By Paul Bean

Vermont’s Act 58, signed into law in May 2025, requires all cosmetology schools in the state to include training on ‘textured hair,’ interchangeably referred to as “natural hair” for those typically of African heritage.

Defined as curly, coily, and wavy hair in their curricula, the requirements are part of a broader set of professional regulation changes. The textured hair training requirement was initiated by the Textured Education Collective (TEC), a group of professional hair industry leaders. TEC defines textured hair as hair with distinct curl patterns, including kinky, coily, or curly types, which require specialized styling techniques.

Act 58 says: “A school of barbering or cosmetology shall not be granted a certificate of approval unless the school: Requires a school term of training consistent with formal training requirements established by rule, which shall include practical demonstrations and theoretical studies in sanitation, sterilization, the use of antiseptics, and the use of appliances, devices, treatments, and preparations relevant to the field of licensure, and training on the care, styling, and treatment of textured hair.”

This provision, found on page six of Act 58 (originally House Bill H.472), is detailed in the Vermont Legislature’s documentation and will take effect July 1, 2026.

“Every aspiring professional deserves an education that reflects the full spectrum of hair types and textures, and every client deserves access to stylists who are trained to meet their unique needs,” said David Greenberg, CEO of L’Oréal USA, President of North America Zone. “L’Oréal USA applauds Washington, Vermont, and Maine for requiring textured hair education in cosmetology licensing. This is a meaningful step toward enhancing the skillsets of the professional beauty community, expanding the opportunity to meet and exceed the needs of a wider network of consumers.”

Vermont joins Washington and Maine, which all have enacted similar laws recently, and aligns with states like California, Minnesota, Connecticut, Louisiana, and New York, which have mandated textured hair education since 2021. 

Vermont’s Secretary of State Sarah Copeland-Hanzas supported the bill, alongside policymakers such as Washington’s Representative Melanie Morgan and Maine’s Senator Rachel Talbot Ross.

Act 58 updates various regulations under the Office of Professional Regulation, covering licensing and oversight for multiple professions. The textured hair education seeks to address a gap in cosmetology training to better serve diverse clients. Cosmetology schools in Vermont have until July 2026 to implement the new training requirements. 

Full details of Act 58 are available on the Vermont Legislature’s website.