Black Enterprise Features the NHBC and New York Legacy in Normalizing Natural Hair

This is a summary of the article: “THE NATURAL HAIRSTYLE AND BRAID COALITION RESPONDS TO NEW YORK’S RECENT BILL”

In a recent feature, Black Enterprise spotlighted the critical work that the NHBC is doing to get the state of New York to finally put natural hair on its radar. Led by Co-President Diane Da Costa, NHBC has been instrumental in advocating for comprehensive regulations and education mandates inside the cosmetology industry to include all hair types and textures.

 Da Costa's statement to the new legislation in New York State is one calling for professional oversight of textured hair education. She applauds New York's historic strides, dating all the way back to 1993, when it became the first state to have a natural hair styling license. At its core, the innovative effort was led by a group of visionary Black women stylists, barbers, entrepreneurs, and advocates. Those efforts culminated in the 2017 enactment of legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Gary Pretlow, Bill A898B, which calls for representation on advisory committees from natural hairstylists.

However, the passage of Bill S6528A has also unveiled new concerns for professionals such as Da Costa, questioning that the new bill proposed will protect the big businesses instead of the stylists, the consumers, and hair health. It was started by New York State Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages to fight textured hair discrimination legally.

Bill S6528A is indeed an innovative step in the process of diversification of cosmetology, but it seems that Da Costa cannot trust it. She highlighted the importance of ethical education in training licensed cosmetologists on the different kinds of hair and their textures. The execution and implementation of the textures that can support persons who are stuck on the front lines are fundamental for NHBC in New York State. It is set up to advocate for all activists and organizers in natural hair training, education, and licensing. They are invaluable for the unveiling and progression of Republic natural hair care solutions that will guarantee everyone good treatment despite the texture of their hair.

To read  more about this subject visit the Black Enterprise article. 

Support the NHBC’s cause, visit Natural Hairstyle & Braid Coalition.

More so, by appreciating the aspects of history and legislation, we are able to engage towards increased acceptance and incorporation of natural hair.