A 7924 New York Assembly · 2025 Regular Session

Relates to the practice of natural hair care and braiding

This bill creates a new licensing category for natural hair care and braiding professionals in New York. It defines "natural hair care" as services using botanical products without chemicals or structural alteration (like straightening), including techniques such as braiding, locking, and weaving. The law establishes an apprenticeship program for this field and explicitly excludes chemical treatments or permanent hair structure changes. It directly affects hair stylists specializing in textured hair, requiring them to meet specific licensing standards for these services.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Apr 2025

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Apr 15, 2025 Last action Jun 1, 2026

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What changed between versions

A7924A → A7924B · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to broaden the definition of the licensed practice from 'natural hair care and braiding' to include general 'natural hair' and 'textured hair' styling. This change clarifies that the profession covers a wider range of hair types and textures, including straight and wavy hair, and explicitly adds 'cirrology' (the study of hair geometry) to the scope of work. The amendment also refines rules regarding hair tension techniques and chemical restrictions to better protect hair health while expanding the professional definition.

Scope change

The scope of the licensed practice was expanded to include the styling of all hair types (straight, wavy, curly, coily) rather than focusing solely on 'natural hair' or 'textured hair' in the traditional sense, and the specific term 'cirrology' was added to the list of allowable services.

DEFINITION

The definition of the licensed practice was changed to allow services on all hair types and textures, removing the exclusive focus on 'natural hair' and adding 'straight and wavy' hair to the scope.

A new definition for 'cirrology' was added, defining it as the study and classification of hair textures and patterns.

New definitions were added for 'natural hairstyling' and 'textured hair styling' to provide clearer distinctions between care, styling, and chemical alteration.

REQUIREMENT

The rules regarding hair tension techniques were modified to specify that such techniques must be performed by licensed professionals who have completed an approved course of study, with the text reorganized for clarity.

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Jun 1, 2026

Lower · Passed

PRINT NUMBER 7924B

lower

Jun 1, 2026

Lower · Passed

AMEND AND RECOMMIT TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

lower

Jan 7, 2026

Committee

REFERRED TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

lower

Jan 6, 2026

Lower · Passed

PRINT NUMBER 7924A

lower

Jan 6, 2026

Lower · Passed

AMEND AND RECOMMIT TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

lower

Apr 15, 2025

Committee

REFERRED TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

lower

1 primary · 1 co-sponsor