NY Cosmetology Schools Must Teach Textured Hair Care

Say goodbye to the days when cosmetology school curriculum overlooked textured hair! New York State is making a significant move to ensure inclusivity and combat hair discrimination by mandating specific training on kinky, coily, and curly hair care for all aspiring cosmetologists.

Closing the Gap in Professional Haircare

This new requirement, detailed in the March 18th New York State Register, addresses a long-standing issue where professional training often marginalized Black and Brown consumers due to a lack of expertise in handling diverse hair textures. The updated legislation ensures that students must demonstrate proficiency with all hair types, from straight to Type 4C coils, to earn their cosmetology license.

The revised curriculum will include specific instruction on recognizing curl patterns, understanding hair density, and mastering techniques for fragile, highly textured strands. It also emphasizes chemical safety, crucial for treatments like relaxers, perms, and color applications on hair that differs significantly from straight textures.

Promoting Equity and Dignified Service

This initiative is a powerful step in enforcing New York’s version of the CROWN Act, signed in 2019, which prohibits hair-based discrimination in workplaces and schools. While the CROWN Act made discriminatory practices illegal, the lack of trained professionals often left individuals with textured hair struggling to find safe, high-quality salon services. By making textured hair training a requirement, New York aims to guarantee that every client can receive professional and respectful care, regardless of their hair type.

New York isn’t alone in this movement. Pennsylvania recently became the 28th state to enact its own CROWN Act, with overwhelming bipartisan support. Governor Shapiro signed the law in November 2025, emphasizing the importance of protecting individual freedom and identity, stating, “Real freedom means being respected for who you are — no matter what you look like, where you come from, who you love, or who you pray to.”

A Step Towards a More Inclusive Industry

These legislative changes signify a broader shift towards greater inclusivity within the beauty industry. By ensuring that future cosmetologists are equipped to handle all hair types with expertise, New York and other states are working to dismantle systemic discrimination and promote a more equitable and dignified experience for all clients.