Championed by the Texture Education Collective, Minnesota became the third state in the nation to require training, education, and testing on all hair types and textures in order to earn a cosmetology license when Governor Tim Walz signed legislation into law on May 24, 2024. This monumental achievement for inclusive beauty in Minnesota will ensure hair stylists have the skills and knowledge to provide proper and safe hair services for all.
The legislation was sponsored by Minnesota State Senator Bobby Joe Champion, Representative Esther Agbaje, and the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) in conjunction with the Texture Education Collective (TEC), founded by Aveda, DevaCurl, L’Oréal USA, and Neill Corporation, owner of Aveda Arts & Sciences Institutes. Louisiana enacted a similar mandate in November of 2021. Following this success, the TEC was founded and helped to champion the passing of New York’s texture education legislation, (November 2023), followed by Minnesota and Connecticut (May 2024).
“This Minnesota law is not just about reading textbooks; practical application and understanding the nuances of different hair types are essential,” says Valencia Montgomery Johnson, Cosmetology Educator at Aveda Arts & Sciences Institutes Minneapolis, who testified before the State Senate in support of the new law. “I applaud the legislators and the advocates who championed this bill. Minnesota’s melting pot of cultures deserves a beauty industry that reflects its diversity. This is a victory for stylists, clients, and the future of our profession.”
“This legislation marks a significant milestone for the TEC. Getting bills signed in three states in under six months is a huge feat, demonstrating the growing momentum and systemic change to achieve greater equity in the beauty industry. We congratulate the Minnesota legislators on this important progress and encourage other states to follow suit, driving greater equity in education for stylists and consumers alike,” says Myra Reddy, Government Affairs Director, Professional Beauty Association.
Currently, 65% of people in the U.S. have textured hair (Pivot Point January 2024), underscoring the importance of equipping stylists with the skills needed to provide comprehensive texture care services. The world is increasingly diverse, making it crucial for the beauty industry to adapt and meet the needs of all clients.
To learn how we’re implementing textured hair in our Aveda Arts curriculum, connect with our Admissions team at 877-892-8332.
Source: https://www.probeauty.org/tec-minnesota-inclusive-hair-education/
