Prepping and Rescuing Textured Hair For Fashion Week

There were many exciting trends shown during the showing of the fall/winter collections during New York Fashion Week (ending today), but one of the most apparent was the rise of “models of color” on the runway. In fact, it is reported that the number has grown from 10% in 2015 to 38% in the fall shows of 2018. We are still waiting for the final results for this past season, but it looks like it is trending up.

Even more apparent is the condition of the textured hair seen backstage during prep. Models traditionally have hair that has been “trashed” by the end of fashion week, but models are now prepping beforehand to keep their hair in the best shape possible and to set up a coat of armor for the teasing, pulling and yanking that takes place in most behind the scenes prep areas.

Mizani has stepped up to help and created “Fashion Week Survival Kits” for models of color.  According to the release sent to the press, “A frenzy of Instagram posts and stories, including those of top models Londone Myers, Lameka Fox, Aqua Parios, Herieth Paul, Amilano Estevao, Jourdana Phillips and Wallette Watson, revealed an unboxing and elated response to receiving these curated care packages that reaffirmed that all hair is good hair and every unique style deserves #TextureLove.” The release shares that Londone Myers, who often flaunts a naturally curly afro, told MIZANI her advice to fellow models is, "Protect your hair this season! Also, never leave the hotel without your backup products on you and do not leave the chair until you look as good as the girl next to you. You may end up with someone who does your hair really well or someone who has never done black or textured hair before -- so it is important to be prepared and to speak out.”

MODERN stopped by the MIZANI offices right before the latest shows kicked off to see models arriving for their custom #TextureLove appointments pre fashion week, held in their VIP Salon at the L’OREAL Headquarters in New York at Hudson Yards. The brand matches each model with a MIZANI Artist and #TexureLove appointment to prep for the havoc that their hair receives backstage during fashion week. For the F/W shows (that just wrapped up) MIZANI made sure no model did not have her arsenal of textured hair product while she was backstage. 150 models received mini survival kits with their beloved 25 Miracle Milk mini, 25 Miracle Nourishing Oil, and True Textures Perfect Coil Oil Gel.

MIZANI USA’s and Global Head of Marketing Tumi Soyinka says that "As a brand it is important to us as the Professional authority of Textured Hair to be make sure these model receive the TextureLove they deserve. In continuing our support for models of color with textured hair, we are servicing their hair needs pre and post NYFW; giving them the healthiest foundation needed to support them through their various style changes and to treat any damage that comes along with it. This is a passion point for Mizani and we are proud to elevate this issue and be a part of the change we want to see in today’s creative industries as it pertains to servicing the uniqueness of these models.”