DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 468 Engrossed 2017 Regular Session Emerson
Abstract: Adds definitions and establishes unregulated services relative to the La. Cosmetology
Act.
Proposed law creates the following definitions: "mechanical devices", "natural hair braider", "natural
hair braiding", "natural hair braiding service", and "unregulated service" or "unregulated services".
Proposed law defines unregulated services as those services not defined or interpreted as the practice
of cosmetology in present law and proposed law. Provides that unregulated services are exempt
from regulation by the La. State Bd. of Cosmetology. Further provides that natural hair braiding and
natural hair braiding services performed by a natural hair braider are unregulated services.
Proposed law provides that "natural hair braiding" does not include any of the following:
(1)Application of dyes, reactive chemicals, or other preparations to alter the color of the hair or
to straighten, curl, or alter the structure of the hair.
(2)Use of chemical hair joining agents such as synthetic tape, keratin bonds, or fusion bonds.
Proposed law provides that natural hair braiding may be used to reference African hair braiding or
styling, but is not limited to any particular cultural, ethnic, racial, or religious forms of hair styles.
Proposed law preempts government ordinances that prohibit natural hair braiding, natural hair
braiding services, or natural hair braiders, or regulate any matter relating to the licensing, testing,
training, facilities, or equipment of natural hair braiding, natural hair braiding services, or natural
hair braiders as provided in proposed law.
Proposed law makes technical changes.
(Amends R.S. 37:563(intro. para.) and (13)-(17); Adds R.S. 37:563(18)-(22) and 581.1)