Dallas Hair-Braiding Pioneer Reflects on Arrest, Victory, and Legacy

Isis Brantley, once arrested for braiding without a license, now teaches natural hair traditions nationwide and prepares for the 11th annual Braid Freedom Crown Fair Festival.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Isis Brantley, the owner of Naturally Isis salon in Dallas, has spent decades fighting for the right to braid hair and the deregulation of hair braiding. In 1997, she was arrested for braiding without a cosmetology license, but in 2015, she won a federal lawsuit against Texas over laws that restricted local businesses from teaching braiding unless they converted their locations into barber colleges. Brantley now teaches natural hair traditions nationwide and is preparing for the 11th annual Braid Freedom Crown Fair Festival.

Why it matters

Brantley's story highlights the challenges faced by natural hair braiders in the past, as well as the importance of preserving and passing on traditional hair care practices. Her victory in the federal lawsuit helped reshape the industry and open doors for hair braiders across Texas, allowing them to practice their craft without undue regulation.

The details

In 1997, Brantley was arrested for braiding hair without a cosmetology license. She was eventually grandfathered in, but was barred from teaching braiding to others. This sparked a yearslong battle with the state, leading Brantley to file a federal lawsuit in 2013. In 2015, a federal judge ruled the laws restricting hair braiding as unreasonable and unconstitutional, a decision that reshaped the industry and opened doors for hair braiders across Texas.

  • In 1997, Brantley was arrested for braiding without a cosmetology license.
  • In 2013, Brantley took her fight to federal court, suing Texas over laws that restricted local businesses from teaching braiding.
  • In 2015, a federal judge ruled the laws restricting hair braiding as unreasonable and unconstitutional.
  • In September, Brantley and the city of Dallas will host the 11th annual Braid Freedom Crown Fair Festival.

The players

Isis Brantley

The owner and hairstylist of Naturally Isis salon in Dallas, who has spent decades fighting for the right to braid hair and the deregulation of hair braiding.

Texas

The state that Brantley sued over laws restricting local businesses from teaching braiding unless they converted their locations into barber colleges.

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What they’re saying

“I said, 'OK, if that's what you want me to do, is for me to go to jail for braiding… y'all want to embarrass me in front of my community? Seven cops coming in to arrest me? You want my kids to know that I'm a criminal because I braid hair? OK, let's do that,'”

— Isis Brantley (CBS News Texas)

“It does make me so proud. I'm so happy to see we finally are creating a respectful and open world for natural hair.”

— Isis Brantley (CBS News Texas)

What’s next

In September, Brantley and the city of Dallas will host the 11th annual Braid Freedom Crown Fair Festival.

The takeaway

Brantley's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of preserving traditional hair care practices. Her victory in the federal lawsuit has paved the way for hair braiders across Texas to practice their craft without undue regulation, and her continued efforts to teach and celebrate natural hair traditions are inspiring the next generation to embrace their beauty and heritage.