COSMETOLOGY: Provides relative to cosmetology

HLS 26RS-804 ORIGINAL
2026 Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. 912
BY REPRESENTATIVE NEWELL
COSMETOLOGY: Provides relative to cosmetology
1 AN ACT
2 To amend and reenact R.S. 37:571(B)(introductory paragraph), 572(B)(1),
3 582(A)(introductory paragraph), (B)(introductory paragraph), and (C)(introductory
4 paragraph), 583(A), (B)(introductory paragraph) and (2) and (C)(introductory
5 paragraph), 584(C), 586(A)(1) and (3), 589(A) and (B), 590(A)(2), 595(B)(6)
6 through (8), and 599 (A)(2)(a) and to enact R.S. 37:563(18) through (20), 571(B)(5),
7 582(B)(4), 583(C)(4), and 595(B)(9) through (11), relative to cosmetology; to
8 provide for definitions; to provide for membership of the board; to provide for
9 qualification for certificate as a alternative hairstylist; to provide for qualifications
10 for certificate as a registered teacher; to provide for special permits; to provide for
11 examination of applicants; to provide for certificates of registration for managers; to
12 provide for the renewal of certificates of registration; to provide for requirements for
13 schools; to provide for fees; and to provide for related matters.
14 Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:
15 Section 1. R.S. 37:571(B)(introductory paragraph), 572(B)(1), 582(A)(introductory
16 paragraph), (B)(introductory paragraph), and (C)(introductory paragraph), 583(A),
17 (B)(introductory paragraph) and (2) and (C)(introductory paragraph) 584(C), 586(A)(1) and
18 (3), 589(A) and (B), 590(A)(2), 595(B)(6) through (8), and 599 (A)(2)(a) are hereby
19 amended and reenacted and R.S. 37:563(18) through (20), 571(B)(5), 582(B)(4), 583(C)(4),
20 and 595(B)(9) through (11) hereby enacted to read as follows:
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HLS 26RS-804 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 912
1 §563. Definitions
2 As used in this Chapter, the following words have the following meanings:
3 * * *
4 (18) "Alternative hair design" means the practice of styling hair in registered
5 salons and shops by twisting, wrapping, weaving, extending, locking, or braiding the
6 hair by either the use of hands, mechanical devices, or appliances. The practice of
7 alternative hair design shall include the application of shampoos, conditioners,
8 antiseptics, powders, oils, clays, lotions, or tonics to hair and wig making or wiggery
9 but shall not include the application of dyes, reactive chemicals, or other
10 preparations to alter the structure or style of the natural hair. It also includes the use
11 of any hair which is not a person’s own hair, including synthetic hair, wigs, braids,
12 postitch, or any applied hair.
13 (19) "Alternative hairstylist" means a person who engages in the practice of
14 alternative hair design.
15 (20) "Mechanical devices" are clips, combs, crochet hooks, curling irons,
16 curlers, flat irons, hairpins, scissors, blunt-tipped needles, thread, and hair binders.
17 * * *
18 §571. Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology; creation; domicile; membership
19 * * *
20 B. The board shall be composed of eight nine members appointed by the
21 governor, who shall serve at the pleasure of the governor, with the following
22 qualifications:
23 * * *
24 (5) One member shall be a registered alternative hairstylist.
25 * * *
26 §572. Qualifications of board members; recusal from certain transactions
27 * * *
28 B. Each member shall be one of the following:
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HB NO. 912
1 (1) A registered cosmetologist, esthetician, or manicurist, or alternative
2 hairstylist who has been actively engaged, for at least five years prior to his
3 appointment, in the practice of cosmetology, esthetics, or manicuring, or alternative
4 hair design. However, no more than one esthetician, and one manicurist, and one
5 alternative hairstylist shall serve on the board.
