H.R. 4539: Texture Positive Act of 2025

The bill, known as the Texture Positive Act of 2025, aims to improve the education and technical training provided in cosmetology schools for services related to textured hair, which includes hair that is coiled, curly, or wavy. Here are the main provisions of the bill:

Grants Provision

The U.S. Secretary of Labor is authorized to award competitive grants to individual states. These grants are to be used by the states to provide subgrants to eligible entities for educational and professional training on how to perform cosmetology services on textured hair.

Application Process

States that wish to receive grants must submit an application to the Secretary of Labor. This application must include information such as:

• A summary of the program and how it will help provide education and training on textured hair.

Eligible Entities

Eligible entities that can obtain subgrants are defined in the bill as corporations, companies, or associations that meet specific criteria, which include:

• Being established for at least five years prior to the bill’s enactment.
• Having experience in providing relevant education and training.
• Having an employer identification number.
• Being a Minority- or Women-owned Business Enterprise.

Subgrants for Education and Technical Training

States obtaining grants are required to use the funds to award subgrants to eligible entities specifically for:

• Providing education and technical training on techniques such as shampooing, conditioning, braiding, twisting, and styling textured hair within cosmetology schools.
• In addition, subgrant recipients may use funds for developing training materials, hiring and training instructors, and offering digital training resources.

Duration of Grants and Subgrants

The grants awarded to states will be for a four-year term, with the possibility of renewal. Subgrants given to eligible entities will last for six months and can also be renewed based on the state's evaluation.

Reporting Requirements

Recipients of subgrants must submit reports detailing:

• How the subgrant funds were used.
• The cosmetology schools involved.
• The number of instructors trained.
• The number of students receiving training.

States are also required to report to the Secretary about the awarding of subgrants and any related summaries.

Definitions

• Cosmetology school: An institution providing training for employment in cosmetology.
• Textured hair: Hair that is coiled, curly, or wavy in its natural state.
• State: Includes all U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.

Funding and Impact

This legislation is intended to increase the accessibility of training related to textured hair and ensure that professionals in the cosmetology field are skilled in working with this hair type, which may historically have been overlooked in traditional training programs.

Relevant Companies

None found.