If you’re planning to become a hair braider in Tennessee, you’ve probably heard that you need to complete a 16 Hour Health & Hygiene Course before you can register as a hair braider.
But what exactly is the course? Who needs it? Can you take it online? And what do you do after you finish?
If you’re looking for a convenient way to complete your required training, A’s Hair Academy offers the Tennessee 16 Hour Health & Hygiene Training Course completely online, so you can enroll and begin your training from home.
Enroll in the Tennessee 16 Hour Health & Hygiene Course at A’s Hair Academy →
In this article, we’ll explain Tennessee’s requirements and walk you through the steps to become a registered hair braider.
What Is a Registered Hair Braider in Tennessee?
Tennessee has a specific definition of hair braiding.
Hair braiding includes techniques that create tension on hair strands, such as:
- Twisting
- Wrapping
- Weaving
- Extending
- Locking
- Braiding
These techniques may be performed by hand or with mechanical appliances for compensation.
However, Tennessee’s definition of hair braiding does not include cutting, coloring, relaxing, removing hair, chemically treating the hair, or using preparations to straighten, curl, or otherwise alter the structure of the hair.
Understanding this distinction is important because the services you provide can determine which Tennessee credential you need.
Do Tennessee Hair Braiders Need a License?
Here’s where it can get confusing.
Tennessee hair braiders do not obtain a traditional cosmetology license simply to provide qualifying hair braiding services. Instead, they must meet the state’s requirements and register as a Hair Braider Registrant.
According to the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance, hair braiders must complete the required health and hygiene training, register every two years, use disposable or properly sanitized instruments, and post a notice stating that the hair braider is not licensed.
So if you’re searching for the “Tennessee hair braiding license,” the credential you’re actually looking for is Tennessee Hair Braider Registration.
What Is the Tennessee 16 Hour Health & Hygiene Course?
The Tennessee 16 Hour Health & Hygiene Course is the required training for individuals seeking to register as a hair braider in Tennessee.
The state requires 16 hours of health and hygiene training, and the training may be completed online or in person. After completing the training, you receive a certificate indicating completion. Tennessee requires you to retain the certificate and be able to produce it upon request.
The training is a one-time requirement. You attest to having completed it when you complete your biennial hair braider registration.
You Can Complete the Training Online
If you’re working, going to school, raising a family, or simply prefer learning at your own pace, online training can be a convenient option.
A’s Hair Academy offers the Tennessee 16 Hour Health & Hygiene Training Course 100% online.
You can enroll now and complete the required training online.
Take the Course Online with A’s Hair Academy
Tennessee 16 Hour Health & Hygiene Training Course
✔ 16 hours of required training
✔ 100% online
✔ Study from home
✔ Designed for Tennessee hair braider registration
✔ Certificate provided upon completion
✔ Enroll and start your training now
Start the Tennessee 16 Hour Training at A’s Hair Academy →
What’s Included in the A’s Hair Academy Course?
The A’s Hair Academy Tennessee course is organized into four training areas that total 16 hours:
5 Hours — HIV/AIDS & Other Communicable Diseases
This portion of the course focuses on HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases and provides important information for professionals working directly with clients.
5 Hours — Diseases & Disorders of the Scalp
Hair braiders work closely with the hair and scalp, making it important to understand common scalp conditions and disorders.
This section helps you develop a stronger understanding of scalp health and situations that may affect whether a service should be performed.
4 Hours — Sanitation & Sterilization
Proper sanitation is an essential part of operating a professional braiding business.
You’ll learn about keeping your hands, tools, equipment, and work environment clean and sanitary while reducing the risk of spreading germs between clients.
2 Hours — Tennessee State Laws & Rules
Understanding the rules that apply to your profession is just as important as learning how to braid.
This section covers Tennessee laws and rules relevant to hair braiders.
The course curriculum is structured as 5 hours of HIV/AIDS and communicable diseases, 5 hours of scalp diseases and disorders, 4 hours of sanitation and sterilization, and 2 hours of state laws and rules.
Who Can Register as a Tennessee Hair Braider?
Tennessee requires a person seeking hair braider registration to be at least 14 years old.
That means aspiring braiders can begin meeting the state’s requirements at a relatively young age.
Whether you’re a teenager learning to braid, an experienced braider ready to start charging for your services, or someone looking to turn a skill into a business, understanding the registration requirements is an important first step.
How to Become a Registered Hair Braider in Tennessee
Once you know the requirements, the process is straightforward.
Step 1: Make Sure You Meet the Age Requirement
You must be at least 14 years old to register as a Tennessee hair braider.
