NATURAL HAIR CARE & BRAIDING IN NYS

PROTECTING CULTURE. PROMOTING SAFETY. SHAPING THE FUTURE.

Over 30 years ago, New York became the first state to create a stand-alone natural hair care license-separating it from cosmetology to protect public safety, preserve cultural traditions, and professionalize the field. That groundbreaking move laid the foundation for today'st thriving textured hair care industry. Now is the time to strengthen-not dismantle-this progress by updating the license to reflect current needs. At a moment when Black women face disproportionate health risks and systemic inequities, New York has an opportunity to lead once again-by reinforcing education, protection, and ownership in an industry rooted in culture, care, and community.

Elevating the License for the Future Bill A7924

Introduced by Assemblymember J. Gary Pretlow, this bill modernizes New York’s outdated Natural Hair Styling license—unchanged since 1997—to reflect today's industry, technology, and health needs. This legislation:

Renames & Expands Scope: Updates the license to Natural Hair Care & Braiding and formally defines key textured hair techniques including braiding, locking, twisting, and weaving

Centers Health & Safety: Regulates tension-based techniques to reduce hair loss and scalp damage, ensuring only trained professionals can perform them

Establishes New Pathways: Introduces apprenticeships, senior specialist status, and a path to licensure for experienced, previously unlicensed professionals with proof of work. Removes barriers by updating the application and testing processes with additional dialects for the African Diaspora.
Recognizes Industry Growth: Acknowledges the cultural and economic impact of natural hair care, and strengthens professional standards with modern, culturally informed training

Protects the Public: Mandates updated state regulations and education requirements tailored specifically to textured hair, preserving health, tradition, and consumer trust

SUPPORT NYS ASSEMBLY AND SENATE BILLS;

Bill A7924 - AM Pretlow Strengthens current NHS license - Apprenticeship​

Bill S6652 - Sen Webb Strengthens current NHS license - Apprenticeship

WHY THIS MATTERS NOW

TWO FLOURISHING, INTERCONNECTED INDUSTRIES

Over the past 10-15 years, Natural Hair Care and Braiding have evolved into two thriving, interconnected sectors-driven largely by Black and immigrant women. Natural Hair Care laid the foundation in NYS through practices like twisting, locking, weaving, and braiding.

More recently, braiding has surged in popularity due to innovative techniques and the rise in synthetic and human hair extension use. As both industries grow, it's critical to create clear, supportive licensing structures that reflect their unique needs and protect public safety.

SCALP HEALTH IS PUBLIC HEALTH

Alopecia Crisis: Nearly 50-59% of Black women experience some form of hair loss, especially traction alopecia-often linked to tight or frequent braiding and improper techniques. Hair loss is also the 4th most common reason for dermatology office visits in the Black population (Alexis et al, 2007).

"It is imperative that anyone involved in the care of hair in this population have the proper continuing education on these and other scalp and hair disorders."

- Dr. Osei-Tutu, MD, Board Certified Dermatologist

Specializing in hair restoration, aesthetic, medical, and surgical skincare.

NYS PRIORITIZES PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY

Natural Hair Styling, regulated under General Business Law Article 28 alongside cosmetology and other appearance services, permits professionals to offer specialized natural hair services for a fee-ensuring education, accountability, and public trust while reinforcing industry standards and public well-being.

Sign the Petition!

NYS - A LEADER IN EDUCATION & ECONOMIC GROWTH 

New York State has long been a national leader in advancing education, small business growth, and economic inclusion—especially in the beauty and wellness sectors:

CULTURAL RESPONSIBILITY: A SMART PATH FORWARD

Black women in New York face systemic barriers to safe, high-quality hair care:

• 86% struggle to find trained professionals who understand textured hair, often leading to damaging treatments.
• Toxic products-including synthetic braiding hair with harmful chemicals like lead and benzene-are disproportionately marketed to Black women.
• Cultural practices like braiding and locking are often dismissed as informal work, despite requiring real skill and knowledge.
  When done improperly, these styles can harm hair and scalp health.

A smart path forward means acknowledging these realities and ensuring that natural hair care is treated with the respect, regulation, and cultural understanding it deserves-through access to proper education, health safeguards, and professional recognition.

Join the movement now! Let your voices be heard. Support the Natural Hair Care & Braiding Act - NYS Bill. A7924  

ABOUT THE NATURAL HAIRSTYLE & BRAID COALITION.
NHBC is a tax exempt statewide advocacy organization committed to revolutionizing the $11.8 billion dollar Natural Hair Care Industry by addressing critical gaps in education and training for natural/textured hair. For too long, Black women and individuals with natural/textured hair have endured hair trauma due to a lack of understanding and expertise in natural hair care, resulting in physical and psychological harm. At NHBC, we work to uplift the beauty wellness standard and the cultural significance of natural/textured hair while advocating for inclusivity and professionalism within the industry.