New York’s cosmetology law is breaking beauty barriers

A new requirement — that students learn to style textured hair as part of their training — is signalling change for the global beauty industry.

The beauty industry has always been somewhat of a minefield for the Black community, who often find themselves on the fringes of an ostensibly inclusive business.

Despite positive changes in the beauty space, including the rise of Black-owned businesses and the proliferation of products designed with Black consumers in mind, education has continued to fall behind.

For those training as cosmetologists, learning how to style textured hair has always been a nice-to-have. This has only exacerbated the stigma around textured hair, feeding into narratives that it’s ‘unmanageable’ and difficult to work with.

As a result, finding a stylist and salon to suit your needs is a privilege many Black consumers aren’t afforded. Even in 2023.