TOWN OF HOUNSFIELD, New York (WWNY) – A new state law requires all of New York’s cosmetology and natural hair styling education programs to include teaching on textured hair and other hair patterns.
The law went into effect on Sept. 1, but Jefferson-Lewis BOCES instructors said their program already placed a bigger emphasis on textured hair instruction ahead of the new requirement.
This year, they introduced a new mannequin with a denser curling pattern.
New Tool
Lori Foote, a cosmetology teacher for seniors, described the new tool.
“She is actually designed with four different curl patterns. So it gives the girls lots of experience practicing all different types of styles and cuts,” Foote said.
According to the state, the new instruction will be incorporated into existing training requirements and will not increase the total number of hours needed to get licensed.
Jennifer Bach, a consultant teacher and licensed cosmetologist, said the training benefits both students and clients.
“It just builds the confidence in the students as they go out into the public and makes the clients feel better about knowing they have some knowledge about what they’re doing with their hair,” Bach said.
Training begins in the classroom
Foote said the goal is to prepare students for any client who walks in.
“We want all clients and all students as future cosmetologists to be comfortable taking any client that walks in the salon,” Foote said.
Calista Carey, a cosmetology student, said learning to work with all hair types is essential to the profession.
“You can’t really be a good hair stylist unless you know how to work on everybody, because who wants to go to a hair stylist who doesn’t know what they’re doing? You have to learn everything,” Carey said.
Students focus on client comfort
Cosmetology students said working with different hair types matters.
“I love to know how to do multiple types of hair and make everybody feel comfortable and good in their own skin,” Erica Farmer said.
“If people are coming to me and they feel safe, then I know I’m doing right,” said Carey.
“Making people feel more confident and walking into a place knowing they can get their hair done will make them feel great,” Allison Broadbent said.
BOCES will offer an adult natural hair styling course Nov. 3. For more information, click here.
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