6 * * *
7 §582. Qualifications for certificate as a registered cosmetologist, esthetician, or
8 manicurist, or alternative hairstylist; out-of-state licensees
9 A. In order to receive a certificate of registration as a registered
10 cosmetologist, esthetician, or manicurist, or alternative hairstylist, a person shall, in
11 addition to the requirements set forth in Subsection B of this Section, meet all of the
12 following requirements:
13 * * *
14 B. In addition to the requirements set forth in Subsection A of this Section,
15 a person shall also meet the following requirements in order to obtain his certificate
16 of registration as a registered cosmetologist, esthetician, or manicurist, or alternative
17 hairstylist:
18 * * *
19 (4) To obtain a certificate as a registered alternative hairstylist, a person shall
20 have completed and passed a course at a registered or licensed school of
21 cosmetology approved by the board.
22 C. The board shall issue the appropriate certificate of registration to any
23 person who possesses a license or certificate of registration to practice as a
24 cosmetologist, esthetician, or manicurist, or alternative hairstylist from another state
25 or from a foreign country and who also meets the following requirements:
26 * * *
27 §583. Qualifications for certificate as a registered teacher; continuing education
28 A. No person shall teach cosmetology, esthetics, or manicuring, or
29 alternative hair design without a certificate of registration issued by the board.
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1 B. In order to receive a certificate of registration as a registered teacher of
2 cosmetology, esthetics, or manicuring, or alternative hairstylist, a person shall, in
3 addition to the requirements of Subsection C of this Section, meet all of the
4 following requirements:
5 * * *
6 (2) Have completed and passed the curriculum for the teacher's training
7 course under the supervision of a licensed teacher for a minimum study of five
8 hundred hours in not less than three months or possess a license as an esthetics,
9 cosmetology, or manicuring, or alternative hair design instructor issued by another
10 state.
11 C. In addition to the requirements set forth in Subsection B of this Section,
12 a person shall also meet the following requirements in order to obtain a certificate
13 of registration as a registered teacher of cosmetology, esthetics, or manicuring, or
14 alternative hair design:
15 * * *
16 (4) To obtain a certificate as a registered teacher of alternative hair design,
17 a person shall possess an alternative hair design or cosmetology certificate, have
18 been actively engaged in the practice of alternative hair design for at least twelve
19 months prior to beginning the instructor's course, and have successfully passed the
20 examination prescribed by the board for certification as a teacher of alternative hair
21 design.
22 * * *
23 §584. Certificates of temporary registration; special permits
24 * * *
25 C. The board may adopt rules and regulations for the issuance of special
26 permits, which shall include but not be limited to an alternative hair design special
27 permit, to allow limited and specific powers within the practice of cosmetology.
28 * * *
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1 §586. Examination of applicants
2 A.(1) The examination team and testing service contracted by the board shall
3 conduct examinations of applicants for certificates as registered cosmetologists,
4 estheticians, manicurists, alternative hairstylists, teachers, and for any special permit
5 issued by the board which requires testing at such times and places as deemed
6 appropriate by the board.
7 * * *
8 (3) Esthetician, manicurist, alternative hair design, and teacher examinations
9 shall be conducted at least four times per calendar year.
10 * * *
11 §589. Certificates of registration for managers
12 A. Any cosmetology salon owner or mobile salon owner who is not a
13 licensed cosmetologist, any manicuring salon owner who is not a licensed
14 manicurist, any alternative hair deign salon owner who is not a licensed alternative
15 hairstylist, and any esthetics salon owner who is not a licensed esthetician shall
16 employ one or more registered managers who shall be a licensed cosmetologist;
17 however, a registered manicurist may manage a manicuring salon, a registered
18 alternative hairstylist may manage an alternative hair design salon, and a registered
19 esthetician may manage an esthetics salon. A registered manager shall be present
20 at the salon during all hours of operation and shall be responsible for ensuring that
21 all persons practicing cosmetology within the facility are appropriately licensed and
22 follow all applicable laws and rules and regulations.
23 B. A shop owner who is absent from his respective shop more than two
24 working days per week shall employ a manager, who shall be a registered
25 cosmetologist and who shall obtain a certificate of registration as a manager.
