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 too long, traditional cosmetology curriculums have overlooked 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. 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 Cosmetology School 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 energy at SXSW was incredible, and we’re leaving feeling inspired and ready to continue the conversation.
“Textured hair is hair, it’s not a specialty, it’s a foundation for everyone,” said Maude Okrah Hunter.
Check out the full SXSW panel here: https://schedule.sxsw.com/2025/events/PP149581
