California Mandates Textured Hair Education for Cosmetology Licensing

California has made a landmark move towards hair inclusivity by passing a law requiring textured hair education in all cosmetology schools statewide. The bill was spearheaded by Assemblywoman Dr. Akilah Weber with crucial support from the Texture Education Collective (TEC), a coalition under the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) with L'Oréal as a leading voice. This mandate, impacting the state with the highest concentration of cosmetology schools nationwide, stands to make revolutionary change by equipping stylists to confidently serve clients with all hair types and textures.

Filling a Critical Gap

Approximately 65% of Americans have textured hair – coiled, curly, or wavy. Yet for far too long, cosmetology training has overlooked the unique needs of these hair types. This new law addresses this critical gap head-on, promising to empower both beauty professionals and the diverse clientele they serve. Stylists will now have the skills and confidence to expand their clientele, while clients with textured hair can gain better access to knowledgeable professionals and receive the services they deserve. This shift is set to create a more inclusive and equitable beauty industry.

David Greenberg, CEO of L'Oréal USA, President of North America Zone, emphasizes, "Inclusivity in the beauty industry is non-negotiable. Every professional entering the world of cosmetology needs to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to service all hair types to ensure that all consumers have access to trained professionals that can meet their needs. L’Oréal applauds California for its groundbreaking legislation mandating textured hair education in cosmetology licensing. This, along with the work of the Texture Education Collective, is a monumental step towards hair inclusivity."

Setting the Standard with TEC

With over 200 cosmetology schools statewide, California is now setting the standard for other states to follow.

The Texture Education Collective (TEC), an alliance of professional hair industry leaders, has been instrumental in advocating for this change. Founding members of TEC include L’Oréal USA, Aveda, DevaCurl, and Neill Corporation. TEC's mission is to make all clients feel welcomed, valued, understood, and seen when receiving services from hairstylists while upholding high standards in health and safety. TEC was created to ensure that cosmetology licensing and school programs include comprehensive education on all hair types and textures.

Momentum Across the Nation

This legislative victory in California builds on momentum from other states. Louisiana enacted a similar mandate in November 2021. Following this success, the TEC was founded and helped to champion the passing of New York’s texture education legislation in November 2023, followed by Minnesota and Connecticut in May 2024.

The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) continues to celebrate and support these advancements. Dedicated to advocating for the rights of beauty professionals, PBA has played a crucial role in this progress. As the largest and most inclusive trade organization representing the entire beauty industry, the PBA supports legislation, provides member resources like education and business tools, and offers healthcare and insurance options. Myra Reddy, Government Affairs Director at the PBA, commented, “The passage of California's groundbreaking textured hair education bill is a victory that fuels the Texture Education Collective’s momentum as we advocate for similar legislation across the nation, promoting consistent standards and excellence in beauty education from coast to coast.”

As California leads the way, there is a nationwide call to action for other states to adopt similar legislation, ensuring that all cosmetology professionals are prepared to meet the diverse needs of their clients. The push for inclusivity in the beauty industry continues, championed by organizations like TEC and the PBA.