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People with textured hair, especially in rural parts of Washington, often struggle to find local hair care that meets their needs and are sometimes forced to travel long distances for it as a result.
Lawmakers are hoping to change that with House Bill 1874, which would require people working in the hair care industry to receive training on textured hair during cosmetology school or apprenticeships. Textured hair is described in the bill as hair that has a distinct shape or pattern such as coils, curls, kinks, spirals, or waves.
“Textured hair has often been labeled as difficult to manage but that is furthest from the truth,” said its sponsor, Rep. Melanie Morgan, D-Parkland. “It’s not about difficulty, it’s about knowledge.”
The bill passed the House on a 92-5 vote. Five Republicans voted against the bill arguing the new requirements would create a bigger burden for people to obtain a license.
Currently, there is no standardized training for cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians and hair designers on the care, styling and treatment of textured hair.
“The current beauty industry standard caters primarily to fine, straight hair, leaving those with textured hair underserved, mistreated, and in some cases, harmed,” Morgan said.
Misinformation and improper techniques used on textured hair can lead to hair damage or permanent hair loss due to over-processing, excessive heat application, or improper chemical treatments, Morgan added.
Hair professionals are required to get a license through the state’s Department of Licensing to practice. The department oversees professional standards and laws across the industry.
To be eligible for a hair care license, an exam and training requirements must be met for graduating from a school or apprenticeship program.
Morgan’s bill would require additional training in these programs to provide students with techniques for cutting, styling, and chemically treating textured hair, as well as instruction on products and tools designed for textured hair, best practices for hair health and scalp care, and cultural competency and historical education of the significance of textured hair.
“Many of our members who have worked for years diligently in this trade have highlighted the lack of consistent offerings in and outside of school regarding textured hair and the special care and attention it requires,” said Brooke Davies, from Cosmetologists United of Washington.
An amendment introduced by Rep. Alex Ybarra, R-Quincy, would have removed the requirement for historical education on textured hair and made it optional. This amendment was not adopted with Democrats saying that they heard from small businesses that wanted to keep this education in the curriculum.
States like California, Connecticut, Louisiana, Minnesota, and New York have already adopted similar legislation.
Shawn Stearns has been a cosmetologist for more than 33 years and an educator for more than 25 years. He is currently the education lead for L’Oreal and has worked to develop a curriculum on textured hair.
“There’s an ongoing need to ensure that all students in cosmetology and barber schools receive both training and opportunities to work on all textures of hair prior to their graduation,” Stearns said.
The bill received a public hearing in the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee last Thursday and awaits further action.