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Committee defers bill to exempt natural hair braiders from cosmetology licensing

House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce · February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

The House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce deferred HB1697 after testimony that the board recognizes braiding as within cosmetology scope but that a targeted sanitation certification could address safety concerns. Supporters argued 1,250–1,800 training hours are an undue barrier.

The House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce deferred HB1697 on Feb. 24, a bill that would exempt natural hair braiders from Hawaii cosmetology licensing requirements.

Alan Yim, executive officer of the DCCA Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, told the committee that the board has reaffirmed braiding is within the scope of cosmetology but has also concluded individuals who only braid are not currently required to hold licenses. "A broad exemption removes any sort of training to practice…

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