The hair industry has been experiencing a diversity gap for many years, and it’s clear that representation and education alone are not enough to bridge this. Creating true diversity requires cultural change, starting with subtle nuances in communication that reflect in representation and education.
Despite the increased representation of textured hair on social media platforms like Instagram, continual effort and cultural education is needed to close the diversity gap in salon environments to enhance the relationship and trust between textured haired clients and their hairdressers.
Hair care, particularly for people of colour, has a deeper meaning including many cultural nuances, misconceptions and hairstyle/type stigmas. Clients with textured hair can be apprehensive about visiting new hairdressers, especially those of different races, due to concerns about heat or chemical damage, and not getting the vision right.
Cultural inclusion is deeper than education and communication - it also extends to showcasing diverse hair types on social media, and understanding the trends happening in different hair textured communities. Despite plenty of conversations about Type 4 hair, many Type 4 hair trends are still considered niche rather than macro trends even with viral view status. For example, #silkpress, a straightening technique for type 4 hair has over 2.5 billion views on TikTok, however, it is a trend that isn't as widely spoken on as other viral industry trends like #shaghaircut which has 476.9 million views.
To gain further insight into the importance of diverse representation in the hair industry, we spoke to KIT DVLPMNT member Rheanna Wood - who specialises in working with clients of diverse backgrounds and curly hair types:
Knowledge is power. A consultation prior to an appointment is the best way to gain a client's trust. A deep understanding of the science of hair and where the products sit on or in the hair is also a must. Showing someone you really understand hair and all its ins and outs is key.
There are a lot of traditional practices and hair myths in the textured hair world and these need to be appreciated and understood then adapted and brought up to date. This can only be done by explaining why that way was employed originally, then why it’s not best practice now. Following this focus on how you are going to change this or advise your client to change it, then finally what the improved outcome will look like.
It’s so important as you will only believe a product or person is right for your hair if you see an image that includes your hair type. Stylists and salons may be able to do textured hair but if the hair type is not shown on social platforms, the textured hair clients would assume their hair is not catered for. Images of just a range of black and brown faces are not what is needed, a diverse collection of curly to tight Afro hair is needed regardless of the race or colour of the models. This has to be done in a variety of styles too, not loads of Afros and natural hair.
There is a lot of personal and inherited hair trauma from clients having hair burnt off, treated with chemicals that are too harsh, over bleaching, traction alopecia from tight ‘protective’ styles, and trims that turn out to be big cuts.
A lot of clients are really embracing natural hair but appreciate a stylist that offers both straight styles and natural Afro/curly styles. Our hair can be hard to manage but the beauty of it is that we can do both. More education in how to blow dry straight and smooth without heavy products and high heat is needed to create flowing, non-sticky finishes. Straightening hair without using high heat to retain the client's curl pattern is also important. Understanding black culture and fashion and hairstyles is a must when winning over a client with Afro hair so you can offer them something wearable.
It is an exciting time as social media continues to break these barriers and segments to unify our industry through more cultural trend knowledge and education in handling diverse hair types. By embracing natural hair, understanding black culture and hairstyles, salons can offer clients the best possible service and styles they desire.
By Lubona Chibwa
The hair industry has been experiencing a diversity gap for many years, and it’s clear that representation and education alone are not enough to bridge this. Creating true diversity requires cultural change, starting with subtle nuances in communication that reflect in representation and education.
Despite the increased representation of textured hair on social media platforms like Instagram, continual effort and cultural education is needed to close the diversity gap in salon environments to enhance the relationship and trust between textured haired clients and their hairdressers.
Hair care, particularly for people of colour, has a deeper meaning including many cultural nuances, misconceptions and hairstyle/type stigmas. Clients with textured hair can be apprehensive about visiting new hairdressers, especially those of different races, due to concerns about heat or chemical damage, and not getting the vision right.
Cultural inclusion is deeper than education and communication - it also extends to showcasing diverse hair types on social media, and understanding the trends happening in different hair textured communities. Despite plenty of conversations about Type 4 hair, many Type 4 hair trends are still considered niche rather than macro trends even with viral view status. For example, #silkpress, a straightening technique for type 4 hair has over 2.5 billion views on TikTok, however, it is a trend that isn't as widely spoken on as other viral industry trends like #shaghaircut which has 476.9 million views.
To gain further insight into the importance of diverse representation in the hair industry, we spoke to KIT DVLPMNT member Rheanna Wood - who specialises in working with clients of diverse backgrounds and curly hair types:
Knowledge is power. A consultation prior to an appointment is the best way to gain a client's trust. A deep understanding of the science of hair and where the products sit on or in the hair is also a must. Showing someone you really understand hair and all its ins and outs is key.
There are a lot of traditional practices and hair myths in the textured hair world and these need to be appreciated and understood then adapted and brought up to date. This can only be done by explaining why that way was employed originally, then why it’s not best practice now. Following this focus on how you are going to change this or advise your client to change it, then finally what the improved outcome will look like.
It’s so important as you will only believe a product or person is right for your hair if you see an image that includes your hair type. Stylists and salons may be able to do textured hair but if the hair type is not shown on social platforms, the textured hair clients would assume their hair is not catered for. Images of just a range of black and brown faces are not what is needed, a diverse collection of curly to tight Afro hair is needed regardless of the race or colour of the models. This has to be done in a variety of styles too, not loads of Afros and natural hair.
There is a lot of personal and inherited hair trauma from clients having hair burnt off, treated with chemicals that are too harsh, over bleaching, traction alopecia from tight ‘protective’ styles, and trims that turn out to be big cuts.
A lot of clients are really embracing natural hair but appreciate a stylist that offers both straight styles and natural Afro/curly styles. Our hair can be hard to manage but the beauty of it is that we can do both. More education in how to blow dry straight and smooth without heavy products and high heat is needed to create flowing, non-sticky finishes. Straightening hair without using high heat to retain the client's curl pattern is also important. Understanding black culture and fashion and hairstyles is a must when winning over a client with Afro hair so you can offer them something wearable.
It is an exciting time as social media continues to break these barriers and segments to unify our industry through more cultural trend knowledge and education in handling diverse hair types. By embracing natural hair, understanding black culture and hairstyles, salons can offer clients the best possible service and styles they desire.
By Lubona Chibwa
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