[belorn]

I would hazard a guess that the reason for the two licenses is different. For some reason braiding is classified under cosmetology, and cosmetology industry used to involve a lot of hazardous chemicals. In order to address health issue among employees who died an early death thanks to dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde, lye, ammonia, and coal tar, the government stepped in a started to regulate the industry. It similar to how mining and particular coal mining has a lot of regulations.

Of course, one can braid hair without the employees being exposed to toxic chemicals. Still, cosmetology is even today regarded as one of the more dangerous jobs in terms of toxic exposure, and many employees do get exposed to nail polish, hair dyes, and nail polish removers.

There is also a cultural aspect to it. The demographic that work as beauty salons tend to be young women. Politician that drive harsher regulation in this area want to gain votes by being perceived as the champion and protector of women.