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A Black History Month event has highlighted the importance of local salon operators being "inclusive of all hair types” by showcasing new techniques for working with textured hair.
Hosted by Highlands College, the event attempted to address the lack of "hairdressers who understand textured hair" in Jersey by showcasing hair care and styling techniques, alongside practical demonstrations of textured haircuts.
Explaining the inspiration behind putting on the event – which was held in celebration of Black History Month – Highlands College said: “In our increasingly diverse community, we have noticed a growing number of individuals with textured hair.
"However, not all salons can offer tailored treatments and we are supporting them to do so.”
Pictured: One of the models, Teia, received a new hairstyle at the event.
It was this imbalance in understanding that the event undertook to redress by focusing on 'Textured Hair' – a hair type that includes natural black hair and other curl patterns.
The event featured UK barber Damez, a specialist in Afro-textured hair, who demonstrated textured haircuts and styling techniques.
He described the event as "rewarding", with the "models having the time of their lives".
Damez added that he was excited about "introducing these techniques to the community" in Jersey.
He explained that attendees gained "valuable hands-on experience in handling black hair, which can't be learned from theory or books".
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Lathaniel Chambers, who works for a curly haircare company named Avlon, thought that the event was "rewarding and well put together".
He emphasised the importance of "understanding that there are different types of hair pattern", and said that salon and barber shop operators in the island should be "inclusive of all hair types".
Leonie Bedward, who modelled with her daughter during the event, called it a "fantastic experience" and praised her new hairstyle as "big and bouncy."
She reflected on her experience, saying: "Growing up on Jersey, finding hairdressers who understood Caucasian curls was tricky.
"I now have a beautiful mixed-race daughter and, being in Jersey, there have been very limited hairdressers who understand textured hair."
Pictured: Leonie and her daughter Teia who both participated as models during the event.
Praising the event, she said: "It was such a joy being in a salon where everyone really knew more about our hair than we did.
"My daughter went from slightly dehydrated hair to gorgeous slickly straight and flowing hairstyle which she absolutely loves."
Leonie continued: "We learnt how to create beautiful separated curls, straighten safely without damaging our hair and feel comfortable and confident with our hair.
"I hope this event has allowed more hairdressers to understand and celebrate textured hair especially now our society has become beautifully diverse."
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