Part I.

Amends GS 88B-2, concerning the definitions of terms as they apply to GS Chapter 88B (cosmetic art), by adding and defining the terms blow-dry styling, certified natural hair care specialist (and removes the previous term natural hair care specialist), and makeup artistry.

Makes conforming changes throughout to refer to certification as a natural hair care specialist instead of licensure as a natural hair care specialist and to changes provisions related to licensure to certification. Amends GS 88B-10.1 to specified that a certificate is not required to practice as a natural hair care specialist but is required to hold oneself out as or advertise as a certified natural hair care specialist.

Amends GS 88B-12 by making conforming changes to no longer allow issuance of a temporary employment permit to an applicant for licensure as a natural hair care specialist. Amends GS 88B-13 to allow issuing a certificate to applicants licensed or certified as a natural hair care specialist in another state, if specified conditions are met. Allows designating an applicant who is licensed or certified as a natural hair care specialist in another state as a certified natural hair care specialist under the same reciprocity or comity provisions that the state in which there are licensed or certified grants to persons certified in NC.

Requires an applicant for a license to operate a cosmetic art shop to list all certified natural hair care specialists who practice in the shop and identify them as either an employee or booth renter. Prohibits requiring a license to operate cosmetic art shop if the services at the shop are exclusively natural hair care, blow-dry styling, or makeup artistry, and the people providing those services are exempt from licensure. Allows limited inspections by the NC Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners (Board), however, if a shop provides natural hair care performed by a certified natural hair care specialist.

Amends GS 88B-21 to prohibit inactive certificate holders from holding themselves out or advertising as a certified natural hair care specialist while inactive but allows them to continue to practice natural hair care.

Amends GS 88B-22 to provide that an individual certified as a natural hair care specialist may practice only natural hair care or services exempt from GS Chapter 88B. Requires holding a certificate to use the title certified natural hair care specialist.

Amends GS 88B-24 to allow the Board to restrict, suspend, revoke, or refuse to issue, renew or reinstate a license or certificate for violations of GS 86B-31 (sanitary rules or regulations) or GS 86B-32 (persons exempt) by any person licensed or certified by the Board or any person practicing cosmetic art under an exemption applicable to persons providing natural hair care, makeup artistry, or blow-dry styling if they have taken the specified course, while providing cosmetic art services in a barber shop. Amends GS 88B-25 by exempting from GS Chapter 88B, a person providing only natural hair care, makeup artistry, or blow-dry styling if they have completed a one-time four-hour course on sanitation and safety that is offered or approved by the Board before providing services.

Part II.

Amends GS 88B-15 to extend who may visit residences of individuals who are sick or disabled and confined to their residence in order to attend to their cosmetic needs by: (1) making conforming changes by including those with certifications; and (2) including individuals exempt from licensure when providing natural hair care, blow-dry styling, or makeup artistry. Also allows all included individuals to visit other venues such as event locations to attend to the cosmetic needs of those receiving services. Specifies that this statute does not limit the locations at which an individual exempt from licensure may provide natural hair care, blow-dry styling, or makeup artistry. Makes additional conforming changes.

Amends GS 86B-32 by exempting from the Article (Barbers) person who are authorized (certified or exempt from licensure) by the Board.

Allows the Board to adopt rules to implement the changes to GS 88B-15 and allows the NC Board of Barber and Electrolysis Examiners to adopt rules to implement changes to GS 89B-32.

Part III.

Sets out provisions governing the transition from natural hair care specialist licensure to certification, concerning automatic conversion, pending applications, and renewal of certificates. Allows the Board to adopt rules to implement the act and requires it to post on its website about the exemption for persons providing natural hair care, makeup artistry, or blow-dry styling who have met the sanitation and safety training requirements, the requirements for completing the course, and instructions for accessing at least one free Board-approved course that satisfies these requirements.

Makes the act effective October 1, 2025.