A new New York law requiring cosmetology students to learn how to work with all hair types and textures officially took effect on September 1, 2026.
The updated requirements include training on curly, coily, wavy, kinky and other hair textures, ensuring future cosmetologists are better equipped to serve clients with diverse hair needs. The state’s licensing examinations will also include knowledge related to different hair types and textures.
The legislation was signed into law in 2023 and gave cosmetology schools time to update their programs. The goal is to help ensure that New Yorkers are not turned away from salons simply because a stylist is unfamiliar with their hair texture.
The change does not add more required hours to the state’s cosmetology licensing program. Instead, instruction on diverse hair types must be incorporated into the existing curriculum.
For many Black women and people with textured hair, the policy addresses a long-standing issue in the beauty industry: finding licensed professionals trained to properly care for their natural hair.
Source: ABC7NY
