This February, faculty and staff in NC’s Hairstyling program were inspired to support a local organization with NC roots.
Following the culinary pop-up in support of Erica’s Embrace, hairstyling professor Joe Abbruscato saw a natural connection between the program and the cause and an opportunity to give back.
“Erica is not only an alumna of the college but also an advocate of promoting health and beauty in an inclusive way. How could we as a hairstyling program not get involved?”
Erica’s Embrace – founded by alumna Erica Williams (Social Service Worker, 2018) – began as a donation service to provide local shelters with Black hair care and beauty products, recognizing a need to ensure Black, African and Caribbean women felt seen and welcome for their unique hair texture. Today, the organization has expanded to include advocacy within the Niagara Region.
Abbruscato sought out Black hair care products to donate with the help of his students and a recent alumna. Level one student Johanna Ross put together a list of product recommendations, and alumna and Beauty by Nature Salon owner Neva Holder (Hairstyling diploma, 2018; Office Administration – General certificate, 2020), who specializes in textured hair styles, provided guidance.
Local distributors Nicole Christopher from Cosmoprof Canada and Alexa Martorelli from Radiant Beauty Systems donated a variety of products, including Cantu and Deva Curl shampoo, conditioner and styling products designed for textured hair. Abbruscato also purchased a supply for students in the Hairstyling program to use in the lab and for clients to feel more comfortable coming in. He noted that some of the products were purchased at Louriel Salon & Beauty supply in St. Catharines.
“We are just getting our feet wet with textured hair,” said Abbruscato. “This is an important initiative to be part of not only to give back to the community, but also to give our students more opportunities within the program to learn about Black and textured hair.”
Abbruscato says that their new textbook includes lessons on texture, and students learn on mannequins with textured hair and by using specially designed products.
“It’s about taking steps to expand our learning and be more inclusive to those from diverse backgrounds and hair care needs so everyone feels welcome.”
As the industry shifts, Abbruscato recognizes the need to change along with it.
“Who better to learn from about textured hair than the people who have it.”
Williams will headline NC’s Black History Month events with a virtual talk for the College community – In Conversation with Erica Williams – on February 21 at 1 p.m.
Professor Joe Abbruscato
