Story perspectives

New York Mandates Kinky Hair Training for Cosmetology Students

3/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

New York's cosmetology schools must include training for kinky and curly hair by September 2023 to license students, per new state regulations aimed at reducing racial discrimination.
State Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, a co-author of the bill, highlighted the need for understanding diverse hair types.
The updated curriculum will require ten hours on hair analysis and twenty hours on treatment and shampooing.
The New York State Beauty School Association believes schools can implement these changes without major challenges.
This initiative follows a federal discrimination lawsuit against an Ulta Beauty salon for refusing to cut textured hair.

1 of 1

Story summary

New York's cosmetology schools must include training for kinky and curly hair by September 2023 to license students, per new state regulations aimed at reducing racial discrimination.
State Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, a co-author of the bill, highlighted the need for understanding diverse hair types.
The updated curriculum will require ten hours on hair analysis and twenty hours on treatment and shampooing.
The New York State Beauty School Association believes schools can implement these changes without major challenges.
This initiative follows a federal discrimination lawsuit against an Ulta Beauty salon for refusing to cut textured hair.