Senate Bill 183 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanRepresentative

Democrat

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering; natural hair styling exempt from regulation

Summary

SB183 would exempt natural hair styling from regulation by the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, remove braiding and weaving from the definition of cosmetology, repeal licensing requirements for natural hair stylists, and update the code language, with an effective date of October 1, 2026.

What This Bill Does

It removes hair braiding and hair weaving from the practice defined as cosmetology. It exempts natural hair styling from regulation by the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering and repeals the licensing qualifications for natural hair stylists. It makes nonsubstantive, technical revisions to update the code language to current style and repeals Section 34-7B-20. It becomes effective on October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Natural hair stylists and hair braiders/weavers would no longer be regulated or licensed by the Board.
• The Board of Cosmetology and Barbering and salons that employ or interact with natural hair stylists would have reduced regulatory authority over natural hair styling.

Key Provisions

• Remove braiding and weaving from the definition of cosmetology.
• Exempt natural hair styling from regulation by the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering.
• Repeal provisions establishing qualifications for natural hair stylist examination or licensing (34-7B-20) and repeal the natural hair stylist definition.
• Make nonsubstantive, technical revisions to update the code language to current style.
• Effective date: October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Authorities, Boards, & Commissions