California mandates textured hair education for cosmetology licensing

25-Sep-2024 - Last updated on 25-Sep-2024 at 14:18 GMT

“This victory fuels the Texture Education Collective momentum as we advocate for similar legislation across the nation, promoting consistent standards and excellence in beauty education from coast to coast," said Myra Reddy, Government Affairs Director at the Professional Beauty Association in a media release. © Capuski Getty Images

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed into law a bill mandating textured hair education as part of the state’s cosmetology licensing requirements. This decision marks a pivotal moment for the beauty industry, particularly as California is home to more cosmetology schools than any other state in the U.S.

The passage of the California bill will enable state cosmetology schools to 'train even more stylists to serve the diverse beauty needs of all Californians,' said Assemblywoman Dr. Akilah Weber, a proponent of the legislation, and signals a wider trend towards nationwide regulatory action for more inclusive hair care education standards.

With over 200 institutions, the impact of this legislation is poised to reshape the training and inclusivity standards for future beauty professionals.

About the bill

The bill, which was supported by the Texture Education Collective (TEC), addresses a long-standing gap in cosmetology training— the inadequate education around textured hair. Textured hair, which includes coiled, curly, and wavy hair types, is prevalent among 65% of Americans, yet many cosmetology curriculums have historically failed to cover its unique needs.

This development is crucial for both professionals and consumers in the beauty industry. Stylists will now receive the necessary training to work with all hair types, expanding their potential clientele. In turn, consumers with textured hair will gain access to a broader range of skilled professionals, making beauty services more inclusive and equitable.

In a media statement, David Greenberg, CEO of L’Oréal USA and President of the North America Zone, praised the new law and shared that "inclusivity in the beauty industry is non-negotiable." Further, he added, "every professional entering the world of cosmetology needs to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to service all hair types to ensure that all consumers have access to trained professionals that can meet their individual needs.”

Greenberg also highlighted the role of the Texture Education Collective (TEC), which includes leaders from brands like Aveda, DevaCurl, and Neill Corporation, in championing the legislation.

The significance of the bill goes beyond California. It sets a precedent for other states to follow. “California is proud to be the home of approximately 200 cosmetology schools, more than any other state in the nation," said Assemblywoman Dr. Akilah Weber in a statement to the press.

"The enactment of this landmark textured hair education legislation means those schools can now train even more stylists to serve the diverse beauty needs of all Californians," she said. Dr. Weber also urged other states to adopt similar laws, ensuring that all beauty professionals receive standardized textured hair education.

A nationwide trend towards inclusive hair care education

This move by California aligns with a broader national effort. Louisiana implemented a similar mandate in 2021, followed by the passing of texture education legislation in New York, Minnesota, and Connecticut in 2023 and 2024, respectively.

The Texture Education Collective (TEC) is advocating for this standardization across the country, pushing for consistent training in textured hair care across all states. “This victory fuels the Texture Education Collective momentum as we advocate for similar legislation across the nation, promoting consistent standards and excellence in beauty education from coast to coast," said Myra Reddy, Government Affairs Director at the Professional Beauty Association in a media release.

For cosmetics and personal care product manufacturers and suppliers, this legislation signals an essential shift in market demands. As salons and beauty professionals expand their services to cater to a more diverse range of hair types, product developers and suppliers will need to align with this inclusivity by offering products designed for textured hair. This creates an opportunity for brands to innovate and market products that address the specific needs of curly, coiled, and wavy hair.

The new law also enhances safety and professionalism in the beauty industry. With standardized education, beauty professionals will be better equipped to use products and techniques safely on textured hair, ensuring both customer satisfaction and health. The ripple effects of this decision are expected to extend far beyond California’s borders, driving the beauty industry toward a future where diversity in hair types is fully represented and respected.