BILL NUMBER: S6652A
SPONSOR: WEBB
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the general business law, in relation to the practice of
natural hair care and braiding
 
PURPOSE OF THE BILL:
This bill updates the existing Natural Hairstyling license, pursuant to
regulations promulgated by the Secretary of State to create a comprehen-
sive; inclusive, diverse, hygienic, safe and economically sustainable
pathway removing all barriers for new and experienced natural hair styl-
ists and braiders. The revised Natural Hair Care and Braiding License
will prioritize the principles, practices, and prevention of infection
control; provide services to individuals with all hair types and
textures including, but not limited to, various coily, curly, kinky,
straight, wavy, wiry patterns or combinations and configurations; hair
strand thicknesses, and volumes of hair. The license will ensure that
natural, hair professionals are versed in the intricacies of natural
hair care -- including but not limited to hair and scalp care, identify-
ing scalp diseases and disorders; naturally textured hair styling,
braiding, locking and twisting with and without extensions, coily
styles, defined curly and coily textured hairstyles, and weaving as a
condition of licensure.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1. The heading of article 27 of the general business law, is
updated by removing "styling" and inserting "care and braiding" to read
"Licensing of Nail Specialty, Natural Hair and Braiding, Esthetics and
Cosmetology."
Section 2. Subdivisions 3 and 5 of section 400 of the general business
law are amended with updated language that includes "natural hair care
and braiding" with additional language included in subdivision 5 further
detailing techniques employed for use on textured natural hair.
Section 3: Adds nine (9) new subdivisions to Section 400 of the general
business law that adds definitions for various techniques employed while
working with natural and textured hair.
Section 4. Amends both subdivisions 1 and 3 of section 401 of the gener-
al business law to updated language that includes "natural hair care and
braiding." A new subdivision 4 was added to allow individuals providing
these services for five or more years in New York State who provide
evidence of work experience to receive a temporary license while working
to meet health and safety requirements for the license. The Secretary of
State shall promulgate rules and regulations based on this section.
Section 5. Amends section 404 of the general business law to update
language that includes "natural hair care and braiding" and requires
updated rules and regulation with regard to health and safety practices
when working with natural hair.
Section 6. Amends section 406 of the general business law, to update
licensing application process language to include "natural hair care and
braiding."
Section 7. Amends subdivision 1 of section 407 of the general business
law, to update language to include "natural hair care and braiding exam-
inations."
Section 8. Section 408 Amends the general business law by adding a new
sub division 12 renewal process for the Natural Hair License.
Section 9. Amends subdivision 1 of section 409 of the general business
law to update language & add two new sections to include "natural hair
care and braiding." section 408-c and 408-d that defines Natural Hair
Care & Braiding Apprenticeships.
Section 10. Amends paragraph a of subdivision 2 of section 410 of the
general business law, to update language in cases where the Secretary of
State may issue a cessation to an individual LLC or business.
Section 11. Amends paragraph a of subdivision 2 of section 410 of the
general business law, to update language in cases where the Secretary of
State may issue a cessation to an individual LLC or business.
Section 12. Subdivision 1 of section 41.2 of the general business law,
as 27 amended by chapter 80 of the laws of 2015- penalties for operating
without a license.
Section 13. Provides the effective date
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Over 65% of the world's population have textured hair, and 75% of black
women currently wear their hair in a natural style. The most common
hairstyles are braids, Afros, twist-outs, and defined curly and coily
textured hairstyles, resulting in a market of approximately 1 billion
people. It is important to have qualified professionals who are
educated, trained and licensed to care for diverse natural hair
textures, as more people embrace wearing their natural hair with
textured hairstyles. The NY State Natural Hairstyling License was
enacted in 1993 and has undergone only one review and update, which
occurred in 1997. In 2019 The Crown Act was passed in California and NY
State, prohibiting race-based hair discrimination, which is the denial
of employment and educational opportunities because of hair texture or
protective hairstyles including braids, loos, twists or bantu knots. The
natural hair industry is worth an estimated $8.7 billion dollars and
steadily growing. This ever-expanding industry provides an economic
pathway for professionally trained licensed stylists to service all hair
