Hairstylist Naeemah LaFond will host first-ever Texture on Set event to help bridge the education gap regarding black hair

Naeemah LaFond is set to close the education gap that is simply too large regarding black hair.

After hearing many horror stories from Black models about hairdressers backstage or on the sets of photo shoots who will not be properly trained to work with their hair type, the hairdresser – known for creating statement hairstyles for editorials, runways and fashion campaigns – organized her first ever educational event “Texture on Set”, which will happen on Monday, March 11, in the Brooklyn borough of New York.

According to Fashionistahair professionals have long asked LaFond to lead workshops on textured hair in the fashion industry. Although she had all the time considered it, she didn’t resolve to implement the idea until she interviewed members of her mentor group, Black on Set.

“We talk about everything about working in fashion: how to get a job, how to keep a job, how to help, and the dos and don’ts of working in fashion and being on set,” LaFond told Fashionista. “And everyone (my students) asked, ‘But what about the hair? Where will we learn textured hairstyles for editorial work? And I used to be like, OK, that is really an indication that (the Texture event on set) needs to occur. And I’m ready to do it.”

Highlights of the full-day masterclass event include a live photo shoot and step-by-step demonstration of working with textured hair for photo and runway shoots, a private Q&A session with LaFond, and a panel discussion with industry experts – corresponding to Julee Wilson, beauty editor of Cosmopolitan; Jessica Cruel, editor-in-chief of Allure; and model Danielle Mareka – about the subtleties of working with natural textures.

LaFond cited the misconception that working with black hair requires a variety of effort and time in a busy environment, leading to models being missed or omitted of photo shoots altogether.

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The hairstylist said that bringing together a various group of pros from different areas of the beauty industry allows her to share “all different perspectives” on the subtleties of working with natural hair.

LaFond said her ultimate goal is to encourage change at the production leadership level, beyond simply teaching stylists the ins and outs of working with different textures.

“We could teach a hairdresser how to do hair,” she said, “but if they don’t get hired for that particular skill set, it’s just going to be wasted.”

Ultimately, LaFond said, it’s about the cause: deepening the conversation and changing the perception of textured hair in the editorial landscape, Fashionista reported, “and making models with textured hair and Black models feel seen, heard and beautiful.”

LaFond noted that when it comes to recruiting stylists, salon managers, booking agencies and production firms typically hire individuals who lack the skills crucial to work with a wide selection of hair types.

“We need to shift some of the responsibility to people other than the hairdresser,” she said. “They definitely need to take some responsibility, but not all hair stylists do.”

While the way forward for “Texture on Set” is uncertain and LaFond may add more events to the series, she has stated that her goal is to bring about change in the industry so that individuals not view textured hair as a distinct segment topic. In the future, he hopes to conduct “individual and hands-on classes” and offer “additional, short educational content consistent with the message of Texture on Set” via social media.