Committee approves bill to let shampooing and simple hairstyling be done without cosmetology license

The Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee advanced House Bill 17-46 after hearing supporters and opponents describe consumer-protection trade-offs and the bill’s goal of creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Representative Underwood said the bill narrows exemptions already found in the Natural Hair Braiders Act to allow shampooing, drying and simple hairstyling without a cosmetology license, provided the worker registers with the Department of Health and performs services under the supervision of a licensed cosmetologist. The sponsor said the measure is permissive — salons would not be required to hire assistants — and includes consumer protections that would allow the Department of Health to revoke registrations after substantiated complaints.

Industry speakers and cosmetology schools urged caution. Andrea Wilson (Salon Professional Academy) and Gwen Middleton (Arkansas College of Barbering/Arkansas Beauty School/Arkansas Technical School) said infection control and proper training matter and warned the bill as written could open loopholes for unlicensed providers; they proposed tighter supervision language, targeted pilot programs and pointed to existing technician license tracks and available training funds. Family members and advocates for Anna Lynn, a constituent with Down syndrome, requested the bill to open limited employment opportunities and suggested a targeted pilot program modeled on Ireland’s 'Beauty in All Its Forms' initiative.

After questions and closing remarks, members voted by voice to pass the bill in committee.