The Tennessee State Senate has advanced a proposal to loosen state regulations surrounding African-style hair braiding.

Lawmakers voted 26-5 Monday on a bill that would allow hair braiders to attend just 16 hours of health and hygiene training. Braiders would also be required to register with the state and post a notice declaring they are not licensed by the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners.

Currently, Tennessee requires hair braiders to complete at least 300 hours of natural hair styling at a cosmetology school.