Textured Hair Education is Now Law: A Bold Step Toward True Inclusion in Cosmetology
For decades, beauty schools across America have failed to teach students how to properly care for and style textured hair. This blatant oversight has left generations of Black and Brown clients feeling overlooked, disrespected, and forced to search tirelessly for stylists who can provide the basic standard of care everyone deserves.
States Taking A Stand
Now, eight states have taken a stand, passing laws that require cosmetology schools to include textured hair education in their curriculum. As of July 2025, California, Connecticut, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington will ensure that future cosmetologists are equipped to work with all hair types – not just straight or loosely wavy hair textures.
Black Hair Matters
This is more than a law; it’s a declaration that Black hair matters. Our coils, curls, and kinks deserve the same respect, professionalism, and expertise as any other texture. It’s a milestone that brings us one step closer to ending the systemic erasure of Black beauty from professional standards.
But while we celebrate this victory, it’s equally important to understand why cosmetology must remain regulated by law.
Stop Downplaying the Importance of Licensing
When people downplay the importance of licensing in the beauty industry, they ignore the science, skill, and sanitation practices necessary to keep clients safe. Hair care is more than styling – it’s understanding scalp health, chemical processing, sanitation standards, and cross-contamination prevention. Without regulation, anyone could claim to be a professional, putting the health and confidence of clients at risk.
Imagine a stylist performing a relaxer or lightening service with no knowledge of hair porosity or scalp conditions. The result could be permanent hair loss, burns, or lifelong trauma.
Regulation is Vital
This is why regulation is vital. Cosmetology isn’t just art; it’s science, safety, and care. Requiring textured hair education isn’t just about fairness – it’s about ensuring that all licensed professionals are truly prepared to serve the diverse world we live in.
To those states leading the way: thank you for honoring Black hair, Black culture, and Black dignity. To the rest of the nation, it’s time to step up. Our hair is not an elective. It is not optional. It is essential.
#blackHair #hairCare #texturedHair
CBC Hamilton
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