Bill > HB370

This bill amends the Louisiana Cosmetology Act to create a special permit for natural hair braiders, establishing clear definitions and requirements for practicing natural hair braiding services. The legislation defines natural hair braiding as twisting, wrapping, weaving, extending, locking, or braiding hair by hand or with mechanical devices, including minor trimming and use of hair accessories. To obtain a special permit, practitioners must annually review sanitation and safety training materials prepared by the Louisiana Department of Health's office of public health, pass a 20-question examination with at least 70% accuracy, complete an application, and pay a fee not exceeding $25. The bill explicitly excludes certain hair treatments like chemical coloring or restructuring from the natural hair braiding definition and provides that local government ordinances cannot prohibit or extensively regulate natural hair braiding services. Importantly, holders of this special permit will be exempt from standard beauty shop or salon certification requirements, making it easier for practitioners to legally offer these services. The new provisions aim to recognize natural hair braiding as a distinct professional practice while ensuring basic safety and sanitation standards are met, with the law set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

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https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=25rs&b=HB370&sbi=y