Helping carers and social workers better support young people, hairdresser Naomi Brooks and Manchester City Council have launched a new training programme. Founder of Manchester-based salon, The Hair Sanctuary, Naomi spotted a need for providing Afro and textured hair education to foster carers, residential carers and social workers. She’s supported by Avlon as the brand donates haircare products which best suit Afro and textured hair types.
Why
Hair is a big part of the identity and culture of Black and mixed heritage people, yet it can be missed as important for children being cared for by people from different cultural backgrounds. The new course aims to stop hair discrimination for good, and to support young people in care.
And it’s an industry-first in the UK. Having the proper knowledge when caring for Afro hair is extremely important. Could this prompt more of you to sign up to a similar programme?
Naomi Brooks
Naomi, who has more than 20 years of experience in professional hair and beauty, explains: “We have a lot of foster carers who bring their children into the salon regularly as they don’t know what to do with their hair, but understand that it’s an important part of the child’s needs. The more I thought about those carers, the more I realised that there must be others who don’t know what to do and don’t have anywhere to go. Hair is a big part of identity and culture as a black or mixed heritage person, and it can be missed for children being cared for by people from different cultural backgrounds.”
Naomi says: “In order for the children to feel connected to their culture, understand their hair and skin and grow confidently, it is so important to fill this void, which is what our courses will do.”
Afro haircare programme details
The Hair Sanctuary unveiled the new course at its first caregivers’ event at its flagship salon in Manchester’s Sale this February, with more events set to run soon. The course covers natural styling, protective styling and hairstyles, care and maintenance, and avoiding damage or neglect to Afro and textured hair.
The initial courses are available for up to 15 people. The training involves studying and a ‘hands-on’ element so those caring for black and mixed heritage children can take what they learn home. Hands-on days in the salon will also be available for future courses and will coincide with the school holidays.
Avlon’s priority
Graham Oakes, General Manager for Avlon Europe, says: “Afro hair education is a top priority for Avlon, and as a company, we help salons to build successful businesses so that they can continue to play a vital role in their communities. We are thrilled to be able to support the launch of The Hair Sanctuary Training Academy and the course for foster carers. It is important to us that Afro-hair products are available and accessible for the people who need them. We can’t wait to see how these vital education programmes evolve.”
The long-term aim
Naomi says: “I’m so thrilled to have the support of industry leaders like Avlon. It means so much and has helped us to create this potentially life-changing programme. My long-term aim is to take this nationwide so we can help so many more carers and children through education and knowledge and put a stop to hair discrimination for good.”
For more information on the courses or to enquire about spaces, visit The Hair Sanctuary website: www.thehairsanctuaryltd.com
If you are interested in becoming an Avlon hair salon or would like more information about Avlon hair products and education, visit www.avloneurope.co.uk, email info@avloneurope.co.uk or call 0121 522 2124.
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