Issue link: https://www.ahpindiestylist.com/i/1534976
Explore your benefits at associatedhairprofessionals.com 19 for hair professionals to learn the historical significance of textured hair. Understanding the history and cultural context of caring for these hair types adds a depth of knowledge and respect to caring for clients with textured hair that technical knowledge alone cannot provide. Legislation for textured hair education sometimes requires all schools to incorporate these topics into their curriculum, as is the case in Louisiana. And sometimes, like in Ohio, the bill would establish a grant program for schools that elect to start teaching these topics. Regardless of the exact wording, all these bills have excellent benefits. ey will: • Make sure hair professionals know how to provide quality service to any client, regardless of hair type • Make sure customers have welcoming, equal experiences when they visit a hair professional • Train professionals to wash, treat, detangle, and style all types of hair • Build confidence and competence in professionals who sometimes feel they don't know where to begin when a client with textured hair sits down in their chair Equality isn't the only issue at play here, though it is of critical importance. In an interview with Marie Claire, hairstylist and psychologist Afiya Mbilishaka, PhD, said, "Consistent poor hair care can cause damage that takes months, even years, to repair. It can lead to hair thinning and loss, and for many, it can mean avoiding social situations."3 It is critical for the industry to listen to textured hair experts, particularly the BIPOC community, to understand their cultural experience and knowledge. It's not just the right thing to do; it also makes sense for businesses. According to the Texture Education Collective, there are about 1 billion paying customers who deserve access to educated and skilled stylists.4 e AHP Government Relations team asks you to join us in encouraging your state legislature to file bills requiring textured hair education and keep advocating for those bills until they are signed into law. is education creates better hair professionals and a better beauty community for everyone, regardless of hair type. AHP is proud to support these measures and will continue to advocate for their passage. Keep an eye on your email so we can inform you if a bill is filed in your state. Notes 1. Michelle Breyer, Global Cosmetic Industry, "Textured Hair Care's Retail Squeeze," February 10, 2019, gcimagazine.com/brands-products/hair-care/ article/21848783/textured-hair-cares-retail-squeeze. 2. e Official CROW N Act, "About," accessed April 2025, thecrownact.com/about. 3. Kayla Greaves, "Textured Hair Education Is Finally Becoming a Requirement in More States," Marie Claire, January 10, 2025, marieclaire.com/ beauty/textured-hair-education-america. 4. Professional Beauty Association, "Texture Education Collective," accessed March 2025, probeauty.org /texture- education-collective. New bills focused on textured hair education would require or incentivize licensed hair professionals to learn how to care for, style, and perform services on textured hair. If you have questions for our Government Relations team, email gr@associatedhairprofessionals.com.