For generations, braiding has been much more than a hairstyling technique. Across Black communities, intricate braids have represented creativity, cultural heritage, personal expression and professional craftsmanship. But creating those styles can require hours of repetitive hand movements, leaving stylists with little choice but to accept the physical demands that come with the work.
Now, a new…
Celebrity hairstylist Naeemah LaFond's annual Texture on Set event made its return to Industry City in Brooklyn on a buzzing spring morning, drawing a diverse crowd of Black hairstylists, beauty professionals, and enthusiasts from across the industry. Now in its 2026 edition, the gathering has grown into one of the most meaningful days on the…

