As New York Mandates Textured Hair Training, Magic Fingers Institute Stands Out As A Leader in Natural Hair Education

Founded by Master Stylist and Expert Braider Stasha Harris, the Renowned Beauty School Has Offered Textured Hair Education and Training Since 2022

QUEENS, NY, NY, UNITED STATES, October 8, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- As cosmetology and hair schools across New York work to comply with a new state law requiring that students be trained on all hair types and textures, Magic Fingers Institute stands above the rest. The licensed beauty school in Queens, New York, has made natural hair care, braiding and textured hair education the foundation of its curriculum since it opened in 2022.

Textured hair is not a new module bolted onto a traditional program at Magic Fingers Institute. It is the school’s core expertise, taught by educators with more than 30 years in the hair care industry. Founder Stasha Harris has devoted more than two decades of her career to textured hair and braiding, and she ensures students learn real technique, held to real standards, from instructors who are experts in their craft. Today the school is a leading destination in New York for best-in-class education and licensure preparation in natural hair styling and braiding, and the natural choice for students who want to meet the new standard with confidence from their very first day of class.

The requirement, announced by the New York State Department of State on Sept. 1, 2026, took effect immediately. Every cosmetology and hair education school and program in the state must now teach students how to care for curly, coily and textured hair, including hair and scalp properties, care, treatments and styling for all hair types and textures. For many schools, that means building a curriculum, sourcing new materials and finding qualified instructors on a tight timeline. For Magic Fingers Institute, it describes what the school has been doing all along.

“I built the Magic Fingers Institute because I wanted stylists to have the proper education, training and confidence to work with all textured hair. For too long, kinky, curly and coily hair education was not given the attention it deserved in traditional beauty education. At Magic Fingers, it has been the foundation of what we teach from day one.” said founder Stasha Harris. “This law is a historic step, and I applaud Governor Hochul, Secretary Mosley, Senator Bailey and Assemblywoman Solages for making it happen. Here, textured hair has never been an elective or an afterthought. It is who we are. Any student who wants to walk into the industry ready to serve every client's natural hair care and styling needs has a home with us.”

Why Students Choose Magic Fingers Institute
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.
• Created for Textured Hair from the Start: Natural hair and braiding education has been central to the school’s mission since it opened in 2022, so students already train to the standard the state now requires.
• Faculty of Internationally Recognized Stylists and Educators: Founder Stasha Harris brings more than 20 years of hands-on mastery and international teaching experience, leading a faculty of master stylists, expert braiders and educators with more than 30 years of experience.
• A Full Path to Licensure: Programs span Natural Hair Styling, Braiding and Waxing, preparing students for New York State licensing and entry-level employment.
• Business Skills, Not Just Technical Skills: Beyond what the state requires, students learn accounting and business fundamentals and graduate with the real-world confidence to build careers, open their own chairs and grow their own brands.
• Proven Results: Since opening in 2022, more than 170 graduates have launched careers as licensed beauty professionals, and counting.
Becoming a Licensed Cosmetologist in New York
The New York State Department of State oversees licensing and regulatory standards for the appearance enhancement industry. Magic Fingers Institute guides students through every stage of the process, from enrollment and hands-on training to exam preparation and completion of their schooling affirmation. While the new law applies only to students entering the field, its impact will be felt across the industry. The school is also a natural fit for working stylists who want to add natural hair styling and braiding to their services, with evening and weekend classes that fit around their clients’ schedules.

Enroll Now
Prospective students interested in natural hair styling, braiding, and waxing programs can learn more about upcoming classes at https://magicfingersinstitute.com.

Hellen Ongaro
First and Last PR