Since its launch in 2023, L’Oréal Professional Products Division’s THE TEXTURE OF CHANGE movement has been committed to reshaping the future of professional haircare by improving access to textured hair education. On May 29, the initiative hosted its landmark event, The Power of Texture: Culture, Community & Future at L’Oréal’s ProLAB Academy of Beauty in El Segundo, CA.
“This is more than a conversation–it’s a movement,” says Erica Roberson, Vice President of DE&I Business Development for L’Oreal Professional Products Division (PPD) and founder of THE TEXTURE OF CHANGE™ “Our goal is to reimagine the future of professional haircare by uplifting textured hair and centering education. We’re here to inspire change and ensure that equity becomes the standard, not the exception.”
Powerful Conversations to Push the Industry Forward
This immersive event brought together thought leaders, tastemakers, and industry advocates for a day of conversation, inspiration, action around building a more inclusive and equitable future for beauty. Attendees experienced two thought-provoking panels that explored the influence of textured hair across identity, entrepreneurship, and creative culture. Jackie Aina, Jawara Wauchope, Akili King, and Julissa Bermudez were joined by moderator Blake Newby in the first panel, titled “Rooted in Community: How Hair Shapes Identity, Culture & Connection”, to discuss the cultural significance of textured hair and its role in creating a feeling of belonging amongst individuals.
During the panel, Jawara spoke about the importance of embracing textured hair. “I think it starts with self-love, self-acceptance, and understanding you’re beautiful the way you are or you’re beautiful the way you want to be. Stepping away from associating words like luxury with straight hair. Tightly curled hair can be as well,” he said.
In second panel called “Beauty and Beyond: The Art and Business of Textured Hair”, Ursula Stephen, Tippi Shorter, Crystal Wright, and Piersten Gaines joined moderator Andrea Lewis to discuss how the rise of textured hair education, inclusive salon models, and growing consumer demand will create the next frontier for professional beauty where innovation meets impact.
Panelists shared success stories about how offering service for textured hair has greatly improved their businesses and made it clear that this mission is about much more than profit. “The additional benefit [to textured hair education] is that you have more services to offer,” said Shorter. “It results in more business because now you’re introducing more of that 65% of the population to your client base.”
At the event, Myra Reddy, Director of Government Affairs for the Professional Beauty Association, shared insights on the national impact of the Texture Education Collective and the significant legislative progress being made across the country.
Between the two panels, attendees participated in two “Jam Sessions” presented in partnership with Ulta Beauty and SalonCentric. These interactive moments brought top hairstyling pros center stage as they each crafted a signature look in real-time. The first Jam Session, which was powered by Ulta Beauty, featured Vernon François, Michelle O’Connor, and Lindsey Olson. The second session, powered by SalonCentric, featured Jawara Wauchope, John Mosley, and Leysa Carrillo.
“The future of beauty is inclusive — and that belongs to the stylists who choose to learn, grow , and embrace every texture,” said Kareema Wilson, Vice President, SalonCentric Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
To learn more about L’Oréal Professional Products Division’s THE TEXTURE OF CHANGE initiative be sure to follow @thetextureofchange on Instagram.
