Magic Fingers Institute highlights textured hair training as New York law takes effect

A Queens beauty school is leaning into New York’s new requirement that cosmetology and hair schools teach all hair types and textures. Magic Fingers Institute says its textured hair curriculum, which has been in place since 2022, already matches the state standard.

Why it matters: - New York’s new training rule raises the bar for cosmetology and hair schools statewide. - Schools now need qualified instructors, updated materials and curriculum built around curly, coily and textured hair. - Magic Fingers Institute says it already trains students for that standard, which could give graduates a head start in licensure and employment.

What happened: - The New York State Department of State announced on Sept. 1, 2026, that all cosmetology and hair education schools in New York must teach care for all hair types and textures. - The rule took effect immediately. - Magic Fingers Institute, a licensed beauty school in Queens, says textured hair education has been central to its curriculum since it opened in 2022. - Founder Stasha Harris says the school was built to prepare stylists to work with textured hair from day one.

The details: - The state requirement covers hair and scalp properties, care, treatments and styling for curly, coily and textured hair. - Magic Fingers Institute’s educators have more than 30 years of experience in the hair care industry. - Harris has spent more than two decades focused on textured hair and braiding. - The school’s 300-hour Natural Hair Styling program takes about 12 weeks full time or about 20 weeks on evenings and weekends. - In 2024, 98% of students graduated and 100% earned their license. - Since opening in 2022, more than 170 graduates have launched careers as licensed beauty professionals. - Programs include Natural Hair Styling, Braiding and Waxing. - Students also learn accounting and business fundamentals. - The school says that training helps students build careers, open chairs and grow their own brands. - Magic Fingers Institute guides students from enrollment through hands-on training, exam preparation and the completion of their schooling affirmation. - Evening and weekend classes are available for working stylists. - Prospective students can learn more at upcoming classes.

Between the lines: - The new law effectively makes Magic Fingers Institute’s existing specialty more valuable across New York. - Schools that have not invested in textured hair education now have to catch up quickly. - Harris used the announcement to frame textured hair training as a long-overdue correction in beauty education.

What’s next: - More New York schools will need to adjust coursework, staffing and training materials to comply with the state mandate. - Magic Fingers Institute expects to remain a destination for students who want natural hair and braiding training that already matches the new requirement. - Working stylists may also use the school’s part-time schedule to add natural hair services to their offerings.

The bottom line: - New York’s new rule makes textured hair education mandatory, and Magic Fingers Institute says it has been built around that standard since the start.