In September, California passed a law requiring cosmetology schools across the state to include textured hair education in their curricula, becoming the fourth state to pass such legislation. The bill, supported by the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) and Textured Education Collective (TEC), ensures that future hair professionals graduate with the necessary skills to serve clients of all hair types and textures. This mandate is particularly impactful as California is home to the highest concentration of Cosmetology schools in the nation and helps pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse future in the beauty industry.
One of L'Oréal's very own, Tippi Shorter Rank, Mizani Global Artistic Director, L'Oréal Professionnel Color Artist, and advocate for The Texture Of Change™, played an instrumental role in securing this legislative victory. Shorter Rank took to the state senate floor, where she spoke about her work with TTOC™, her experience and expertise as an educator, and her vision for a more inclusive future. "My 30-plus year career has been about setting myself and my fellow stylists up for success," she told us. "My first few years were an uphill battle… I was fortunate to work at salons that specialized in texture, but I have, along with others, spent a lot of money on education after school."
Shorter Rank’s testimony helped secure a unanimous YES from the state senators, who then brought the bill to the governor to be signed into law. With the passing of this bill, Shorter Rank hopes to see curricula that include knowledge of hair structure, texture fundamentals, basic styling, and textured hair-cutting techniques. As she looks to the future, the stylist is happy to leave her mark on the evolution of hair education.
"It was the most surreal experience to know I've been advocating for texture for decades, and to be a part of history around texture inclusion was one of the proudest moments of my life."
The Future of Cosmetology School
By requiring textured hair education in cosmetology schools, these states are taking significant strides toward dismantling systemic disparities and ensuring everyone has access to quality haircare. Many cosmetology students receive little to no education on caring for textured hair, leaving them unprepared to serve a diverse clientele. As a result, the onus falls on frustrated clients to seek out specialized hairdressers—or take on the burden of educating their stylists themselves.
The TEC, a coalition of organizations representing the textured haircare industry, including L’Oréal USA, played a pivotal role in advocating for this bill. They worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the gap in haircare education, educate policymakers, and garner support from the beauty industry.
This success is a result of TEC’s collective efforts to build upon an existing 2017 law that mandates New York to appoint a professional hairstylist to the NYS Appearance Enhancement Advisory Committee. Said stylist is to advise on matters concerning the maintenance of all hair types and textures to help ensure that hair education is systemically more inclusive.
For these three states, passing the textured hair education bill is just the first step. Schools have six months to begin implementing this change. In the meantime, an overhaul of their cosmetology school curricula is to be expected, demanding deeper instruction on caring for and styling textured hair. Some of the new topics are to include:
- Hair science and the unique characteristics of textured hair
- Styling techniques for various textures, including braids, twists, and natural hairstyles
- Proper scalp care and product recommendations for textured hair
- Cultural sensitivity and understanding the importance of inclusivity in the beauty industry
This comprehensive education will equip future hair professionals with the knowledge and skills to provide competent and respectful service to clients with all hair types.
The implementation of this new law has the potential to revolutionize the beauty industry. Ensuring that all cosmetologists are trained to care for textured hair will increase access to quality haircare for BIPOC communities that have historically been underserved. It will also create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all clients, regardless of their background or hair type. The reality is that roughly 65% of Americans have textured hair, and a law of this stature affects communities across the board*.
*According to a 2018 Texture Trends Report from NaturallyCurlyThe ripple effects of this legislation are hoped to be felt across the nation. As of September 2024, New Jersey and Ohio are both in various phases of passing the same bill. Sign this petition to help us champion the need for textured education standards across cosmetology schools nationwide.
Check out Our Complete Haircare Guide to Coily Hair on The Texture Edit, Hair.com’s hub for textured hair .
Header photo credits: @samira.bem and Hair.com
