New Jersey is set to pass legislation requiring training of hairstylists, beauticians, barbers and hair braiders to include working on textured hair.
Bill A5443/S3845 is sponsored by New Jersey State Assemblywoman Angela McKnight and New Jersey State Senator Teresa Ruiz with support from Texture Education Collective (TEC), which is led by The Professional Beauty Association.
Founding TEC members include Aveda, DevaCurl, L'Oréal USA and Neill, with supporting partners including Avalon, BBR, Bumble and bumble, Evie Johnson, L'ANZA, Living Proof, Milady, Sam Villa and Texture vs. Race.
The mission of the TEC is to ensure all hairstylists are equipped with the education, skills and tools to be able to service all clients and all hair types and textures. Textured is defined as hair that is coiled, curly or wavy.
TEC wants training requirements on: working with hair with various curl, coils and wave patterns; hair strand thickness; and volumes of hair.
“No one should be penalized for the way they wear their hair or the way it grows out of their head. This bill requiring cosmetology training to include textured hair will help stylists as well as patrons,” said McKnight.
"Most schools have never taught how to care for natural hair so stylists often turn away clients with textured hair or charge a higher price. Now, stylists will not feel intimidated because of lack of know-how and patrons don't have to fear being turned away. This bill is a huge step for inclusion."
