hair braiding may involve the use of hair extensions when the extensions are attached only by natural means.”
delcode.delaware.gov - Also good to know
“Hair braiding does not include hair cutting, application of dyes, reactive chemicals or other preparations to alter the color of the hair or to straighten, curl, or alter the structure of the hair.”
delcode.delaware.gov - Also good to know
“Yes. You must obtain a professional license from the Division of Professional Regulation for each location where you operate a shop or salon.”
dpr.delaware.gov
Questions
Delaware hair braiding licenses, answered
Do you need a license to braid hair in Delaware?
Do you need a license to do locs in Delaware?
Do you need a license to do hair extensions or sew-ins in Delaware?
Do you need a license to install wigs in Delaware?
What do you need to open a braiding salon in Delaware?
Plan the rest
Ready to fill your book
- Hours, exams and fees for each Delaware cosmetology and barber license
- What Delaware requires to open a salon or shop of your own
- What Delaware inspectors check in a salon
- Renewing a Delaware cosmetology or barber license
- Renting a chair or a suite? Start from a booth rental agreement
- A deposit and cancellation policy for long appointments
Hair braiding rules in other states
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