In the core curriculum of Shelby County's four year cosmetology elective program, only one type of hair is taught as a default. Ethnic hair is not taught in cosmetology. This is problematic because it perpetuates normalization of one type of hair and the idea that cosmetology should only consist of one type of hair. The only mention of any hair that is even remotely untamed or frizzy is only mentioned in conjunction with perms, relaxers, and other harmful chemical solutions to tame hair. 

  The high school that I attended was pro-dominantly black and the four years of cosmetology provided at the school consisted of teaching only styling, cutting, coloring, perming European hair. Braids, Sew-Ins, Natural hair care and textures scaling from 1A to 4D are not a part of discussion or the curriculum. I think ethnic hair should be just as much a default in cosmetology as any other hair texture or origin. Black students should be able to learn about their community's hair and even how to take care of their own hair. The cosmetology course of Shelby County Schools is not diverse or inclusive of ethnic hair. 

Help me to accumulate signatures so that this matter can be presented to the Shelby County School Board. Thank you! 

Jazmyne Wright