Hairdressing UK has made some progress the conversation about the need for all hairdressers to be competent in working with Black and Afro hair. While there is still some shyness in using the words Black and Afro to describe hair types, there’s no denying how much more readily we are invited to discuss texture. And there are changes for the better to the standards of training. But there’s plenty to do still. Bravo to Naomi Brooks who owns The Hair Sanctuary in Manchester, and is taking a lead in promoting education that will make a difference.
Naomi Brooks, The Hair Sanctuary
Naomi Brooks makes a difference
Working with Manchester City Council, Naomi has announced a collaborative project. This month is the launch of a new campaign to educate foster carers of black and mixed heritage children on the care of Afro and textured hair. Hands-on, the focus is on haircare, skincare and supporting black and mixed-heritage children in their cultural identity. Naomi created the course after being sought out by foster carers needing support for caring for afro and textured hair care. She aims to eradicate hair discrimination (which sees many black or mixed heritage children disciplined, suspended or expelled from school for cultural hairstyles) through education.
Naomi is an expert in working with Afro/Black hair
Stats that matter
Department for Education figures calculate 1,371 children are under the care of Manchester’s child services, including those classed as black or mixed heritage. Some of these young people may be cared for by foster carers or residential staff from a differing background, who may not be aware of the cultural significance of afro and textured hairstyles and the necessary haircare.
A new course to share knowledge that makes a difference
As a result, this can mean the children’s natural textured hair isn’t given the appropriate protective care, including natural styling, braiding, weaving and specialised products designed for afro and similar hair, leaving children and teenagers struggling and self-conscious.
And it’s not just happening in Manchester, but across the UK too.
In her words
Naomi, who has more than 20 years’ experience in professional hair and beauty, explains: “We have a lot of foster carers who bring their children into the salon on a regular basis as they don’t know what to do with their hair, but understand that it’s an important part of the child’s needs.
This new course shares haircare information
“The more I thought about those carers, the more I realised that there must be others out there who don’t know what to do and don’t have anywhere to go. Hair is a big part of identity and culture as a black or mixed heritage person and it can be missed for children being cared for by people from different cultural backgrounds.
“In order for the children to feel connected to their culture, understand their hair and grow confidently it is so important to fill this void, which is what our courses will do.”
The need for education to change
Naomi also talks about attitudes in schools. “We also regularly hear from parents of black and bi-racial children who are finding their children are being called out at school for typical afro hairstyles designed to protect and care for their hair, including braids, canerows, bantu knots and finger coils.
“We hope that through wider education, it will be understood that these hairstyles are not breaking rules but are in fact the best way of caring for textured hair as well as celebrating cultural heritage and haircare traditions.”
The Hair Sanctuary’s new course
The course covers natural styling, protective styling and hair styles, care and maintenance and how to avoid damage or neglect to afro and textured hair.
The initial courses will be available for up to 15 people and will involve studying as well as a ‘hands-on’ element so those caring for black and mixed heritage children can take what they learn home. Hands-on days in the salon will also be available and will coincide with the school holidays.
You can find out more about the courses HERE
The Hair Sanctuary Training Group has also simultaneously launched a new industry Academy for other hairdressers to learn about Afro and textured hair, and skincare for darker skin.
Naomi says: “My long-term aim is to educate all care providers, including foster carers and teachers, on the needs of Afro and textured hair, the correct language and terminology they should use and put a stop to hair discrimination whilst creating environments that are inclusive, from homes, to schools, and salons to community spaces, I’m so excited to see which councils join us next.”
See Naomi’s Afro hair collection HERE
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