theGuideline

No.57

↓

Hey Reader,

Let's talk about texture. I've teased this topic in previous newsletters and with the Texture vs Race Summit on the horizon (March 17-19 in Baltimore), it feels like this is a good time.

Hair Texture

It's impossible to talk about hair without talking about texture. It is a core characteristic of hair. Whether it is cutting, coloring or styling, the conversation must include texture. @keyaartistically explores this topic in this clip and points to major inconsistencies in our industry.

The Miseducation of Texture

Let's be honest, Milady and Pivot Point do not adequately prepare students to serve all textures of hair. The curriculum leans towards how to treat straight hair.

I went to barber school in a city where the clientele lacked curl pattern diversity. We primarily served clients with straight and wavy hair. When clients with very curly wave patterns walked in, the instructors only let certain barbers serve them. I wasn't one of those barbers, so to be completely honest, I lacked education and experience in cutting all curl patterns.

New York Senate Bill Addresses the Problem

Below is an excerpt from NY Senate Bill that is looking to address the education gap in the beauty industry.

This bill would require cosmetologists and natural hair stylists to, pursuant to regulations promulgated by the secretary of state, complete certain training, as well as include questions on license examinations, regarding the provision of services to individuals with all hair types - including, but not limited to, various curl and wave patterns, hair strand thicknesses, and volumes of hair - as a condition of licensure.

The Reasoning

In the bill, they explore the reasoning behind this needed change.

Nearly 65% of the world's population have textured hair, resulting in a market of approximately 1 billion people, yet many clients with textured hair report not having equitable access to professionally trained, licensed stylists with the skill set and experience to provide services on their hair type.

The story of clients needing to drive hours to another city to find a barber who can serve their curl pattern is such a sad reality, that hopefully this bill can help change.

Looking Forward

Personally, I think this bill is a step in the right direction. I am curious what the training will look like, but some education is better than no education.

What do you think about this topic? Reply with your thoughts, I'd love to hear them. I'm currently working on a blog that will explore this topic in greater detail.

Headlines From Around the Industry

👉🏼 Urban Barber College - Modesto Grand Opening Battle on March 24

👉🏼 Archived Barber Supply & Workspace Launches in Chicago

Do you want to be featured?

Last but not least, I'm always on the look out for headlines taking place across the industry and would love to feature you.

So, if you are hosting an event or releasing a new product and you want it to be featured in theGuideline, then this form is for you!

Alright, finished with No.57. See you next week!

Whenever you're ready, there are 3 ways I can help you:

Creating Your Barber Budget: a 21 day challenge to help you figure out how much money you actually make.
Passing Your Barber Exam: online course that helps you pass your barber exam
Creating a business strategy: The Barbers' Playbook features 10 essential strategies to help evaluate & grow your business

Written by: Matthew Mendoza

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here.

Made some change? Update your preferences If you no longer want to receive emails from Barber Doza you can unsubscribe here.

barber doza.

theGuideline - No. 57 [Texture vs Race]