New California Law Requires Textured Hair Education for Cosmetology Licensing

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a landmark bill into law requiring the inclusion of textured hair education in the state’s cosmetology licensing requirements and curriculums. The state has the highest number of cosmetology schools in the US.

AB 2166 was led by California Assemblywoman Dr. Akilah Weber and the Texture Education Collective (TEC), an alliance of professional hair industry leaders under the Professional Beauty Association (PBA).

TEC was founded by Aveda, DevaCurl, L’Oréal USA, and Neill Corporation.

The new law addresses the long-standing gap in cosmetology training. According to TEC and PBA, this benefits both professionals and consumers: stylists will gain the skills and confidence to serve a wider clientele and grow their businesses, while consumers with textured hair, approximately 65% of Americans, will have access to a greater number of knowledgeable stylists. The result: more inclusive and equitable beauty industry where skilled professionals are equipped to serve everyone.

Louisiana enacted a similar mandate in November of 2021. New York’s texture education legislation was signed in November 2023, followed by Minnesota and Connecticut (May 2024).

“California is proud to be the home of approximately 200 cosmetology schools, more than any other state in the nation. The enactment of this landmark textured hair education legislation means those schools can now train even more stylists to serve the diverse beauty needs of all Californians,” said Dr. Weber. “We are proud to be leading the way and urge other states to join us in ensuring that all hair professionals have access to standardized textured hair education.”

“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 individual needs,” said David Greenberg, CEO of L’Oréal USA, president of North America Zone. “L’Oréal USA 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.”

“The Professional Beauty Association celebrates the signing of California’s groundbreaking textured hair education bill,” said Myra Reddy, government affairs director, PBA. “This victory fuels the Texture Education Collective momentum as we advocate for similar legislation across the nation, promoting consistent standards and excellence in beauty education from coast to coast.”