types and textures with a natural hair care and braiding license.
This updated license addresses the training gap, as 65% of surveyed hair
stylists expressed a desire for more training in handling and caring for
textured, coiled, and/or kinky hair types. An overwhelming majority of
Black women (86%) responded that they had challenges finding consistent,
quality haircare at salons. In the appearance enhancement industry,
existing training standards predominantly cater to individuals with
fine, straight and wavy hair within the cosmetology domain. This limited
scope overlooks the diverse and unique needs of those with various hair
textures. On the contrary, students enrolled in natural haircare and
styling schools undergo comprehensive training programs that will equip
them as licensed practitioners with a holistic understanding of how to
care, maintain, treat, and style a broad spectrum of all hair types and
textures.
The revised license will make it easier for skilled stylists and those
from diverse cultural backgrounds to apply for the Natural Hair Care and
Braiding license. Also, establishing a way for trainees to learn from
licensed professionals through an apprenticeship program to earn the
natural hair care and braiding license. By updating the existing natural
hair styling license and expanding the curriculum in natural hair
schools, the bill aims to empower specialists in natural hair care and
braiding to proficiently address the varied needs of individuals with
diverse hair textures. This ensures a more comprehensive, inclusive and
diversified approach to textured hair education, better serving the
diverse population within the beauty industry.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Over 65% of the world's population have textured hair, and 75% of black
women currently wear their hair in a natural style. The most common
hairstyles are braids, Afros, twist-outs, and defined curly and coily
textured hairstyles, resulting in a market of approximately 1 billion
people. It is important to have qualified professionals who are
educated, trained and licensed to care for diverse natural hair
textures, as more people embrace wearing their natural hair with
textured hairstyles. The NY State Natural Hairstyling License was
enacted in 1993 and has undergone only one review and update, which
occurred in 1997. In 2019 The Crown Act was passed in California and NY
State, prohibiting race-based hair discrimination, which is the denial
of employment and educational opportunities because of hair texture or
protective hairstyles including braids, locs, twists or bantu knots. The
natural hair industry is worth an estimated $8.7 billion dollars and
steadily growing. This ever expanding industry provides an economic
pathway for professionally trained licensed stylists to service all hair
types and textures with a natural hair care and braiding license.
This updated license addresses the training gap, as 65% of surveyed hair
stylists expressed a desire for more training in handling and caring for
textured, coiled, and/or kinky hair types. An overwhelming majority of
Black women (86%) responded that they had challenges finding consistent,
quality haircare at salons. In the appearance enhancement industry,
existing training standards predominantly cater to individuals with
fine, straight and wavy hair within the cosmetology domain. This limited
scope overlooks the diverse and unique needs of those with various hair
textures. On the contrary, students enrolled in natural haircare and
styling schools undergo comprehensive training programs that will equip
them as licensed practitioners with a holistic understanding of how to
care, maintain, treat, and style a broad spectrum of all hair types and
textures.
The revised license will make it easier for skilled stylists and those
from diverse cultural backgrounds to apply for the Natural Hair Care and
Braiding license. Also, establishing a way for trainees to learn from
licensed professionals through an apprenticeship program to earn the
natural hair care and braiding license. By updating the existing natural
hair styling license and expanding the curriculum in natural hair
schools, the bill aims to empower specialists in natural hair care and
braiding to proficiently address the varied needs of individuals with
diverse hair textures. This ensures a more comprehensive, inclusive and
diversified approach to textured hair education, better serving the
diverse population within the beauty industry.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
S8573 - Referred to Consumer Protection
 
FISCAL IMPLICATION:
None to the State
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the sixtieth day after it shall have
become a law.

Statutes affected:
S6652: 400 general business law, 404 general business law, 407 general business law, 407(1) general business law, 409 general business law, 409(1) general business law, 412 general business law, 412(1) general business law
S6652A: 400 general business law, 404 general business law, 407 general business law, 407(1) general business law, 408 general business law, 409 general business law, 409(1) general business law, 412 general business law, 412(1) general business law