New York bans hairdressers from rejecting clients based on hair type

In New York, hair stylists can no longer refuse to treat certain types of hair.

Under a new law that took effect Sept. 1, cosmetology students must now learn to work with all hair types, including curly, kinky and afro hair. The measure is to prevent customers from being rejected by salons due to their specific hair texture.

"This is about equal access to services," said Rep. Michaelle Solages, sponsor of the law, in a statement. "No New York resident should ever enter a salon and be turned away or receive inappropriate treatment because of the texture of their hair. Now, with the passage of this law, they will no longer have to do so."

Last January, New Jersey also passed a law to expand training on textured and curly hair for future hair stylists.