New Show, ‘Let’s Talk Hair,’ Explores Braids Safety, Regulations & Protecting Our Edges

Braiding is big business in the world of beauty. With the return of the natural hair movement, the protective styling process is now a common look on red carpets, runways, and of course in local salons.

A new show, “Let’s Talk Hair,” recently explored the renewed popularity of braids, salon safety regulations and keeping our edges with Lasharett Wilkerson, braider and founder of Studio Luxe By La, and Sadiaa founder (and former Hype Hair digital media director) Stephenetta Harmon.

As of May 2021, 30 states have removed restrictions that previously required braiders to take up 1,200 hours of classes to obtain cosmetology licenses that do not include braiding curriculums — or face fines and, even, jail time.

Both Harmon and Wilkerson agreed to relaxing the requirements. Harmon, however, called for standardized regulations, addressing such concerns as sanitization standards, blood-borne pathogens, and scalp health.

“I get you can’t teach me how to braid… but I do need a place that tells me, ‘How do I keep my place sanitized? What do I need to look for on someone’s scalp so I can refer them to dermatologist?’ That is super important for braiding. Even a licensed cosmetologist is not going to treat your scalp issue if you have seborrheic dermatitis, if you have receding traction alopecia, but they can see it and they need to know how to identify it.”

Wilkerson also shared her new bulk braiding hair line made with zinc sulfide micro-particles to help make the braiding process less damaging for her clients.

“This is the only thing I use,” shared Wilkerson. “It is nontoxic, itch-free, and anti-bacterial.”

Press play below to get into the lively discussion.