Long Overdue

The recognition and formal training requirements for natural hair styling are considered long overdue for several reasons. Historically, beauty and cosmetology standards have often centered around Eurocentric ideals, leading to a lack of acknowledgment and education regarding the unique needs of diverse hair textures, particularly natural and textured hair common in Black and other communities.

This oversight has perpetuated a gap in training, where many stylists may not have been adequately equipped to handle the specific techniques and care required for natural hair. It’s a positive step forward to have formal training requirements as it ensures that stylists are knowledgeable and skilled in working with a variety of hair types, promoting inclusivity, diversity, and proficiency within the beauty industry. Recognizing the beauty of all hair textures is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and equitable standard of beauty.

New York passes bill

Students in New York now need to have knowledge of natural hair in order to obtain a license. This requirement was established through Bill S6528A, introduced by New York State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey in April 2023.

The primary objective of the bill is to promote inclusivity in cosmetology school education by ensuring that every student acquires the necessary knowledge and skills to work with diverse hair textures. According to the bill, graduates should possess the expertise to offer styling and hair care services to individuals with various hair types and textures. This includes but is not limited to different curl or wave patterns, hair strand thicknesses, and volumes of hair.

Bill S6528A was introduced in April 2023 and subsequently signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul on November 17, 2023. With its implementation slated for around six months from now, cosmetology schools in New York State have ample time to adapt their courses and overall curriculum in compliance with the new legislation. You can find more information about this law here.