Harper to Continue Advocating for Hair Diversity

CHICAGO – State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, is working to improve access to culturally appropriate and respectful haircare with new legislation that will train hairdressers to better tend to the needs of people of diverse cultures and backgrounds.

“When someone goes to the barbershop or beauty salon, they want to leave feeling confident,” Harper said. “An essential part of that is hairdressers being aware of different hair textures response to products, cutting routines, treatments, and color mixtures.”

Harper recently introduced House Bill 5879, requiring that a person seeking licensure as a cosmetologist complete training on diverse hair types and textures, including curl, coil, or wave patterns, hair strand thicknesses, and volumes of hair.

“When we ensure that individual differences are recognized in salons and barbershops, we foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable,” Harper said. “That’s why I’m working to raise the bar on professional standards in hairdressing across Illinois.”