by Hudson Kamphausen
Cosmetology students in Connecticut will now be given more instruction on how to cut and take care of textured hair because of a new law that the governor signed Monday.
Gov. Ned Lamont, speaking at Vanity Studio Hair Salon and School of Cosmetology in Stamford, said that the new law continues the state’s efforts to combat discrimination.
“I want Connecticut to continue to be a leader here,” he said, “and make sure that we can treat everybody with the care and love that they deserve.”
Public Act 24-53 – when it goes into effect – will require the curriculum for barbers and hairdressers in the state to include more experience with textured hair, which is defined as hair that is curly, wavy, or coiled. The legislation was passed with strong bipartisan support in both chambers.
Sen. Patricia Billie Miller, D-Stamford, said she was surprised to learn that students were not already getting adequate training and education on how to work with textured hair, and said that she was empowered by her colleagues in the legislature to advocate for the bill in committee and in the senate.
“For me, it’s about social justice, it’s about inclusivity, it’s about making sure that there’s equity,” Miller said. “Because I was one of those individuals where doors were closed on me. When somebody walks into a salon, they should be able to have the service.”
Miller said the law builds upon 2021’s CROWN Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of a person’s hair. She thanked Lamont for signing the new law.
“It just speaks volumes to how he is, and that he’s interested in making sure that we have a state that does not discriminate. We have a state that is inclusive,” she said Monday.
Lamont said the law wouldn’t have gotten to this point without Miller.
“You took the lead on this, I know what a difference it makes,” he said, addressing the senator.
The law requires education and training in working with curl and wave patterns, hair strand thickness and volumes of hair.
Shaqueen Valentine, co-owner of Vanity Studio, said that the hair industry has long been segregated, and that she wanted to help change that.
“Our business was founded on the idea that, as a cosmetologist, one should know how to service all types of hairs,” she said.
As of this year there are 24 states, including Connecticut, with some kind of law preventing discrimination based on hair texture. With the signing of the new law on Monday, Connecticut became the third state with a training requirement.
Leslie Perry, director of membership and education for the Professional Beauty Association, said that the law will help set a precedent.
“It’s fantastic. We need to get other states on board,” she said.
Lamont mentioned the annual occurrence of the federal Juneteenth holiday this week, and shared some thoughts on the significance of laws like the one he signed.
“This is just one more small way to fight this battle,” he said.