As of September 1st, New York City has introduced a new law that requires hairdressers and cosmetologists to learn how to do all types of hair, including black hair as well which was passed back in 2023.
This new law that has gone into effect is a push effort for allowing equal service to hair salons for people regardless of hair type, with city officials believing that no New Yorker should walk into a salon or establishment and be turned away due to hairdressers working in the salon not being able to and lacking the knowledge of a hair texture.
The law, signed by New York’s governor Kathy Hochul, will now require cosmetology and natural hair styling classes, courses, and certifications to include instruction on hair types. Including hair types from the coilliest hair to the straightest hair. Instructions on how to do all hair types from curly, wavy, coily, and kinky hair will be integrated into the curricula for these courses and become requirements for students to learn going forward.
On top of this, these new requirements will require students to learn about hair types, hair care, and styling techniques that go along with the hair type in question.
Students looking to get licenses and certifications will now be required to showcase proficiency on state licensing exams, all while the number of hours required to receive a license will not be affected by this new law being introduced. Cosmetology schools in New York have also had three years to prepare for the new law.
Back in January of this year, New Jersey signed and passed a similar law into legislation. This expanded New Jersey’s hair inclusion in courses, training students on how to work on all hair types regardless of texture and style; all while pushing for schools and courses to encourage these advancements and as well making sure the appropriate tools and skills are provided for these cosmetology students.
