On January 19, Blue Tit hosted an evening of discovery, diving into ‘The Art and Legacy of Textured Hair’, presented by Blue Tit’s very own award-winning Afro & Textured Hair Specialist, Pashcan’el Mitchell.
Pashwas joined by four guests from the world of textured hairdressing: Patricia Hope, award-winning stylist Junior Green, celebrity stylist Lathaniel Chambers and Avlon Educator Hannah-Marcia.
This event was more than just a showcase; it was an honest, celebratory space where Pash could educate, entertain and elevate the conversation around textured hair. Discussing the event, he said: “You have to get uncomfortable to get comfortable. All of the panellists had their own struggles and challenges on their journeys, but they faced them head-on, which led them to where they are now. One thing we really emphasised was that, if you're a salon owner or stylist, it’s okay not to know everything – but you should still be able to offer the basics. Every hairdresser should feel confident enough to handle anyone who walks through the door."
The Art and Legacy of Textured Hair - Panel Discussions
The panel discussed multiple topics throughout the evening, including:
Breaking Stereotypes & Embracing Textured Hair
Reflecing on the discussion, Pash says: "The industry has made strides in embracing all hair types, but there’s still work to be done. True inclusivity means ensuring every stylist is confident working with all textures, not just specialists. Education is key—both in salons and at the training level—to break outdated stereotypes and normalise textured hair as part of mainstream hairdressing. True diversity and change comes from the top down and will reflect on the team and industry.
“We also dug deep into some common myths about textured hair. For example, the term Afro often gets confused with textured hair, but we pointed out that the Afro is actually a specific hairstyle from the 1960s. It’s not just a catch-all term for any Black hair. Some other myths we busted? Well, for one, textured hair isn’t ‘difficult’ – it’s just different and it requires the right approach. We also challenged the idea that there’s a one-size-fits-all approach to Black haircare, especially in salons. There’s no ‘magic’ product that works for everyone, so embracing the individual needs of textured hair is key.”
Empowering The Next Generation
The panel also discussed their thoughts on empowering the next generation. Pash tells us: "The future of hairdressing relies on fostering an environment where young professionals feel valued, inspired, and supported. By providing mentorship, diverse role models and access to continued education, we can ensure the next generation enters the industry with confidence and creativity. But real change starts at the top—diversity in leadership and hiring decisions is just as important as diversity on the salon floor. When those making hiring decisions reflect the range of backgrounds within our communities, it opens doors for emerging talent and creates a more inclusive industry. By actively building teams that represent the people they serve, we inspire young hairstylists from all backgrounds to get involved, helping to diversify and enrich the culture of hair and fashion."
Speaking of the next generation, have you checked out HJ's New Wave series?
