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GM 1174

Informing the Legislature that on June 3, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2876 HD1 CD1 (ACT 074).

2026 Regular Session

Natural hair braiders must register with the Board and complete approved sanitation training, creating a non-licensing, safety-focused framework starting 2028.

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Bill Summary · GM 1174

Summary of GM 1174 (SB 2876 CD1) – Hawaii, 2026

GM 1174 informs readers that SB 2876 HD1 CD1 was signed into law as Act 074 on June 3, 2026. The bill relocates the regulation of natural hair braiding from licensure under the Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing Act to a registration framework, clarifying that natural hair braiding is distinct from cosmetology or barbering and should not require a full license.

1) Purpose and Intent

  • Establish a registration regime for natural hair braiders starting January 1, 2028.
  • Recognize natural hair braiding as a traditional practice with health and safety considerations, but not as a licensed cosmetology/barbering activity.
  • Ensure sanitary and safety safeguards through required training and ongoing education without imposing full licensing burdens.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

  • New registration requirement
    • Beginning January 1, 2028, no person may engage in natural hair braiding unless registered with the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology under the new section 439A- (Natural hair braiders; registration required; renewal).
  • Registration components
    • Completed registration application (form prescribed by the board).
    • Evidence of completion of a sanitation, health, and safety course/program approved by the board.
    • An application fee (amount set by board rules).
  • Registration duration and renewal
    • Certificates of registration are valid through December 31 of odd-numbered years.
    • Renewals due by December 31 of each odd-numbered year; renewal requires: updated application, ongoing continuing education on sanitation/health/safety, and renewal fees.
    • Forfeiture for failure to renew; restoration within one year with renewal/restoration fees; after one year, automatic termination requires reapplication.
  • Advertising and scope
    • Natural hair braiders cannot perform services that require a license under the chapter or advertise as offering such licensed services; violations may be treated as unlicensed practice.
    • Registrants must follow sanitary practices per board rules and public health guidelines.
    • Private private certifications may still be obtained or required by employers; not restricted by this act.
  • Definitions added
    • Braiding device (e.g., needles, clips, combs, scissors, etc.).
    • Natural hair braider.
    • Natural hair braiding, including braiding, cornrowing, extending, locking, twisting, weaving, wrapping, use of hair extensions, beads, and related tools or topical agents.
    • Exclusions: dyes/chemicals intended to alter color or straighten/curl hair; chemical hair joining agents (e.g., keratin bonds, fusion bonds).
  • Amendments to existing sections
    • Adds natural hair braiding to the regulatory framework while carving out licensure for this practice.
    • Requires display of licenses/registrations in business locations.
    • Establishes penalties and enforcement provisions for violations, including citations with potential fines (up to $2,000 per violation) and hearing processes.
    • Maintains enforcement authority over registrants’ conduct outside the natural hair braiding scope.
  • Board powers and rulemaking
    • Board retains broad authority to license/permit-related actions (e.g., examinations, licensure, permits) but now also governs registration for natural hair braiding.
    • By November 1, 2026, the board must adopt rules prescribing approved sanitation/health/safety courses for registration.
  • Transitional and enforcement details
    • If a person is convicted of sex-offender-related offenses or other specified grounds, automatic license/certificate revocation provisions apply (with hearing rights and appeal processes preserved).
    • Prohibits restoration of licenses in certain sex-offender cases; but allows for hearing processes where applicable.

3) Affected Parties

  • Natural hair braiders
    • Must register with the Board starting in 2028 to legally practice natural hair braiding.
    • Must complete approved sanitation and health/safety training and pay renewal fees.
  • Employers and clients
    • Should expect registrants to display current registration, adhere to sanitation guidelines, and comply with advertising restrictions.
  • Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
    • Responsible for administering the registration program, approving courses, and enforcing compliance.
  • Other licensed cosmetologists/barbers
    • Retains existing licensure framework; the act clarifies separation of natural hair braiding from licensed cosmetology practices.

4) Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Effective date: The act takes effect upon approval.
  • Registration deadline: January 1, 2028, for engaging in natural hair braiding (registration required).
  • Rulemaking deadline: By November 1, 2026, the board must adopt rules for approved courses.
  • Renewal cycle: Registrations expire December 31 of odd-numbered years; renewals due by December 31 of each odd-numbered year thereafter.
  • Sanitation standards: Registrants must comply with board-approved sanitation and health/safety standards and public health guidelines.

Overall, the bill creates a regulated, non-licensure framework focused on safety and sanitation for natural hair braiding, allowing the practice to continue while ensuring consumer protections through registration and education requirements.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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