Raising the Standard: Inclusive Hairdressing Education from Day One

At Fusion Hair Co., textured hair specialist Chris Grimley is reshaping British hairdressing by making inclusive, texture-led education core from the very first training day

At Fusion Hair Co., salon owner and textured hair specialist Chris Grimley is driving a cultural shift in British hairdressing by making inclusive, texture-led education the foundation of training from day one. In a sector where textured hair has too often been treated as a niche or afterthought, Fusion Hair Co. and the Textured Curl Academy ensure every stylist learns to work confidently with curls, coils, and waves from the very start of their career.

For too long, the industry has treated textured hair as a speciality, often introducing it late, if at all. As a result, many stylists and salons do not have the knowledge or confidence needed to serve clients with curls, coils, or waves. Through her work at Fusion Co. and the Textured Curl Academy, Chris is challenging the status quo and initiating change from the ground up.

Founded in early 2024, the Textured Curl Academy was established to eliminate the fear associated with textured hair services and to promote inclusivity as a professional standard.

Why Hairdressers Need to be Inclusive

“My goal has always been simple,” Chris explains. “We can’t call ourselves truly professional if we can’t serve every client confidently. We wouldn’t accept a seamstress saying, ‘I only sew cotton, not denim.’ Hair is no different. It’s all just material; you just need to understand the nuances.”

This practical, inclusive philosophy isn’t just reserved for Academy attendees. At Fusion Hair Co., it underpins every apprentice’s training from the moment they join the team.

Chris has made it her mission to ensure that every member of her team learns how to approach all hair types with the same level of competence and care. “We teach texture from day one,” she says. “It’s not a bolt-on. It’s part of being a professional.”

The impact of this can be seen in the development of her team, particularly three emerging stylists whose journeys reflect the power of inclusive education when it’s built in early.

Ruby’s Story

Ruby Watson began her career at Fusion Hair Co. at just 16. Today, she’s a senior stylist whose work reflects a depth of training rarely seen at such an early stage in a career. Thanks to a foundation built on inclusive education, she’s developed the confidence and capability to style all hair textures, whether braiding, creating silk presses, or executing intricate, editorial looks.

One of Ruby’s standout moments was assisting at the Afro Hair & Beauty Live Contest, where she helped craft a series of avant-garde textured styles that went on to win second place. Working under pressure, with a brief that pushed creative boundaries, Ruby held her own, earning recognition from seasoned stylists in the process.

“A key lesson I’ve learnt from Chris is that it’s just hair,” Ruby explains. “You have to adjust your techniques, but all textures are included. There’s no limit to what I can learn.”

Ruby has also taken to the stage to showcase her work, including a solo platform at the How to Cut It event, where she demonstrated hair-up techniques to a room full of industry peers. She has assisted on photoshoots, including for the Good Salon Guide, and continues to expand her creative repertoire at leading events like Salon International, Colour World, and HairCon.

Her ability to move seamlessly between salon services and high-pressure, high-visibility opportunities is a direct result of Chris’s inclusive and opportunity-driven mentoring. Now, with a full column of clients and a growing profile in the industry, Ruby is a clear example of how investing in young talent, with texture at the centre, creates confident, well-rounded professionals.

Sienna’s Story

Sienna Gibbins began her journey in college but soon realised the structure wasn’t giving her the real-world experience she needed. Seeking something more practical and personal, she joined Fusion Hair Co. and hasn’t looked back since.

“I didn’t just want to learn. I wanted to understand,” she says. “At Fusion, I’ve had opportunities I never imagined at my age, photoshoots, industry events, and one-on-one training. Chris believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.”

That belief has paid off. In just over two years, Sienna has completed her apprenticeship with distinction, won Apprentice of the Year at the Salon Awards, and built a reputation for her technical skill and professionalism. She now runs a full column, offering services from balayage and colour correction to curly cuts and smoothing treatments.

Beyond her growing technical portfolio, Sienna is passionate about broadening the industry’s understanding of textured hair, not as a niche, but as a professional standard. Under Chris’s mentorship, she has trained extensively in curls and coils and now feels confident approaching all hair types, where many stylists still hesitate.

Her career so far is marked by consistent growth, self-awareness, and a commitment to continual learning. Now fully qualified, she’s setting her sights on advanced training, creative colour, and eventually mentoring others. “I want to give the same energy and encouragement to someone else that Chris gave to me,” she says.

Jessica’s Story

For second-year apprentice Jessica Kelly, growth comes from immersing herself fully in every aspect of salon life. “I’ve gone from simply observing to actively participating on the salon floor,” she explains. “At Fusion, we’re encouraged to experiment, ask questions, and use every spare moment to improve.

Jessica thrives in a salon culture that values regular team meetings, personalised one-on-one training, and rich industry exposure. Having successfully completed all her theory exams, she is now honing her practical skills, perfecting techniques in foiling, perming, and smoothing treatments.

“I’m already providing keratin services,” she notes proudly, “which is usually taught at Level 3. Having this experience early in my apprenticeship has been invaluable, boosting my confidence and broadening my skill set.”

Her commitment extends beyond technical skills. Working in a specialist curly hair salon has profoundly shaped her perspective. “It’s clear how many people feel overlooked by mainstream salons when it comes to textured hair,” Jessica says. “I want to be part of changing that narrative and making every client feel seen and confident in their hair.”

Jessica’s journey is defined by her dedication to continual learning and her passion for elevating textured hair care. As she approaches her final assessments and prepares for her End Point Assessment, she is eager to further refine her craft and become a fully qualified stylist ready to make a real impact.

True Inclusivity

Through her vision and commitment, Chris is proving that inclusive hair education shouldn’t be an optional extra or an afterthought. By teaching texture as a fundamental skill from day one, she is empowering a new generation of stylists to serve every client with skill, confidence, and respect. In doing so, Fusion Hair Co. and the Textured Curl Academy are not just changing the conversation; they’re setting a new standard for true inclusivity in the industry.