Washington lawmakers push for textured hair care training

Washington lawmakers are working to improve hair care services for people with textured hair. House Bill 1874 aims to require training on textured hair for those entering the beauty industry, such as cosmetologists and barbers. Currently, many professionals do not have specific training for this type of hair, which includes coils, curls, and waves. People with textured hair, especially in rural areas, often struggle to find local services that can cater to their needs. This sometimes forces them to travel long distances to find appropriate hair care. Representative Melanie Morgan, who sponsored the bill, stated that textured hair is often misunderstood. She emphasized that proper training can eliminate the notion that textured hair is difficult to manage. The bill passed the House with a 92-5 vote, although five Republicans opposed it. They argued that the new training requirements could make it harder for individuals to obtain their licenses. Currently, training standards mostly focus on straight hair, leaving those with textured hair poorly served. The proposed training would teach future hair professionals how to cut, style, and chemically treat textured hair. It would also include information on products, tools, and cultural significance related to textured hair. Some professionals have reported a significant lack of training options for textured hair in beauty schools. An amendment to remove the requirement for cultural education on textured hair was introduced but not approved. Democrats maintained that this education is important for small businesses. Similar legislation has already been passed in states like California and New York. The bill has been discussed in the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee and is awaiting further action. Shawn Stearns, an experienced cosmetologist, highlighted the need for all students in beauty programs to receive comprehensive training on various hair textures.