Federal grants target textured-hair training gap in cosmetology schools
H.R. 4539 — Texture Positive Act of 2025 · Filed by Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) · 11 cosponsors · Introduced Jul 17, 2025 · Referred to committee
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What it does
This bill directs the Department of Labor to award grants to states, which then distribute subgrants to eligible private training organizations to teach cosmetology students how to work with textured (coiled, curly, or wavy) hair. The eligible entities must be established businesses with at least 5 years of operating history, a Minority- or Women-owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) certification, and prior experience teaching textured-hair techniques; they cannot be cosmetology schools themselves or consortiums of schools.
Why we flagged it
The bill is a straightforward federal grant program for vocational training, structured as a two-tier funding mechanism (federal → state → private training entities). It is not a tax provision, deregulation, or commemorative measure—it is a direct appropriations-backed training initiative.
What the text implies
- The MWBE certification requirement, while equity-focused, may exclude non-certified training providers with strong textured-hair expertise, potentially limiting program reach or forcing certification delays.
- The 5-year establishment requirement and IRS EIN mandate exclude newer startups and informal training networks, which may disproportionately affect grassroots or community-based educators.
The full analysis lists 4 implications of this text.
Who stands to gain
MWBE-certified training organizations and private education vendors; Cosmetology schools (indirect, through improved student preparation)