We have new plans for and dreams for BBS and that is really to return this knowledge directly back to Black folx. Empowering the many is how we make change and most hair stylists, and the beauty just aren't ready. I'm not waiting around for them to catch up. There are numerous applications for this class beyond salons.
I am looking to engage folx from film. stage, photography and the runway. I want to bring BBS directly into Black communities and schools, college campuses, schools. and community centers. Let's makes those dreams reality.
I am no longer offering classes in the US. Please do not inquire. Thank you.
BLACK BEAUTY SCHOOL
Afrika + Abroad Spring 2023
BEAD + COWRIE IS A BLACK CREATIVE AGENCY THAT IS REDEFINING BLACK BEAUTY AND HAIR STANDARDS WHILE CREATING SALON INDUSTRY CURRICULUMS THAT PRIORITIZE INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY, SAFETY AND HUMANITY TO BLACK BODIES ABOVE ALL ELSE.
WE ARE UNAPOLOGETIC ABOUT BLACK (bipoc) AND BLACK LGBTQIA+ HAIR AND OTHER INTERSECTIONS, WHILE PROVIDING EDUCATION AND AESTHETIC. WE CURATE COMFORT, STYLE, AND SAFE SPACES FOR ALL BLACK FOLX.
Audit
Before teaching your class we come in any where from a week to a month before the 2 day class to audit and get a true understanding of your space and stylists. This is optional but recommended so we can create a customized program for each salon.
Day 1(approx 6 hours with breaks)
Inclusion and diversity training taught by my partner Siir Cole. This day is a deep dive into how the world, western society, colonization, yt privilege, European standards of beauty and American cultures and systematic racism that have impacted us all in our treatment of Black and Brown bodies. ( we encourage all salon staff and stylists attend day one.) We also discuss salon protocols and administrative changes that need to happen so that the larger BIPOC community can begin to experience your salon. We also cover the true history of Black hair and the beauty industry. We will also speak to and discuss restorative justice for discriminations that have already occurred in your space. Along with suggested readings and a one year plan to ensure long term changes for BIPOC in your community.
Day 2 (8-10 hours with lunch depending on stylist skill level)
We do the practical work and deep dive into the The science of Black hair, products, techniques, and what it looks like to honor and have compassions towards Black bodies. I have 3 modules that can be taught here. But currently I am only recommending and teaching The Basics. There is a variation where I can add Currly cutting to that roster as well if needed. This day also begins with a panels of Black hair models from your community sharing their hair stories.
**all lunch and snacks provided by host salon.**
Black Beauty School(BBS) is a 2 day hands-on class that helps attendees understand how race and privilege contributes to Black Hair discrimination and how we systematically change this mindset over time in the industry. At the same time we also develop the practical skill sets that will help to make your salon, set, or at home care, a more inclusive, diverse, and safe space. This is a class that engages both the hairstylist and the BlPOC hair model, and the challenges we face in the beauty And salon industry.
Black Beauty School is a Bead and Cowrie Production taught by Kiing Curry, Master Hairstylist and Colorist and their partne Siir Cole. Curry is Aveda trained with an extensive background in Black hair, entertainment, the arts, and Black culture. At Bead and Cowrie we are unapologetically honest about Black hair education. We love beautiful Black aesthetics supported by knowledge and foundation, while curating comfort, style and safe space for Black folxs. We are redefining Black hair and it’s curriculums beyond the white gaze. Bead + Cowrie, Inspired by whimsy, Black pop culture, Theatre, and our forever religion. Us.
BBS offers 6 modules: The Basics, Texture + Haircolor, and The Currly Cut, Black hair, for set, stage, and runway, Hair for differently abled bodies, and blowout bootcamp.
We focus on 3 main goals the 3 R's with BBS:
Redefine- You must retrain and redefine your minds eye surrounding Black beauty. It means removing outdated and boring Eurocentric foundations and not using white hair standards as comparison to Black hair. Black hair stands on its own and is beautiful on its own. It does not need to be reinterpreted or softened or made to be more appealing for the white gaze.
Repetition- Learning and understanding Black hair and techniques in the same way that we under white hair will take time and practice. This is not an overnight change.
Remember that patience is key. This is uncomfortable but necessary work and it should be. You must be wiling to put in the soul work and not just the sole work. The salon industry has a lot of work and unpacking to do when it comes to Black hair. The Black humans who come to sit in your chair are not just money for you to earn but are humans that need to be poured into and loved above all else in an industry that has excluded us from its foundations for so long.
Black Beauty School
- Class Schedule (day 2) -
The Basics
1.
Homeroom will consist of Introductions, panel and discussion The first hour and a half of BBS is committed to round table discussion. Here, stylists will listen to Curry and BIPOC hair models about their experiences in the salon and growing up.
2.
First Period covers your foundations - Black Hair terminology, consultation, at the Shampoo bowl, along with detangling, sectioning, tools, scalp foundations and treatments. We will also discuss products used in house vs supplemental product, tools, and retail that may need to be purchased to accomodate a more diverse salon clientele.
3.
Second Period covers:
Blowout and Trim, shape and foundations
Currly Cut, shape and foundations
If you wish to cover both modules in one session this will extend class time and price
4.
Third Period is Style and Finish. Covering twist and set vs to go styling, Iron Work, and Wash n Go. We will also discuss what lived in hair looks like, weather, how to set proper client expectations, Home care and mantenance.
5.
School is out and Real world application. Here we will touch on key items we covered in the class and ultimately ask: When you are given the opportunity to style Black hair how will you choose to value its existence and humanity of the person sitting in your chair.