Cosmetology’s Commitment to Diversity

The cosmetology education landscape has recently undergone significant changes, and the Eastern Suffolk BOCES cosmetology program is on the cutting edge. New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a bill that emphasizes diversity in cosmetology schools, focusing on textured hair education to address the challenges faced by individuals with diverse hair textures in salons.

ESBOCES has adopted an updated curriculum, Milady Standard Cosmetology, 14^th Edition, ensuring that every hair texture is covered comprehensively. As one of the first cosmetology programs on Long Island to integrate an online learning platform, CIMA by Milady, our students have added a visual element to their technical learning.

Beyond curriculum updates, efforts are underway to bridge the gap in textured hair education. For example, Carolyn Mikilop’s class at Milliken Technical Center has partnered with salons like Curl Evolution, specializing in curly hair, and collaborated with beauty product consultants to ensure students are working with the right products for textured hair. All cosmetology classes have hair mannequins with various hair textures to learn, practice, and perfect a variety of hair styling techniques.

ESBOCES participation in regional and state SkillsUSA competitions reflects cutting-edge styles and techniques. Staying current with the curriculum prepares students for potential changes in licensing exams, particularly those related to textured hair. ESBOCES Cosmetology Program is committed to staying at the forefront of industry trends and ensuring inclusivity in hair education.