Jul 31, 20233 min read

Afro Hair Academy Wales

This interview was conducted by Year 8 students from Cantonian High School during the development of their Cynefin Project, which was run in collaboration with the school and the Arts Council Wales.

Could you please introduce yourself and tell us about your profession?

My name is Joy Djadi, and I am a hairdressing tutor and the founder of Afro Hair Academy Wales. I am originally from Cardiff but have lived in London for the past 25 years, to advance my skills in hair and beauty. I am a qualified teacher, working in further education, and currently, I am utilising my combined skills to educate other hairdressers and beauticians about Black hair texture, maintenance, and styling.

There seems to be a growing effort in Wales to enhance diversity and inclusion. Why do you believe this is important?

Having been born in Wales, I'm excited about the progress I've witnessed. I enjoyed my time in London, where opportunities abound in its diverse environment. However, upon returning to Wales, I've noticed a significant increase in diversity and more opportunities to break down barriers. I believe this work is important because we all deserve to be see and heard as Welsh citizens.

When did you decide to pursue a career in hairdressing?

I began my hairdressing career at the age of 25. My desire to teach emerged while I was working as an assessor. While observing students' work, I realized that I enjoyed working with people and witnessing their achievements.

Why is it crucial for us to become more culturally competent?

Every industry must become more culturally competent, especially when working directly with the public. I interact with a diverse range of people on a daily basis and appreciate the value and beauty in everyone, regardless of their culture, religious beliefs, or skin tone. I maintain an open-minded approach, which is evident in the work we do at the academy. While our primary focus is on introducing more people to Afro hair, we also work with all hair textures.

How many individuals have you trained thus far?

Quantifying the exact number is challenging, but as an example, I've been doing this for over 25 years, and there are typically about 20-25 people in each class, so I would estimate it to be in the thousands.

What has been the feedback regarding your work and the academy?

The concept of the academy has been well-received, and we have had the opportunity to collaborate with numerous organisations, which has been exceptional. Prior to our initiative, no one had taken steps in this direction, even though there was a clear demand for it. Organisations have embraced the need for change and have reported improvements in their understanding and competence in working with Afro hair. This, in turn, expands opportunities for individuals with Afro hair to enter spaces where they may not have been included before due to a lack of cultural competence, such as film and TV. Additionally, I visit many universities where students are pursuing a Higher National Diploma (HND) in media makeup and film. I am proud that the academy can now enhance the skills of existing hairdressers and be introduced early in individuals' careers.

In your opinion, are there enough products available for Black and Brown skin in Wales?

Yes, I believe there are many products offered by small independent businesses, but awareness of these establishments may be lacking. Some people prefer to shop online or import products from Bristol or London and even abroad. However, when you visit high street retailers, the selection is quite limited. In the past two years, I am aware that Boots has introduced a range called Cantu, which has gained popularity, but there is still insufficient variety.

Why is it essential for organisations to learn how to work with Afro-textured hair?

During my hairdressing training, I was only taught to work with Caucasian hair. I recall asking my tutor why we weren't learning about Afro hair, and her response was, "there is no demand for it“. Here I was, a Black girl studying hairdressing, and I received that response. I firmly believe that every salon should possess these skills so that anyone who walks into a salon feels welcome and doesn't have to be directed elsewhere. As our nation becomes more diverse, it is imperative to recognise that Caucasian hair is not the only type of hair that needs attention.