SB 1620 Summary

• Exempts natural hair braiders from licensing requirements under Hawaii's Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing Act (Chapter 439A) provided they do not perform regulated services or mislead consumers about offered services.

• Defines "natural hair braiding" to include twisting, locking, wrapping, weaving, cornrowing, extending, and braiding hair by hand or with braiding devices, plus use of hair extensions, decorative beads, topical agents, and wig-making from natural or synthetic materials.

• Excludes from the definition services involving application of dyes or reactive chemicals to alter hair color, straighten/curl hair, or use chemical hair joining agents such as keratin or fusion bonds.

• Requires natural hair braiding salon owners to ensure employee education, training, equipment use, sanitation practices, and consumer health and safety, with consumers able to recover damages for injuries in court.

• Does not exempt natural hair braiding from general business registration requirements, taxes, or private certification programs, which may still be obtained or required by employers.