Lauren Smith and Daughter Allege Ulta Employees Violated State Laws on Hair Texture and Racial Discrimination
Ulta Beauty is facing a lawsuit after a Black woman and her seven year old daughter say they were denied service at a New York City salon because of their hair texture, raising renewed concerns about discrimination in the beauty industry.
The lawsuit, filed by Lauren Smith, stems from a July 2025 visit to an Ulta Beauty location on East 86th Street on the Upper East Side. According to the complaint, Smith and her daughter had appointments scheduled but were refused service by employees who said they do not work with “their kind of hair.”
Claims Detail Refusal Based on Hair Texture
Smith alleges that no employee examined her or her daughter’s hair before making the decision. Instead, staff cited discomfort with their “type” or “texture” of hair and questioned why that information had not been disclosed when booking the appointment.
The stylist assigned to them, identified as “Jessica C.,” allegedly said she was not comfortable working with their hair. The store’s manager, Mohammed Salam, is accused of backing that decision and criticizing Smith for not identifying their hair texture ahead of time.
The lawsuit argues that those explanations were a pretext for discrimination.
“It therefore became immediately apparent that the stated reason was a pretext for race based discrimination,” the complaint states.
Emotional Impact on Child Highlighted in Complaint
The filing also details the emotional impact on Smith’s daughter, who left the salon visibly distressed.
“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,” the complaint reads. The child reportedly asked, “What is wrong with my hair?” and “Why can’t I go there if there are brown girls on the walls?”
Both Smith and her daughter are professional models, according to the lawsuit.
The complaint contends that Ulta Beauty violated the New York State Human Rights Law, which prohibits discrimination based on traits associated with race, including hair texture. It also alleges violations of state cosmetology licensing laws enacted in May 2024, which require stylists to be trained and capable of working with all hair types and textures.
Ulta’s Past Statements on Diversity Under Scrutiny
Ulta Beauty has previously promoted its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. In 2019, the company responded to accusations of racial profiling by stating that it aims to create “a space that is welcoming to all” and requires employees to participate in ongoing diversity training.
Smith and her daughter are seeking financial damages as well as broader reforms, including additional training for salon employees. The case adds to ongoing scrutiny of how major beauty brands serve customers with textured hair and whether industry standards are being enforced.
