One of Ulta Beauty‘s New York City locations is being sued after allegedly refusing service to a Black customer and her daughter, saying they don’t do their “kind of hair.” The mother and daughter were scheduled for hair styling ahead of a photoshoot.
The lawsuit says the incident constitutes a violation of New York State’s Human Rights Law and a violation of a federal civil rights law barring discrimination related to race.
A Black mother and her daughter say Ulta Beauty employees refused to style their hair at a scheduled appointment
Lauren Smith and her 7-year-old daughter filed a federal lawsuit against Ulta’s East 86th Street store on New York City’s Upper West Side on March 11. They are demanding a trial by jury.
Smith and her daughter are both professional models and had scheduled hair styling appointments on July 6, 2025, prior to a photoshoot, according to the lawsuit and as reported by Gothamist. They were reportedly assigned to a stylist, referred to as “Jessica C.” in the complaint, who said she was “not comfortable” doing their “type” or “texture” of hair.
The mother and daughter were also said that workers told them they didn’t have experience with “YOUR kind of hair” and said they should have stated in advance “what kind of hair you have.” According to court documents, store manager Mohammed Salam validated the workers’ refusal to style the customers’ hair and reiterated that they should have made their hair type clear when scheduling an appointment.
Smith said both her and her daughter’s hair was “completely covered” during the exchange and that no one actually looked at their hair.
“It therefore became immediately apparent that the stated reason was a pretext for race-based discrimination,” the lawsuit says, per The Gothamist.
The suit added that the incident happened in public view and led to the visible distress of Smith’s daughter.
“This discriminatory treatment occurred in full view of other customers, causing severe humiliation to Ms. Smith and traumatic distress to her 7-year-old daughter who left the store crying hysterically and asking, ‘What is wrong with my hair?’ and ‘Why can’t I go there if there are brown girls [in ads] on the walls?’” the suit reads.
The lawsuit alleges a violation of both New York state and federal laws on racial discrimination
The lawsuit alleges the incident was in violation of New York State Human Rights Law, barring discrimination based on traits associated with race, such as hair texture, The Gothamist reported.
“Discriminatory policies related to hair exacerbate social, economic, and educational inequality by reducing access to employment, educational, and other opportunities based on a person’s race or religion,” the New York City Commission on Human Rights indicated in a 2022 leaflet.
The lawsuit also cited New York’s cosmetology licensing laws, which require licensed hair stylists to be trained in servicing all hair types since May 2024. It also says the incident constituted a violation of federal civil rights law barring racial discrimination.
Smith is asking for money damages and training for salon staff.
The lawsuit cites past allegations against Ulta Beauty
The lawsuit cites previous similar conduct and alleges the incident is part of a pattern of “systemic corporate indifference” at Ulta Beauty outlets. It includes allegations from Ulta employees, who said in 2019 that the company racially profiled customers.
The company publicly replied to the claims at the time, saying it was “disappointed to hear that anything like this could have happened in our stores,” according to The Gothamist.
“We stand for equality, inclusivity and acceptance,” it wrote, “and strive to create a space that is welcoming to all.”
In 2021, Ulta Beauty said it was committed to inclusivity: “Ulta Beauty recognizes the importance of magnifying, uplifting, supporting and empowering the influence that Black voices bring to the beauty industry,” it wrote on its website, per The Gothamist.
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