The Natural Hair Act
Oregon HB3409
Formerly, in Oregon, it was illegal to provide natural hair styling (i.e. braiding, twisting, combing, brushing) without a cosmetology (Hair Design) license. However, many stylists in our community have been practicing natural care as it is a cultural tradition amongst African and African-Americans (unaware of the license requirements). Natural styling often requires simple tools such as combs, brushes, rubber bands and not dyes, straighteners, thermal tools or scissors which are often the focus of tradition cosmetology schools.
Conscious Coils led the way in Oregon for a change to the law by seeking an exemption to the current cosmetology rules and requesting a separate license (a natural styling license) which would allow braiders, loc'ers, twisters, and other natural stylists to perform their craft/trade upon the completion and passage of a test that covers safety and sanitation.
Thanks to Oregon State Representative Alissa Keny-Guyer and Senator Jackie Dingfelder, the Natural Hair Act passed in the House and the Senate and was signed by the Governor June 25, 2013. Oregon has now join other states such as California and Washington in acknowledging natural stylists without requiring cosmetology school.
Thank You For Your All Your Support. We changed the law!
"Be Free! Love Your Hair! Love Yourself!"
Conscious Coils led the way in Oregon for a change to the law by seeking an exemption to the current cosmetology rules and requesting a separate license (a natural styling license) which would allow braiders, loc'ers, twisters, and other natural stylists to perform their craft/trade upon the completion and passage of a test that covers safety and sanitation.
Thanks to Oregon State Representative Alissa Keny-Guyer and Senator Jackie Dingfelder, the Natural Hair Act passed in the House and the Senate and was signed by the Governor June 25, 2013. Oregon has now join other states such as California and Washington in acknowledging natural stylists without requiring cosmetology school.
Thank You For Your All Your Support. We changed the law!
"Be Free! Love Your Hair! Love Yourself!"
Show Your Support with the Natural Hair Act Sticker
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Natural Hair Act Timeline
August 18, 2012: Natural Hair Town Hall Meeting
The community to came out and shared with our legislators the importance on natural hair care and natural stylists to our community. thank you to everyone who showed up and shared their stories. It was really moving!
Feb 19, 2013: Urban League Legislative Action Day
Took a trip to Salem to lobby for the Natural Hair Act amongst other bills (Police Profiling, Cultural Competency and more).
Feb 27, 2013: The Natural Hair Care bill “First Read”
March 26, 2013: Passed out of Committee and sent to the House for a vote
Thanks to my legislators, Rep. Frederick, Lisa Summers and Ty Schwoeffermann for their testimony.
April 23, 2013: NHA Passes in the House 60-0. Sent to the Senate
May 17, 2013: Passed out of the Committee and sent to the Senate for a vote
The Team! Also thanks to Steve Buckstein of Cascade Policy Institute and Julie Ramos for their testimony.
May 23, 2013: NHA Passes in the Senate 18-11
June 25, 2013: Natural Hair Act (HB3409B) signed by the Governor Kitzhaber
Thanks to my mom for coming up and celebrating this moment with me and everyone who worked hard to get the law passed.
