Then I arrived for the appointment.
I would cope by making polite conversation to mask my deep discomfort.
It was stressful sitting in that chair, hoping for the best, but quietly expecting the worst.
Getty Images, Illustration by Clara Hendler
Instead, those moments were awkward, the opposite of pampering and certainly not relaxing.
I never asked for a complicated style or cut I just wanted a blowout.
I frequently opted out of the free makeup system offers, too.
They often went more or less like theblowouts.
But at least I didn’t have to worry about being photographed or filmed.
I would just wipe off the makeup when I got home or redo my hair the next day.
When I was atGlamour, Instagram hadn’t blown up yet.
Looking back, it saddens me that I accepted this as the status quo.
I wish I had been more direct with publicists when turning down invitations and told them exactly why.
And talented women are still pushing for change.
We look forward to continuing that dialogue and enacting positive change."
So when will comprehensive, lasting change finally come?
“I’ve heard these stories throughout my career.
“The producers do the hiring, but their hands are tied.
Producers don’t always want to spend extra money.”
Accumulating the necessary number of hours can be difficult without the right connections.
O’Neal says a lack of awareness about the union and how to join can also stand in the way.
“We can do better.
We must do better.
“Diverse stories lead to diverse productions, lead to diverse crews.”
Some beauty professionals are making their own action plans.
O’Neal, for example, recently opened Beyond the Combs Academy.
Now they have the knowledge of how to go and get these hours.”
But getting into the union doesn’t necessarily guarantee a steady stream of employment.
Hiring decisions are typically made by producers, and they often hire people they have worked with for years.
“Diverse stories lead to diverse productions, lead to diverse crews.”
Sayer did not provide any details on what that collaboration might look or what programs might come from it.
“We believe stylists should be prepared to work on all hair textures.
“We know we can do better, and we will.
“Our revised 14th Edition of Standard Cosmetology will release later this year.”
You’ve got to patch your skill sets to reflect the way that culturally we see hair right now.
And if you could’t do all textures you should always be willing to grow.”
“Because they really don’t know [what they need],” she explains.
“And the sad part is they dont even have it in their kits.
Black or White, we all have to be educated.”
Redway believes there are artists out there who are seeking more knowledge, “but some people are scared.
We have this culture where it’s one little mishap and you get penalized by your peers.
“I also practiced, practiced, and practiced some more.
I am constantly learning,” says Swan.
“I have always felt that it’s my responsibility to learn about all hair types and skin tones.
“I ordered six Afro dolly heads in various textures.
I was ashamed to realize that these were my first dolly heads of color in 30 years.
It should have been a part of my basic training right at the start.”
Outen’s hair coach is Aliyah Shields, a young Black hairstylist who assists Outen backstage at Fashion Week.
Shields has been helping Outen learn things like braiding, sectioning, and how to do twists.
Maybe they’ll also take a look in the mirror.
And then take action.
“Change is not comfortable,” says Tunnell.
Now read more about Black hair:
Done reading?
Watch this 7-Step Routine For Natural Hair and a Healthy Scalp:
