We’re preparing our third edition of Tribu-te Magazine’s The Black Issue. [see previous editions HERE ]. So timely to have news of one of our favourite industry figures, Rianna Henry, a.k.a. The Blowdry Artist. While there’s been a lot of talk about improving awareness, standards and access to education and services specifically for Black and Afro hair, we are at times dismayed by the slow progress made. In our Spring edition (out end of April), we’ll be inviting comment and news on change, or lack of it. For this week, we’re profiling a positive story from Rianna. She’s quite the role-model.
Her story
Hairdresser and advocate for training on all hair types, Rianna Henry takes up a new lecturing role at Kingston College in London. Here she is leading the college’s very first Level 2 Women’s Diploma in Hairdressing specialising in African hair types.
Kicking off her career aged 17-years-old, Rianna trained at an award-winning independent Afro salon in South West London. Here a passion for working on curly, coily textured hair was ignited. Today, she is earning a fierce reputation throughout the industry as ‘The Blowdry Artist’.
“I learnt from the best in the industry how to create incredible hair for the most textured hair types,” Rianna says. “That foundation shaped everything that followed.”
Work it, girl
The role at Kingston College came about after the college sought to finally launch a course they had been planning for several years, recognising the need for inclusion within hairdressing education.
“They wanted the college to truly reflect the diverse community walking through its corridors,” Rianna says. “Team Leader Jenny Wiltshire championed that vision, and I’m incredibly proud to be leading the very first year the course is running.”
While the syllabus itself is established, Rianna is focused on delivering it in a way that feels current, relevant and empowering. Her aim is for students to leave confident, able to work with coils, curls and kinked hair, and prepared to cut, colour and style any client who sits in their chair.
Beyond technical skills, Rianna is passionate about preparing students for real life behind the chair. Reflecting on her own experience as a student, she ensures her classes cover communication, client retention, marketing and how to run their column like a business, so students leave college truly industry ready.
Balancing lecturing with clients and selected creative projects, Rianna has found a rhythm that supports both her career and family life. Rianna says, “I get to stay creatively fulfilled, active in the industry, and connected to the next generation of stylists.”
The path to get there
From a salon environment, training and then working as a qualified stylist, Rianna has valuable insights and is thoroughly relatable for her students. Importantly for today’s entrepreneurial vibe, Rianna has also experienced time as a self-employed hairdresser. It has offered scope to collaborate with global brands including Nike, Fila and L’Oréal Professionnel. She has styled hair for publications such as Wonderland, Disorder UK and Ellements Magazine. As a session stylist at African Fashion Week London, Rianna has assisted Allan Henry numerous times. She thrives on the creativity and pace of show work.
Again, driving home the integrity of her experience to support her position at Kingston College, alongside her career, Rianna has also been balancing motherhood. “Like many new mums, my career naturally took a bit of a back seat over the last four years while I navigated motherhood and finding balance. As I found my feet again, I realised I was craving a new challenge, something that would reignite my passion and stretch me creatively and professionally,” she explains.
Tribu-te Magazine applauds
There remains much work to be done to really make progress in raising standards and ensuring hairdressing is properly inclusive. We talk the talk, but do we walk the walk? We’re keen to help profile those who champion change and become part of it. If you have a story to share, do contact us on info@ihaa.co.uk
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