OKLAHOMA CITY—Oklahoma eyelash extension specialist Brandy Davis has officially dismissed her lawsuit challenging the state’s cosmetology licensing restrictions, shortly after the state gave her an eyelash technician license. Brandy, who was previously licensed in Texas, teamed up with the Institute for Justice (IJ) to file the lawsuit two years ago after she was told Oklahoma would not recognize her Texas license and she would need to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a license that had nothing to do with eyelash extensions, in order to do her work. 

“I’m excited that I can finally put this all behind me and get back to earning a living doing what I’m passionate about: eyelash extensions,” said Brandy. “I’ve spent years learning the skills needed to do this job safely and well.”  

In 2019, when she and her husband were living in Texas, Brandy completed 320 hours of coursework at eyelash extension school, passing both her written and practical exams with flying colors. Once she received her eyelash extension license from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, she opened an eyelash extension business in February 2020, which quickly became popular with customers. Brandy also received a private certification from NovaLash, which is required of anyone who seeks to use their eyelash extension glue. 

Later in 2020, Brandy’s husband got a new job and the couple moved to Oklahoma. But at that time, the state of Oklahoma did not have a license for eyelash technicians and did not recognize Brandy’s Texas license. She was told by the Oklahoma State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology that she’d have to spend $20,000 and complete thousands of hours of unrelated coursework or apprenticeships to obtain either a cosmetology or esthetician license, even though Brandy only wanted to do eyelash extension work and none of the other trades taught at cosmetology school. Furthermore, the classes did not cover anything related to eyelash extensions.   

“Nobody should have to spend tens of thousands of dollars and countless hours learning skills that have nothing to do with the work they want to do just to earn and honest living,” said IJ Attorney Marie Miller. “We’re thrilled that Brandy can do eyelash extensions with her new license, and we hope the state continues to ease licensing restrictions on workers.”