“Textured hair is not a specialty — it’s the foundation.”
At SXSW this weekend, industry leaders came together to challenge outdated norms and champion a future where all hair textures are represented — in salons, in schools, and on every stage.
Our panel, “Inspiring Authenticity and Inclusion in Hair Culture,” featured thought leaders Tatum Neill, Keya Neal, and Maude Okrah Hunter in a powerful conversation about the past, present, and future of textured hair education.
The Problem
For too long, traditional cosmetology curriculums have ignored textured hair. That oversight hasn’t just left stylists underprepared — it’s left millions of people feeling unseen in the very spaces meant to celebrate beauty.
As Keya Neal shared:
“I want us to get to a point where we humanize the experience of texture — and it becomes an industry standard.”
Leading the Change
In 2020, Aveda Arts & Sciences Institutes took a pivotal step by integrating comprehensive texture education into our national curriculum.
We believe textured hair is not an afterthought — it’s essential.
And we’re not stopping there. In partnership with advocates like Keya and Maude, we’re proud to champion legislative efforts to mandate texture education in every state — following Louisiana’s trailblazing mandate in 2021.
The Movement at SXSW
The energy at SXSW was undeniable — a packed room, an honest dialogue, and a shared vision for a more inclusive industry.
Maude Okrah Hunter reminded us:
“Textured hair is hair. It’s not a specialty. It’s a foundation for everyone.”
This is more than a conversation — it’s a movement. And we’re honored to be part of it.
🌀 Join the movement.
Follow along @avedaarts and use #TextureIsStandard to keep the conversation going.