26 However, a registered manicurist may manage a manicuring salon, a registered
27 alternative hairstylist may manage an alternative hair design salon, and a registered
28 esthetician may manage an esthetics salon.
29 * * *
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1 §590. Renewal of certificates of registration
2 A.
3 * * *
4 (2) Every registered cosmetologist, esthetician, manicurist, alternative
5 hairstylist, or teacher who continues to actively practice his licensed profession shall
6 renew his certificate of registration on or before such individual's date of birth, and
7 such certificate shall expire thirty days following the date of birth if not renewed.
8 * * *
9 §595. Requirements for schools
10 * * *
11 B. All registered cosmetology schools may offer one or more of the
12 following courses, and postsecondary schools shall offer one or more of the
13 following courses only as a postsecondary educational program:
14 * * *
15 (6) A course of practical training and technical instruction extending over a
16 period of not less than three and a half consecutive months and including not less
17 than six hundred hours for the basic course of alternative hair design leading to an
18 alternative hair design certificate sufficient to apply for licensure as an alternative
19 hairstylist. This course of study shall include all of the following:
20 (a) History overview including all of the following:
21 (i) Ancient origins of braiding.
22 (ii) Traditional multi-cultural braid styles.
23 (iii) The multi-cultural American hair experience.
24 (b) Bacteriology and sanitation including all of the following:
25 (i) Growth and reproduction of bacteria.
26 (ii) Prevention of infection and infection control including safety, sanitation,
27 and electricity.
28 (iii) Use of antiseptics, disinfectants, and detergents.
29 (c) Client consultation.
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1 (d) Hair types and hair structure.
2 (e) Scalp diseases and disorders.
3 (f) Shampoos, conditioners, co-washing, herbal treatments, and rinses for
4 synthetic hair only.
5 (g) Braiding, natural hair braiding, LOC method, cutting, synthetic or natural
6 hair additions, styling and sculpting.
7 (h) Arranging, curling, dressing with mechanical devices and other similar
8 procedures with using a blow dryer.
9 (i) Louisiana Cosmetology Act and rules and regulations.
10 (7) A period of continuing study in alternative hair design, including a course
11 of not less than six weeks duration and containing not less than two hundred hours
12 of study.
13 (8) A course of practical training and technical instruction extending over a
14 period of not less than one month and including not less than one hundred hours that
15 would allow a person who holds an alternative hair design special permit to obtain
16 an alternative hair design certificate sufficient to apply for licensure as an alternative
17 hairstylist. This course of study shall include all areas covered by the alternative hair
18 design license but not the alternative hair design permit.
19 (6)(9) A "brush up" course, of not less than six weeks and not less than two
20 hundred hours of study for any course of study offered by the school.
21 (7)(10) A cosmetology course that is not less than two hundred fifty hours
22 for individuals seeking reciprocity from a jurisdiction that does not meet the
23 requirements for licensure in Louisiana.
24 (8)(11) A course of instruction leading to an instructor certificate, if the
25 school is a postsecondary school.
26 * * *
27 §599. Fees
28 A. The following fees shall be assessed by the board:
29 * * *
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HLS 26RS-804 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 912
1 (2) For each initial certificate of registration and each annual renewal of such
2 certificate:
3 (a) Cosmetologist, esthetician, manicurist, alternative hairstylist,
4 teacher/instructor, or manager $35.00
5 * * *
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 912 Original 2026 Regular Session Newell
Abstract: Provides relative to cosmetology.
Present law provides for definitions for the La. Cosmetology Act.
Proposed law adds definitions for "alternative hair design", "alternative hairstylist", and
"mechanical devices".
Present law provides that the board shall be composed of eight members.
Proposed law increases the membership of the board to nine.
Proposed law provides that one member of the board shall be a registered alternative
hairstylist.
Present law provides for the qualifications for certificate as a registered cosmetologist,
esthetician, or manicurist.
Proposed law adds the qualifications for certificate as a registered alternative hairstylist.
Proposed law requires that to obtain a certificate as a registered alternative hairstylist, a
person shall have completed and passed a course at a registered or licensed school of
cosmetology approved by the board.
