By Isaiah Artis
AB 2166 (Weber), as introduced February 6, 2024, amends sections 7338, 7362.5, and 7363 of the Business and Professions Code to add knowledge and skill requirements for providing services to individuals with varying hair types and textures. Further, the bill requires additional instruction in chemical hair services based on various types and textures such as curl or wave patterns, hair strand thickness, or volumes of hair.
Section 7338 requires a written examination of applicants for a license in barbering and cosmetology to determine the applicant’s skill in, and knowledge of, the practice of the occupation for which licensure is sought. The bill adds subsection (c) to require written tests on various hair types and textures. Section 7362.5, which previously states the required course topics, is amended to require technical and practical instruction for providing services to individuals with all hair types and textures.
On May 6, 2024, the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (BBC) discussed the progress of the bill at its scheduled board meeting. The Board had previously supported AB 2166 at its February meeting, and there were no further amendments to the bill. BBC’s Executive Officer, Kristy Underwood, addressed concerns that the bill would add unnecessary schooling requirements and thus could create unfair and unnecessary barriers to access licensing and certifications. Underwood clarified that the “hair types and textures” bill would not add to the hours required for schooling. Underwood also emphasized that the effect of the bill would create a workforce more acclimated and knowledgeable about serving the diverse hair styles that make up California residents. Executive Officer, Kristy Underwood, further reiterated AB 2166’s momentum through legislation during BBC’s meeting on August 12, 2024. There were no board or public comments made regarding the bill during this meeting.
The Professional Beauty Association (sponsor), Henkel Corporation, L’Oréal, and Aveda wrote in support of AB 2166. The group stated “[a]n estimated 65% of the US population have curly, coily, or wavy hair, . . . [y]et, California licensing authorities do not require substantive training and competency for styling texture hair. . . . The absence of inclusive hair education not only perpetuates narrow beauty standards, but also has practical implications for professionals and for the beauty industry as a whole.” There was further support from the Conference of California Bar Associations and Personal Care Products Council, with no opposition to the bill.
Governor Newsom signed AB 2166 on September 22, 2024 (Chapter 384, Statutes of 2024).