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HB 1874

Requiring training for cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians, and hair designers on the care, styling, and treatment of textured hair.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by April Berg and 27 co-sponsors

Washington requires beauty professionals to complete textured hair care training for licensure, effective March 2026, improving service quality for underserved communities.

Effective date 3/1/2026.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1874

Legislative bill overview

HB 1874 mandates that cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians, and hair designers in Washington State complete training on the care, styling, and treatment of textured hair as a requirement for licensure or license renewal. The bill was signed into law on May 2, 2025, and takes effect on March 1, 2026, giving professionals time to complete the training.

Why is this important

Textured hair—commonly associated with Black, Indigenous, and other people of color—requires specialized knowledge and techniques distinct from straight hair care. Many beauty professionals lack formal training in this area, leading to poor outcomes, damage, and discrimination complaints. This requirement aims to improve service quality, reduce harm, and ensure equitable access to professional hair care across all hair types.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and burden on professionals: Training requirements add time and expense to licensure or renewal processes, potentially impacting small salon owners and independent contractors disproportionately
  • Curriculum specificity: The bill doesn't detail what "textured hair training" entails—questions remain about minimum hours, curriculum standards, or who determines qualification
  • Enforcement and compliance: Implementation mechanisms are unclear regarding how the state will verify training completion and what penalties apply for non-compliance

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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