Albany, NY – Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages announced recently that legislation that she sponsored (A6927), originally passed and signed by the Governor in 2023, is officially set to take effect this September.

This announcement follows the publication of the new regulations in the New York State Register, the state’s official publication where agencies announce proposed rules and regulatory changes before they are finalized.

The new law requires that training for cosmetologists and natural hair stylists across the state includes education on all hair types and hair textures, including varying curl and wave patterns.

The law is intended to be a significant step towards equity in the beauty industry, ensuring that no New York State resident is turned away from a salon because of a lack of awareness about how to treat diverse types of hair.

The New York Department of State’s newly issued regulations formally incorporate these requirements into statewide curriculum standards. Beginning Sept. 1, all new students pursuing cosmetology will be trained to work with diverse hair textures as part of their required coursework.

Importantly, the changes do not increase the number of hours required to obtain a license, instead integrating the new instruction into the existing 300-hour and 1,000-hour licensing program.

Under the new regulations, cosmetology programs will include instruction on textured hair in areas such as hair analysis, treatment, styling techniques, and product use. The curriculum covers curly, coily, kinky and other types of natural hair as part of required training.

“Through the passage of this law and release of these new regulations, cosmetology training in New York will now include textured hair,” said Assemblywoman Solages. “By embedding the new instruction into existing programs, these changes will expand skills and service without increasing costs, and will ensure that haircare professionals are prepared to serve all of their clients.”

“This is about equal access to service,” the Assemblywoman added. “No New Yorker should ever walk into a salon and be turned away or receive substandard care because of their hair texture. Now, with the adoption of this legislation, they won’t have to.”