Step 2: Complete the 16 Hour Health & Hygiene Training
Complete the required 16 hours of health and hygiene training.
Tennessee allows this training to be completed online or in person.
If you’re looking for an online option, you can complete the course through A’s Hair Academy.
Enroll in A’s Hair Academy’s Tennessee 16 Hour Course →
Step 3: Receive Your Certificate
After successfully completing your training, you’ll receive documentation showing completion of the required training.
Keep this certificate with your important professional records. Tennessee requires you to retain it and be able to display it upon request.
Step 4: Register Through Tennessee CORE
After completing the training, complete the Registered Hair Braider Application through Tennessee’s online CORE licensing system.
Tennessee CORE: core.tn.gov
The current registration fee is $30.
Step 5: Follow Tennessee’s Hair Braider Requirements
Once registered, make sure you continue to follow the requirements that apply to Tennessee hair braiders.
According to the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance, registered hair braiders must use disposable instruments or properly sanitized instruments and post a notice indicating that the hair braider is not licensed.
Step 6: Renew Your Registration Every Two Years
Hair braider registration must be renewed biennially.
The current registration fee is $30.
Your 16-hour training is a one-time requirement, so you do not need to repeat the course every two years. You attest to having completed the training when renewing your registration.
Tennessee Hair Braider Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Tennessee Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 14 years old |
| Health & hygiene training | 16 hours |
| Training format | Online or in person |
| Training certificate | Required |
| Registration | Required |
| Registration fee | $30 |
| Renewal | Every 2 years |
| Traditional cosmetology license | Not required for qualifying hair braiding services |
Tennessee’s official requirements confirm that the 16-hour training and biennial registration are the key requirements for individuals providing qualifying hair braiding services.
Hair Braider Registration vs. Natural Hair Stylist License
One of the biggest sources of confusion for aspiring Tennessee braiders is the difference between Hair Braider Registration and a Natural Hair Stylist License.
They are not the same.
A Tennessee Natural Hair Stylist must complete at least 300 hours of instruction at a school of cosmetology and pass the required examinations.
Hair braider registration is different. For qualifying hair braiding services, Tennessee requires the 16-hour health and hygiene training and registration rather than the 300-hour Natural Hair Stylist pathway.
If you plan to perform services outside Tennessee’s definition of hair braiding, make sure you review the requirements for the specific services you intend to offer.
Why Health & Sanitation Training Matters
Learning how to create beautiful braids is only part of becoming a professional braider.
You also have a responsibility to maintain a clean and sanitary environment for every client.
Good sanitation practices can help you:
- Reduce the spread of germs
- Protect your clients
- Protect yourself
- Maintain clean tools and equipment
- Create a professional work environment
- Build client trust
- Operate your braiding business more responsibly
Your clients are trusting you with their hair, scalp, and personal health. Understanding proper hygiene and sanitation should be part of every professional braider’s foundation.
Ready to Complete Your Tennessee Training?
If you’re ready to become a registered hair braider in Tennessee, you can start with the required 16 hours of health and hygiene training.
A’s Hair Academy makes it convenient with a 100% online Tennessee 16 Hour Health & Hygiene Training Course.
You can enroll now, complete your training online, and receive your certificate upon completion.
Start Your Tennessee Hair Braider Training Today
Tennessee 16 Hour Health & Hygiene Training Course
Learn the health, hygiene, sanitation, and Tennessee rules you need to know as you prepare to register as a hair braider.
Whether you’re just learning to braid or you’re ready to turn your braiding skills into a business, completing your required education is an important step toward getting started.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a registered hair braider in Tennessee does not require you to spend years in cosmetology school if the services you provide fall within Tennessee’s definition of hair braiding.
The process starts with understanding the rules, completing the required 16 hours of health and hygiene training, receiving your certificate, and completing your Tennessee Hair Braider Registration.
And because the required training can be completed online, you don’t have to put your plans on hold.
A’s Hair Academy’s Tennessee 16 Hour Health & Hygiene Training Course is available online now.
Start Your Tennessee 16 Hour Training →
State requirements can change. Always verify current registration requirements, fees, and rules with the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance before applying.
Official Tennessee Resources
Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance — Hair Braider Requirements:
https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/cosmo/license/individual/hair-braider.html
Tennessee CORE Online Licensing System:
https://core.tn.gov
Tennessee Registered Hair Braider FAQs:
https://support.commerce.tn.gov/hc/en-us/articles/360024790274-Registered-Hair-Braider-FAQs
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