SACRAMENTO, California – Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law AB 518 (D-Mendoza) this afternoon allowing hair, nail and beauty salons across the state to perform hair removal using an ancient technique known as hair threading without fear of fines.

Prior to the signing of AB 518 hair threading had been excluded from the jurisdiction of the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.  Individuals or salons performing this type of removal were subject to fines by the state.

Last year, Assemblyman Mendoza authored AB 265, a bill Governor Schwarzenegger agreed with and signed, extending a sunset provision set in a previous bill until July 1, 2009 to study the technique and better define it.

“I, along with many in the beauty care industry, am extremely pleased that the governor signed AB 518,” said Assemblyman Tony Mendoza. “This is a practical bill that will allow salons the opportunity to expand their clientele by offering a new service while those who have used this technique in the past can resume and promote it.”

Threading is an ancient method of hair removal predominant in the South Asian and Middle Eastern cultures.  A cotton thread is used to remove hair from its follicle; the thread is twisted and pulled along a row of unwanted hair.  The process does not involve the use of heat or chemicals making hair threading a reliable and a non-invasive procedure. 

AB 518 will take effective on January 1, 2009.

Assemblyman Tony Mendoza is a former teacher that proudly serves the communities of Norwalk, Buena Park, Cerritos, Santa Fe Springs, Artesia, Hawaiian Gardens and portions of Whittier and Lakewood.