The Natural Hairstyle And Braid Coalition Responds To New York’s Recent Bill

The Natural Hairstyle and Braid Coalition has released a statement in response to Allure’s piece about NY State’s new law on textured hair.

The Natural Hairstyle and Braid Coalition (NHBC) has released a statement via EIN Presswire in response to Allure’s piece about New York State’s newest law regarding textured hair.

Penned by Co-President Diane Da Costa, the statement expresses concerns regarding the state’s latest legislation, which mandates textured hair education without required professional oversight.

“The Natural Hairstyle and Braid Coalition (NHBC) appreciates Allure’s attempt to spotlight the evolution of textured hair regulations and protections in New York State,” Da Costa wrote on Dec. 5.

“However, its narrative requires additional context to fully understand New York’s legacy in normalizing natural hair. In 1993, New York became the first state to adopt a natural hair styling license. The groundwork was laid by a group of visionary Black women stylists, barbers, entrepreneurs, and advocates in the nineties to create a license for natural hairstylists and braiders.”

She continued, saying, “Their efforts culminated in the 2017 legislation introduced by Assembly Member Gary Pretlow (Bill A898B), this law mandated two natural hairstylists to the Appearance Enhancement Advisory Committee and additionally form an advisory committee for the inclusion of texture education in cosmetology; to further advise the Secretary of State on educational policies for all hair types and textures.”

The NHBC has doggedly worked to implement more regulations regarding textured hair styling while refining Bill A898B and recognizing the activists spearheading the natural hair licensing movement. However, the passing of Bill S6528A has sparked new concerns due to its informality. Hair experts such as Da Costa also fear that its approval will advance corporate-centered agendas rather than hairstylists’ and consumers’ best interests.

“This is about ethical education that mandates everyone who receives a cosmetology license to be fully versed in all hair types and textures. The NHBC is leading the fight for texture inclusivity in New York State,” she wrote.

On Dec. 1, Allure reported on Bill S6528A, speaking to several legislators and hair professionals about its implications. “It provides a legal framework to address longstanding issues of discrimination and bias related to textured hair,” said New York State Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages, who brought the legislation into assembly.

“The introduction of Bill S6528A was a response to the ongoing need for diversity and inclusion in the cosmetology industry, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their hair type, receives the attention and expertise they deserve in salons.”

With Bill S6528A, some professionals expect to see a positive shift in haircare. Others fear the worst. Still, as the scope of the bill’s influence remains undetermined, Da Costa cautions against taking the bill at face value.

“The NHBC urges Allure and other publications to provide more comprehensive representation in future discussions, emphasizing the work of advocates and organizers in creating solutions for inclusive natural hair training, education, and licensing based on all hair types and textures.”