A New Bill in New York Requires Hairstylists to Be Trained in All Hair Textures

Democratic New York Senator Jamaal Bailey understands firsthand how challenging it is to find a hair stylist trained in his hair texture.

He told Allure magazine he often runs into scenarios where he’s not in his neighborhood but in need of a quick tape-up or shape-up — and left debating who around him might be qualified.

“The struggle is real,” he said.

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The bill, which passed the New York Assembly by a 56-2 vote and was officially signed into law on Nov. 17 by Governor Kathy Hochul, “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,” per the law’s official language.

In action, the bill increases inclusion in cosmetology schools. {snip} The new law also adds steam to the CROWN Act’s efforts and could prove as a potential model for other states to replicate.

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