Over the weekend, Governor Kathy Hochul signed the Health Equity and Opportunity legislative package, which will provide necessary resources to New York’s youth. Legislation in this package addresses a wide range of issues from legislation that requires middle and high schools to provide free menstrual products in school bathrooms, to legislation that requires cosmetologists to receive training on all hair types and patterns, including natural hair types throughout their education.
“We know now more than ever before the positive impact inclusivity has on communities, and in New York, we’re taking the steps to ensure equity for all from healthcare to haircare,” Governor Hochul said. “From simply updating the way certain products are referred to, to expanding access to vital resources for those who may need them most, as time progresses, so should our laws.”
Another bill will require New York State to require that education and testing for cosmetologists, including natural hair stylists, include education regarding the provision of services to individuals with all hair types and textures, including, but not limited to, various curl or wave patterns, hair strand thicknesses, and volumes of hair. This legislation will promote and establish an inclusive basic training for all licensed cosmetologists.
