New York Requires Salon Schools to Teach Curly Hair Care

New rules aim to curb racial discrimination in hair services

Mar. 22, 2026 at 10:12pm

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New York state has ordered cosmetology and hair-styling schools to start teaching how to properly care for kinky and curly hair by September 2026. The new curriculum requirements are designed to combat racial discrimination in the beauty industry after incidents of black customers being turned away or having their hair mishandled. The changes will apply to new students, but not existing licensed stylists who can renew without additional training.

Why it matters

The new rules are a response to ongoing issues of racial discrimination in the beauty industry, where stylists often lack the knowledge or skills to properly serve customers with textured or curly hair. The state hopes the updated curriculum will lead to more inclusive and equitable hair care services for all New Yorkers.

The details

The new regulations require 10 hours of hair analysis covering different hair textures, 20 hours on natural hair care and styling techniques, and 18 hours specifically on textured hair styling. Schools must integrate this new content into their existing 300-1,000 hour cosmetology and hair programs. The changes were co-authored by state Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages and Senator Jamaal Bailey in 2023, after a discrimination lawsuit was filed against an Ulta Beauty salon.

  • The new rules were published in March 2026.
  • The updated curriculum must be in place by September 2026.

The players

Michaelle Solages

A New York state assemblywoman who co-authored the bill requiring the new hair care curriculum in cosmetology schools.

Jamaal Bailey

A New York state senator who co-authored the bill requiring the new hair care curriculum in cosmetology schools.

New York Department of State

The state agency that published the new rules for cosmetology and hair-styling schools.

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What they’re saying

“I have curly hair. Not everyone has straight hair. The new training at the beauty schools will benefit those who don't have straight hair.”

— Michaelle Solages, New York State Assemblywoman

“It's a form of discrimination.”

— Michaelle Solages, New York State Assemblywoman

“The person behind the chair should understand your hair.”

— Michaelle Solages, New York State Assemblywoman

What’s next

The new curriculum requirements will go into effect for all new cosmetology and hair-styling students starting in September 2026.

The takeaway

These new rules aim to make the beauty industry more inclusive and equitable by ensuring all stylists are trained to properly serve customers with diverse hair textures and types. It's a step toward addressing longstanding issues of racial discrimination in hair care services.