Habia And Cantu Join Forces In Afro Hair Training Initiative

Cantu Beauty’s natural hair education expert Dionne Smith demonstrates a twist-out at a masterclass

Cantu Beauty and Habia have announced a partnership that supports afro hair training, teaching hairstylists how to care for curls, coils and kinks

Award-winning haircare brand Cantu Beauty and Habia, The Hair and Beauty Industry Authority, are partnering up to make afro hair training and education accessible for everyone.

Earlier this year, Cantu Beauty launched their Textured Hair Pro-Training Initiative to address the hairstyling inequalities that Black and multi-ethnic communities face daily. Through this initiative, trainee stylists and academies are offered free virtual masterclasses that teach them how to style curly, coily and kinky hair.

Why the partnership matters

“As the leader in the care of textured hair, we are thrilled that [Cantu Beauty UK] are focused on raising awareness with its inclusive educational campaign.” says Habia chairperson Joan Scott. “The new Hairdressing NOS reflects and represents all hair types – including textured, which is still underrepresented for clients across the hair sector. Cantu is passionate about education, their vision is to enhance skills in this area. Habia is delighted to back the Initiative. We look forward to working closely with the team to provide support for colleges and training providers in the hairdressing industry.”

Attendees thus far are reacting positively to their experiences in the virtual classroom, which is led by Cantu Beauty’s natural hair education expert and celebrity stylist Dionne Smith.

“Thank you so much for inviting us to the masterclass,” says Elspeth Robertson, teacher at University of Highlands and Islands. “I found it really informative and the ladies were so friendly and put us all at ease. I hope to have another three joining the next class. Please let me know of any other follow-on sessions, as I would like to develop my own knowledge and skills. We get so little opportunity to work on afro/textured hair, but I think I will invest in afro model heads so we can practice dressing out.”

Precilia Zongo from Cantu Beauty says they are proud of this partnership. “This centres on free virtual masterclasses for schools, training academies, apprentices and stylists alike,” Zongo says. “We are fully committed to supporting the hair industry with core knowledge and skills for all hairdressers at every level.”