Louisiana will now require cosmetologists to receive training on how to style textured hair, Good Morning  America reported. 

In November of 2021, the Louisiana Board of Cosmetology expanded training requirements for hair stylist to be taught how to better style their different textures of hair. 

Edwin Neill, the chairman of Louisiana’s BOC and president of Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute, raised concerns over the absence of textured hair training within the curriculum.  

RELATED: Illinois Law Bans Hair-Based Discrimination in Schools  

Neill, board member and cosmetology instructor Kevin Martin and others, pitched the idea of updating the section on cutting textured hair be a part of the cosmetology exam.  

“There are many salon horror stories about what happens when cosmetologists are not properly educated on working with textured hair,” Neill told GMA in a statement. “Today there are still sometimes disparities in the salon experience between people with textured hair and those with naturally straight hair. We want to ensure that licensed cosmetologists in Louisiana are able to do all types of hair.” 

Around 65% of it’s the U.S. population have either curly, coily or wavy hair, according to a Naturally Curly report. Proponents of the change commend the state for adding the new requirement and hope other states do the same. 

“This cosmetology requirement from Louisiana puts the entire cosmetology educational system on notice that this is the time to change,” celebrity hairstylist author and creator of the Texture Style Awards Monaè Everett said. “Legislation such as the Crown Act has drawn attention to the mistreatment that Black Americans face due to their hair texture, and this is an impactful response.” 

The training requirement will go into effect in June.