Hair stylists
Discuss style and industry in panel discussion July 19, 2015
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Danielle Behrens
Hair is a vital part of the black community and culture, a group of stylists said Sunday, which is why it is so important to learn how to care for it with style.
“Everything revolves around our hair, and that’s why it’s so important to learn about it,” Stylist Ed Blaine, who has been coming to Indiana Black Expo's Summer Celebration for more than 40 years, said. Stylists and non-stylists both filled the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis to take part in activities about hair, including a “Let’s Get Back to the Basics Hair Stylist Class” and an “Ask Your Stylist” Panel Discussion. “We should always re-educate ourselves to stay fresh, because we don’t know everything,” said Arthur ‘P Nut’ Harris. Harris reminded them how important their industry is to the Black Community. “When no one cares it belittles the industry, and sends it in the wrong direction,” Harris said. He said stylists need to be involved at the state and community levels, because if no one works professionally it could allow the industry to be opened up to anyone without training. The panel also featured many decorated stylists including Angie Bigbee, Coco Cuffie, Hope Hall, Lucqy andTony Thompson. The question and answer style of the event allowed stylists of all levels to interact with the panel. High school senior Nautica Williams was able to get advice from the professionals. “I want to be a beautician, and I want to have my own salon,” said Williams. “This will be my third workshop, and you can learn stuff that you won’t learn in school.” Even at her young age, Williams already has a deep passion for the hair industry. “It’s important that we take care of hair. The marketing industry isn’t always honest about their products, but the hair industry is supportive of helping us take care of our hair,” Williams said. “Hair will always be there, and you can do whatever you want with it, because it’s your hair.” |