What if every stylist was truly equipped to serve all hair types?
This past weekend, panelists, Tatum Neill, Keya Neal and Maude Okrah Hunter had the honor of taking the stage at SXSW for an inspiring and educational panel on authenticity and inclusion in hair culture.
The discussion centered around the history, progress, and future of textured hair education. For decades, traditional cosmetology curriculums have largely ignored the techniques and care required for all hair types, leaving many stylists underprepared and clients underserved.
“I want us to get to a point where we humanize the experience of texture and it becomes an industry standard,” said Keya Neal, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change. Our panelists shared their experiences, challenges, and insights on how the industry can evolve to ensure that beauty education truly represents everyone.
In 2020, Aveda Arts took a pivotal step in advancing the beauty industry by implementing comprehensive texture hair education into our curriculum. As advocates for a more inclusive beauty industry, we are proud to champion the movement to mandate texture hair education in every state, following Louisiana’s mandate in 2021.
The SXSW panel was a reminder that while we’ve made progress, there is still work to be done. Education is the key to ensuring every stylist is fully equipped to serve every client with confidence and skill.
“Textured hair is hair, it’s not a speciality, it’s a foundation for everyone,” said Maude Okrah Hunter.
Change starts with education, advocacy, and action. Whether you’re a stylist, salon owner, beauty professional or client, you have the power to be part of this evolution.
If you believe that every stylist should be trained to work with all hair types, join us in pushing for mandatory textured hair education in cosmetology licensing. Sign the petition here: https://p2a.co/Vw4cc2k – share it with your network, and help us advocate for a beauty industry that truly serves everyone.
Watch the full SXSW panel here: https://schedule.sxsw.com/2025/events/PP149581
