Discrimination and lack of opportunities for Black, Asian and minority ethnics (BAME) in 2020 is sadly still very real in the hair industry. In light of the recent events around the world, I feel it’s the right time to bring you this podcast covering this matter. Joining me for it is Farah Khan, an asian hairdresser who has worked in many leading salons. Sharing some of her personal experiences within the hair industry that includes discrimination and lack of opportunities Farah says, “This conversation is not comfortable but one we need to have.”

At 16 Farah started her hairdressing with Vidal Sassoon where she spent time assisting Mark Hayes and Edward Darley. On completing her training she went to explore the mainstream hairdressing world further. Unfortunately it was at this point she discovered a very big divide, no diversity and where she was never seen as part of the team. And even more alarmingly she was denied opportunities with some leading salon names and agencies due to her appearance of wearing a hijab (headscarfs) and abaya (loose over-garment).

With experiencing such negativity, Farah has become passionate that brands and the mainstream hair industry must make changes. By all becoming more inclusive, diversity being part of the hiring process, not afraid of dialogue and being ready to learn will all help in Farah’s mission to encourage those from her community to enter into our more open and inclusive hair industry world.

As Farah passionately says, “It is a constant struggle as my community are not fairly represented and hence fewer people entering the industry. I have been campaigning for change for a long time, when I see injustice I speak up and try to educate and create an environment of dialogue.”

Both myself and Farah hope that this podcast today will start the stepping stone towards change within our industry.

 

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Special thanks to Farah Khan for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

Today’s Guest

Starting her career at 16 with Vidal Sassoon Farah has worked for some of hairdressings leading names. For 3 years Dubai she worked as Editorial Hairstylist at the prestigious Sisters Beauty Lounge, a reputable company with a lot of heritage. It was during this time she got to lead my team at Dubai fashion week twice, worked with publications such a Grazia, harpers bazaar, Elle, emirates woman and others.

Currently based at Benedicks in the UK, Farah is using herleadership position for her to for change and try to encourage those in my community to enter our world.

Starting her career at 16 with Vidal Sassoon Farah has worked for some of hairdressings leading names. For 3 years Dubai she worked as Editorial Hairstylist at the prestigious Sisters Beauty Lounge, a reputable company with a lot of heritage. It was during this time she got to lead my team at Dubai fashion week twice, worked with publications such a Grazia, harpers bazaar, Elle, emirates woman and others.

Currently based at Benedicks in the UK, Farah is using herleadership position for her to for change and try to encourage those in her community to enter the hair world.

Show notes:

Heres some of what we cover in todays episode with Farah

  • 00 min 31 sec: Show intro.
  • 04 min 57 sec: Getting the discussion started.
  • 07 min 39 sec: Introduction into Farah and negativity she experienced.
  • 18 min 43 sec: People stereotype.
  • 21 min 25 sec: Why moving to Dubai was the next option for Farah.
  • 28 min 04 sec: Racial abuse Farah experienced from her team and clients.
  • 32 min 30 sec: The systemic issues not in favour of minorities.
  • 37 min 12 sec: White dominated mainstream har media.
  • 42 min 25 sec: How can we all change and make a difference.
  • 47 min 39 sec: A better world we can make.
  • 51 min 27 sec: Why we should all be doing afro textured hair.
  • 54 min 18 sec: Don’t be afraid to engage in dialogue.
  • 01 hr 01 min 11 sec: Farah becoming a voice to brands and media.
  • 01 hr 01 min 16 sec: Dom’s Last 5 Questions.
  • 01 hr 04 min 50 sec: Show outro.

Resources

@brownbosslady
brownbosslady.com
@benedickthairdressing

NaeemahLaFond
laceyredway

 


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