A public hearing in the House Higher Education Committee featured testimony in favor of House Bill 18-74, which would require cosmetology and barber training programs to include meaningful instruction and practice on textured hair.

What the bill would do. Witnesses asked the committee to ensure the curriculum change is substantive and implementable across school types. Brooke Davies, representing Cosmetologists of Washington United, said her trade association supports HB 18-74 and “hope[s] to be at the table to ensure that implementation of the bill is successful, especially in smaller schools, apprenticeships, and rural areas with less resources.”

Industry support and implementation notes. Intisar Benj of McBride and Benj Public Affairs testified on behalf of L’Oréal, which described itself as a founding member of the Textured Education Collective and said it has developed digital and asynchronous curriculum to support schools. L’Oréal’s education lead, Sean Stearns, a cosmetologist and educator, said HB 18-74 “will help expand textured hair education” and argued schools would not need extra hours if demonstrations and practice use a variety of hair types.

Questions from committee members focused on the scale of the training shortfall and consumer effects. Rep. Rood asked for data estimating the percentage of cosmetologists without textured-hair training; Stearns responded he did not have an exact percentage and that gaps depend on school demographics and instructor expertise. Rep. Lovett asked whether gaps in training make it harder for customers to find qualified services; Stearns answered that workers often have to turn away clients when they lack experience, which also affects professionals’ income.

Next steps. The committee did not take a vote during the hearing. The record shows proponents expect an amendment on the definition of “textured hair” to align the bill with other states. Sponsors and industry witnesses said they would work with staff on language and implementation details.