A White Hairstylist Doing a Silk Press? Here’s Why It Went Viral

But why is this still so uncommon, and what does it reveal about the current state of the beauty industry?

One of the most liked comment said:

This sentiment resonated with many who believe that hairstylists should be prepared to work with all textures, not just straight hair.

Others brought up the fact that even some Black stylists aren’t properly trained to work with textured hair, with one commenter pointing out:

This blunt but necessary reflection highlighted a systemic issue: the lack of structured education on textured hair in beauty training programs. Many hairstylists, regardless of race, aren’t taught to care for or style textured hair, even though it makes up about 65% of hair types.

Stylists enter the workforce without the skills to serve diverse clients, perpetuating a cycle where textured hair expertise is often overlooked, underrepresented, or labeled “specialized” rather than essential.

So, why did this post create such a stir? Because the reality is that people aren’t used to seeing white stylists confidently handle textured hair.

It remains a rarity in an industry that should be training all hairstylists to serve everyone. The excitement around this moment wasn’t just about the stylist's skill—it was about the larger conversation it sparked, a conversation that needs to happen more often.

This is why BBR believes that representation goes both ways. When we see stylists confidently working with hair textures unlike their own, it opens doors and helps others see what’s possible.

The conversation is an essential truth: true inclusivity in beauty starts with education. Brands should celebrate ALL hairstylists who have the technical expertise to work with ALL hair types and actively highlight their work.

BBR’s Masterclass in Textured Hair is designed to fill the gaps in traditional beauty education, providing stylists with the skills to confidently and respectfully work with textured hair.

Additionally, BBR offers an Diverse Hair and Makeup Allyship Training, designed to equip those in leadership with the knowledge needed to make truly inclusive choices. By supporting educational resources like these, the industry can make inclusivity the standard, not the exception.

To make this the norm, we need to keep celebrating and uplifting those who are leading the way in working with all hair textures and skin tones. By doing this consistently, we can shift the industry from treating inclusivity as a rare moment to making it the everyday standard.