Traditionally, the salon business in the United States  has been a segregated one. And while stylists at salons in the Black community performed braids, twists, weaves, relaxers, and silk presses on a daily basis, most white stylists had little or no knowledge of textured hair. In the past few years this has been changing, with more beauty schools providing and requiring texture education. Textured hair is increasingly visible in the media, more women are choosing natural styles, and more children are being born with mixed heritage. 

But our industry still has a long way to go. Want to learn about texture but don't know where to start? We've got you covered. 

Today's guest, Jamal Edmonds, is the owner and creative director of Lamaj in the City, located in Washington D.C. He's a stylist behind the chair and an educator for Mizani and Redken, specializing in textured hair. Jamal has been nominated for NAHA awards in 2018, 2021, and 2022. In this episode Jamal and host Blake Reed Evans talk about how to learn textured hair, and dig into understanding the trauma your client may have experienced around getting their hair styled. Also: doing textured hair on set, and competing in the North American Hair Association (NAHA) Awards. 

On December 10th and 11th, 2021, at least 59 devastating tornadoes ripped through parts of six states in the South and Midwest. People who work in the salon and spa industries in affected areas have seen their homes and businesses destroyed. The Professional Beauty Association is collecting donations for immediate needs including clothing, food, bills, supplies & tool replacement. You can make a tax-deductible donation at www.probeauty.org/pba-charities/drf

Follow Jamal Edmonds on Instagram @lamajbackwards.

Get texture education online with the Mizani Texpert Academy: thetexpertcollective.com/head-of-the-class.

SUMM IT UP is produced by Andrea Muraskin, with editorial support from Tim Fisk. 

Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon.

Follow host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans. His DM's are always open! 

Visit us at SummitSalon.com  or join our Summit Salon Community on Facebook to connect with others in the industry.  Get in touch with Summit and let us know what you think of the podcast or who you'd like us to interview next. 

Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. 

SUMM IT UP  is now on YouTube! Watch extended cuts of our interviews at www.youtube.com/@summitunlocked

Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at [email protected]. 

Visit us at SummitSalon.com  to connect with others in the industry.