Ulta Beauty is facing a lawsuit after a New York City location allegedly refused service to a Black customer and her young daughter, sparking renewed concerns about discrimination in the beauty industry.
According to the complaint filed in the U.S.
District Court for the Southern District of New York, the incident occurred at an Upper East Side store where the mother and daughter had scheduled hair appointments ahead of a professional photoshoot.
Despite having confirmed bookings, they were reportedly turned away by a stylist who claimed she was not comfortable working with their "type" or "texture" of hair. The lawsuit further alleges that a store manager supported the refusal.
The plaintiffs argue that the reasoning given was a pretext for racial discrimination, noting that their hair was not even examined at the time of the incident. The case also points to New York regulations requiring licensed cosmetologists to be trained to work with all hair textures, strengthening claims that the refusal violated professional standards.
The lawsuit accuses Ulta Beauty of violating both New York State's Human Rights Law and federal civil rights protections, which prohibit discrimination based on race. As the case moves forward, it highlights ongoing disparities in access and inclusivity within the beauty and salon industry-an issue that has increasingly come under public scrutiny in recent years.