This year at SXSW, we’re thrilled to celebrate the important conversation around textured hair education and inclusivity with the panel, Inspiring Authenticity & Inclusion in Hair Culture.

This discussion will feature industry leaders, Tatum Neill, Keya Neal and Maude Okrah Hunter coming together to share their insights on the progress made in textured hair education and the natural hair movement. These changemakers will celebrate the strides the beauty world has taken while highlighting the work that still lies ahead.

At Aveda Arts, recognizing the importance of textured hair education in creating well-rounded, versatile stylists, we made it a priority to integrate texture into our cosmetology curriculum in 2020. Our students receive hands-on training in understanding, caring for, and styling all hair textures, empowering them to create exceptional experiences for every client.

The Inspiring Authenticity & Inclusion in Hair Culture panel at SXSW is a continuation of this work. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the progress we’ve made, address the challenges we still face, and imagine a more inclusive beauty industry for everyone.

As we head to Austin for this conversation, we are excited to hear and celebrate these voices and the beauty of authentic self-expression.

To read more about the panel, click here: https://schedule.sxsw.com/2025/events/PP149581