HB262 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Barbara DrummondRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Cosmetology and Barbering Board, natural hair stylist, licensure requirements based on experience in a licensed shop further provided for, Secs. 34-7B-1, 34-7B-20 am'd.

Summary

HB262 creates a licensure path for natural hair stylists after completing 420 hours of apprenticeship under a licensed professional, and updates related definitions and requirements.

What This Bill Does

The bill adds a licensure pathway for natural hair stylists and updates definitions for natural hair styling and natural hairstylist. It sets education and apprenticeship hour requirements, including 210 hours in instruction plus 210 hours in a licensed school or 420 hours in a licensed shop under supervision, to qualify for licensure. It requires supervision by a licensed cosmetologist or natural hair stylist with at least five years of experience, with a grandfathering provision that this five-year rule does not apply to those operating before August 1, 2013. It allows license issuance after meeting these requirements and paying applicable fees, and it states the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage.

Who It Affects

• Aspiring natural hair stylists who want to become licensed must meet age (16+), education (at least 10th grade), and specified apprenticeship hours to obtain a license.
• Licensed cosmetologists or natural hair stylists who supervise apprentices and operate licensed shops, along with natural hair stylists who were practicing before August 1, 2013, are affected by the new licensure framework and grandfathering provisions.

Key Provisions

• Defines NATURAL HAIR STYLING and NATURAL HAIRSTYLIST in the Code.
• Establishes a licensure pathway for natural hair stylists requiring 420 hours of apprenticeship under a licensed or registered cosmetologist or natural hair stylist.
• Sets eligibility: must be at least 16 years old, have at least a 10th-grade education, and complete 210 hours of natural hair styling instruction plus either 210 hours in a licensed school or 420 hours in a licensed shop under six months of supervision.
• Requires supervision by a licensed professional with at least five years of licensure, with the five-year rule not applying to those operating before August 1, 2013.
• Licensing process includes paying examination and license fees and passing an exam (unless licensure is pursued through an apprenticeship); extends to shop sanitation and license renewal rules.
• Provides a grandfathering provision for natural hair stylists operating prior to August 1, 2013.
• Effective date: the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Cosmetology and Barbering Board