Melony Armstrong

Illinois lawmakers are on the verge of passing a bill that would deregulate hair braiding and give more people access to the profession. They’re following a wave of similar measures in other states, which began 20 years ago with Melony Armstrong, a Mississippi hair braider who wanted to freely teach others her trade. In 2024, her story was adapted in the movie “Freedom Hair.”

“In early 2005, I was able to start a legislation process to get hair braiding deregulated in the state of Mississippi. With help from the Institute for Justice, we were successful in getting House Bill 454 passed.”

“It meant we were no longer required to have a 1,500-hour cosmetology license to practice hair braiding. What it requires now is a $25 application fee, a simple health and sanitation self-test, and posting that certification wherever you work.”

“Socially, hair care is very important to women. In the African-American community, hair braiding is a way we care for our hair. It’s not only for aesthetic purposes, but also for keeping it healthy.”

“A bill like this also meets a huge need economically. I have taught so many African-American women who were able to take this craft of hair braiding and make an honest living for themselves and for their families.”

“I am a witness; this is the only profession I have ever had. I’ve owned my salon for over 25 years, and I’ve been able to make a living for myself and my family braiding hair.”

“Once we got the bill passed in Mississippi, other states started to follow suit. So, while there are about 10,000 hair braiders now registered in Mississippi who were helped by our legislation, if you look at the ripple effect nationally, I’ve been told it’s as much as 2 million.”

“Illinois is in position right now. This is not just about hair braiding. It’s a serious topic that affects people socially as well as economically.”

“I encourage the senators and legislators considering this to really take the topic seriously. It will put the state of Illinois as a whole in a better economic position. When you win on this, it’s going to be a win for all Illinois residents.”

Melony Armstrong
Owner, Naturally Speaking Salons
Tupelo, Mississippi