“In a world where diversity in the beauty industry is celebrated now more than ever, the absence of textured hair from a mainstream event is not just an overlook - it is a reflection of the industry still struggling to embrace true inclusivity”
The beauty industry has seen major shifts in challenging stereotypical beauty standards, and while this progress has opened the door to more diversity, the journey toward true inclusivity remains incomplete. This was particularly evident at the 2024 Salon International, a premier event for hairdressing professionals in the UK.
Despite the multiple lines of booths and live demos, the lack of attention to textured hair—both in the products, techniques, and educational sessions—was hard to miss.
It is 2024, and yet the stigmatisation of textured Black hair persists in many spaces, including professional events. For an event like Salon International, which attracts stylists, hair professionals, and brands from all over the world, it would have been a significant step forward to see true diversity represented across the board.
Textured hair, common among people of African descent, is characterised by its curls, coils, and the way it shrinks when exposed to water. Its unique helix shape makes it more difficult for moisture and natural oils to travel down the hair shaft, which means textured hair requires specialised care and products.
Despite these needs, the hair care industry has historically marginalised textured hair, failing to create solutions that address its unique challenges. According to Voyant Beauty, 60-70% of the world’s population has textured hair, and yet the industry has barely scratched the surface in meeting this demand. Hair is more than just a physical feature—it’s deeply tied to cultural identity, especially within African communities. Despite this, the texture gap remains glaringly wide.
At the booth of Shedid & Parrish, our founder, Allegria Luyindula, was able to experience firsthand how deep the curiosity and need for textured hair education truly runs.
“The most rewarding part of the experience was interacting with people about their natural hair concerns. I could see the eagerness in their eyes—they wanted to learn more,” Allegria shared.
Statistics reveal that 1 in 5 women in the UK have textured hair, but only 3% of UK beauty and grooming products are designed for them. This imbalance highlights a serious gap between the demand for textured hair care and what the industry currently offers.
While the UK National Occupational Standards for hairdressing now include training on all hair types, there is still a noticeable lack of education for both consumers and stylists. People naturally gravitate toward brands and professionals who understand their needs, but what happens when they can’t find that understanding in mainstream spaces? This was the case at the Salon International.
“There were plenty of educational demos at the event, but very few, if any, felt applicable to textured hair,” Allegria continued.
If the industry truly values diversity, inclusion should not be selective. Hair types should not only be represented occasionally—they should be included consistently.
As Salon International 2024 has shown, there is still so much work to be done. Bridging the texture gap begins with education. Salons, stylists, and consumers all need to understand the chemistry, structure, physical properties, and proper maintenance of textured hair. This education will empower both professionals and clients to approach textured hair care with confidence and skill.
At an event as large as Salon International, only about three brands catered specifically to textured hair. Black-owned brands must see this as a call to action—an opportunity to increase visibility, take up space, and champion their communities.
No one can tell our stories better than we can. It’s time to challenge the mainstream narrative and create a platform that reflects the diverse needs of Black consumers. For an event as significant as Salon International, it would have been inspiring to see a stronger presence of Black brands displaying their products and expertise.
As we reflect on Salon International 2024, we remain hopeful for a future where textured hair is no longer sidelined. This moment presents an opportunity for Black-owned brands and industry leaders to push for real inclusivity in hair care.
At Texture Care, we are committed to bridging the gap by making hair care education accessible for Afro-textured hair. Sign up on our platform today and join us in our mission to make textured hair care a priority—not just an afterthought. Together, we can change the narrative for textured hair.