House Bill No. 509, introduced by Representative Moore, aims to regulate alternative hair design and natural hair braiding in Louisiana. The bill enacts several new definitions, including "alternative hair design," which refers to the practice of natural hair braiding in licensed salons, and "natural hair braiding," which encompasses various techniques such as twisting and weaving hair. The legislation establishes a certificate of registration for alternative hair design, requiring individuals to complete between 500 to 600 hours of instruction and pass an examination. Additionally, it creates a special permit for natural hair braiding, allowing practitioners to operate outside registered beauty shops and salons, including in residences, under specific guidelines.

The bill outlines the application process for the natural hair braiding special permit, including fees and requirements such as viewing an instructional video on infection control and hair braiding techniques. It mandates that permit holders display their permits prominently and comply with local laws. The Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology is granted the authority to inspect permit holders and enforce compliance, including the ability to deny, suspend, or revoke permits for violations. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on January 1, 2026.