According to celeb hairstylist Monaè Everett, texture isn’t just a Black thing—it’s a hair thing. And she wants to empower all hairstylists to learn how to style all four textures: straight, wavy, curl, and kinky/coily. That’s why she’s launched the first-ever Texture Style Awards.
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The new awards competition is designed to put the focus on the beauty of all hair textures and take the fear out of styling hair.
“Research shows that 70% of the world has hair that is considered textured. Yet, major beauty companies primarily showcase straight hair in their marketing and social media efforts, with less than one percent representation of other textures,” says Monaè. “I want to change how we view, approach, and celebrate all four hair textures.”
The new competition isn’t just pushing for beauty inclusion and diversity (serious buzz words these days). It’s putting the spotlight on hairstylists who can slay behind the chair with major prize packages, media buzz, and one-on-one mentorship from its title sponsor, the Wella Company.
Hairstylists can submit their latest hair creations in up to all four categories to be reviewed by a who’s who list of 20+ celeb hairstylists and beauty pros, including Ursula Stephen, Keya Neal, Stephen Moody, Gregory Patterson, Briana Cisneros, Lala Chihaia, Michelle O’Connor, and Jenny Strebe, along with representatives from The Wella Company and Fromm Pro.
Monaè has also teamed up with Fromm Pro to offer a free four-part Texture Education Series with tips, techniques and tricks for styling each hair type.
“On the surface, many times, stylists unfamiliar with kinky hair may think it’s more difficult to style, but curly hair and bone straight hair actually require more techniques to not only achieve, but keep finished looks,” she says. “And I want all hairstylists to be equipped and empowered with the tools and mindset to excel at their craft and raise their profile while doing it.”
Catch the encore of the look-and-learn classes for free on Monday, March 15.. Submissions for the Texture Style Awards are open now through March 27.
Visit texturestyleawards.com to register or for more information.