BTN STAFF
New York State has just passed a bill that requires all cosmetology students to learn how to style textured hair. Sen. Jamaal T. Bailey introduced the bill which is called S6528A in April 2023. The purpose of the bill is to broaden the curriculum of cosmetology schools so that all students, regardless of their race, can work with all hair textures.
“This bill would require cosmetologists and natural hair stylists to, pursuant to regulations promulgated by the secretary of state, complete certain training, as well as include questions on license examinations, regarding the provision of services to individuals with all hair types – including, but not limited to, various curl and wave patterns, hair strand thicknesses, and volumes of hair – as a condition of licensure,” Bailey said.
The new bill started to gain steam after the beauty industry’s slow progress in fulfilling inclusivity pledges made after the racial uprising in 2020, motivated by the murder of George Floyd. “It’s not only common sense, [it’s] the right thing to do,” Bailey told Allure. “It’s personal.