Barbering and cosmetology: hair types and textures.

(1) Existing law, the Barbering and Cosmetology Act, the violation of which is a crime, provides for the licensure and regulation of barbers and cosmetologists by the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology in the Department of Consumer Affairs. Existing law requires the examination of applicants for a license issued by the board to consist of written tests to determine the applicant's skill in, and knowledge of, the practice of the occupation for which a license is sought. This bill would additionally require those written tests to determine the applicant's skill in, and knowledge of, providing services to individuals with varying hair types and textures. (2) Existing law requires a course in barbering or cosmetology to include, at a minimum, technical and practical instruction in specified areas, including instruction in chemical hair services and hairstyling services, as described. Existing law also requires a course in hairstyling, as provided, to include instruction in hairstyling services, as described. This bill would additionally require that instruction in chemical hair services and hairstyling services to include instruction in the provision of services to individuals with all hair types and textures, including, but not limited to, various curl or wave patterns, hair strand thicknesses, and volumes of hair. By expanding the crimes relating to violation of the Barbering and Cosmetology Act, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. (3) The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.