House committee substitute to the 5th edition makes the following changes. Makes conforming changes to the act’s long title. Makes technical changes throughout the act.

Section 1.

Amends GS 88B-2 as follows. Reinstates the definition of apprentice. Modifies the definition of hair braiding by removing reference to the natural hair not being permanently altered. Modifies natural hair care so that it includes minor trimming of hair or hair extensions incidental to the braiding of hair. Removes changes to required education hours required for a cosmetology license (GS 88B-7). Reinstates the existing qualifications for licensing apprentices (GS 88B-8). Increases the number of educational hours required for: (1) a hair design license (GS 88B-8.1) from 900 to 1,000; (2) a licensed esthetician (GS 88B-9) from 300 to 475;(3) a licensed manicurist from (GS 88B-10) from 100 to 200; (4) a licensed natural hair care specialist (GS 88B-10.1) from 100 to 150 of the described natural hair care hours; and (5) a certified hair braider (GS 88B-10.1) from 76 to 126 hours of the described natural hair care courses. Amends GS 88B-12 by reinstating the requirement to issue a temporary employment permit to an applicant for licensure as an apprentice if they meet the specified criteria. Removes provisions authorizing natural hair care specialists to provide natural hair care at the described community festivals in GS 88B-15, only allowing hair braiding. Increases the hair braider application fee in GS 88B-20 from $5 to $10 and makes conforming changes by reinstating the relevant fees for apprentices. Makes conforming changes to GS 88B-21, GS 88B-22, and GS 88B-23, by reinstating provisions applicable to apprentices. Amends GS 88B-25 by exempting from GS Chapter 88B a person licensed as a massage and body work therapist while engaging in shampooing, conditioning, or washing of hair. 

Section 3.

Removes provisions providing for the automatic conversion of apprentice licenses to cosmetology licenses, as described. Also removes the provision requiring the North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners to adopt rules to implement the act and to post on its website information about the elimination of the apprentice license and transition to cosmetologist licensure.