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Textured hair is finally becoming a priority in cosmetology schools across New York. On September 1, Governor Kathy Hochul signed a new law<\/a> requiring all styling education programs in the state to include instruction on textured hair and other hair patterns.<\/p>\n For generations of hairstylists, learning how to do textured natural hair has not been a part of the mandated curriculum. In most schools, textured and coily hair types are treated as a specialty as opposed to a core part of a stylist\u2019s education, leaving them to start their professional careers and encounter clients whose hair they don\u2019t know how to do. It results in a quiet awkwardness that many women with textured hair have experienced \u2014 I still remember the first time I went to a brand\u2019s hair-care salon day and the stylist, who had known how to care for my sleek, straight weave, hovered over my natural 4B hair texture in confusion. I left the salon feeling embarrassed and, in the four years since, have never gone to brands\u2019 salon days unless the stylist was Black.<\/p>\n Unfortunately, Hochul\u2019s new law does not increase the number of hours required for licensing, though textured hair takes more time and patience to learn. Still, it\u2019s a promising development. Schools have been preparing to comply with the new law since 2023, incorporating changes into their curricula and requiring students to demonstrate their knowledge through written and practical exams.<\/p>\n \u201cHair is deeply personal. It is linked to our identity, our well-being, and how we show up in the world,\u201d Senator Jamaal Bailey said in the announcement of the new law<\/a>. \u201cBuilding on our past work with the CROWN Act<\/a>, which ensured no one faces hair-based discrimination, I am honored to see our continued efforts toward making a more inclusive New York.\u201d\u00a0It shouldn\u2019t feel revolutionary to require stylists to master textured hair \u2014 yet the beauty industry is still catching up.<\/p>\n Stay in touch.<\/p>\n The latest in style, self, culture, and power in your inbox.<\/p>\n Vox Media, LLC Terms and Privacy Notice<\/p>\n