Present law provides that the board shall issue the appropriate certificate of registration to
any person who possesses a license or certificate of registration to practice as a
cosmetologist, esthetician, or manicurist from another state or from a foreign country who
meets certain requirements.
Proposed law adds that present law also applies to an alternative hairstylist.
Present law provides that no person shall teach cosmetology, esthetics, or manicuring
without a certificate of registration issued by the board.
Proposed law adds that present law also applies to a person teaching alternative hair design.
Present law provides that in order to receive a certificate of registration as a registered
teacher of cosmetology, esthetics, or manicuring a person shall have completed and passed
the curriculum for the teacher's training course under the supervision of a licensed teacher
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HLS 26RS-804 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 912
for a minimum study of 500 in not less than three months or possess a license as an esthetics,
cosmetology, or manicuring instructor issued by another state.
Proposed law provides that present law also applies to alternative hair design teachers.
Proposed law provides that to obtain a certificate as a registered teacher of alternative hair
design, a person shall possess an alternative hair design or cosmetology certificate, have
been actively engaged in the practice of alternative hair design for at least 12 months prior
to beginning the instructor's course, and have successfully passed the examination prescribed
by the board for certification as a teacher of alternative hair design.
Present law provides that the board may adopt rules and regulations for the issuance of
special permits to allow limited and specific powers within the practice of cosmetology.
Proposed law requires one of the special permits be an alternative hair design special permit.
Present law provides that the examination team and testing service contracted by the board
shall conduct examinations of applicants for certificates as registered cosmetologists,
estheticians, manicurists, teachers, and for any special permit issued by the board which
requires testing at such times and places as deemed appropriate by the board.
Proposed law adds alternative hairstylists to applicants being examined.
Present law provides that the testing for esthetician, manicurist, and teacher examinations
shall be conducted at least four times per calendar year.
Proposed law provides that testing for alternative hair design shall also be conducted at least
four times per calendar year.
Present law provides for the requirement of licensed managers for any shop owners who are
not certain licensees.
Proposed law applies present law to alternative hair design licensees.
Present law provides that every registered cosmetologist, esthetician, manicurist, or teacher
who continues to actively practice his licensed profession shall renew his certificate of
registration on or before such individual's date of birth, and such certificate shall expire
thirty days following the date of birth if not renewed.
Proposed law adds to present law the renewal of alternative hair design certificates.
Present law provides for the courses that a registered cosmetology school may offer.
Proposed law adds a course of practical training and technical instruction extending over a
period of not less than three and a half consecutive months and including not less than 600
hours for the basic course of alternative hair design leading to an alternative hair design
certificate sufficient to apply for licensure as an alternative hairstylist.
Proposed law adds a course for a period of continuing study in alternative hair design,
including a course of not less than six weeks duration and containing not less than 200 of
study.
Proposed law adds a course of practical training and technical instruction extending over a
period of not less than one month and including not less than 100 hours that would allow a
person who holds an alternative hair design special permit to obtain an alternative hair
design certificate sufficient to apply for licensure as an alternative hairstylist. This course
of study shall include all areas covered by the alternative hair design license but not the
alternative hair design permit.
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HLS 26RS-804 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 912
Present law provides that for each initial certificate of registration and each annual renewal
of such certificate of a cosmetologist, esthetician, manicurist, teacher/instructor, or manager
be $35.00.
Proposed law provides that for each initial certificate of registration and each annual renewal
of such certificate of an alternative hairstylist be $35.00.
(Amends R.S. 37:571(B)(intro. para.), 572(B)(1), 582(A)(intro. para.), (B)(intro. para.), and
C(intro. para.), 583(A), (B)(intro. para.) and (2) and (C)(intro. para.) 584(C), 586(A)(1) and
(3), 589(A) and (B), 590(A)(2), 595(B)(6)-(8), and 599 (A)(2)(a); Adds R.S. 37:563:(18)-
(20), 571(B)(5), 582(B)(4), 583(C)(4), and 595(B)(9)-(11))
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