SUBSCRIBE
  • Home
  • Watch
  • 2024 Event
    • General Info
    • Presenters & Speakers
    • Tickets
    • Get in Touch
    • FAQ
  • Shop
Home • Beautycon

How These "Texture on The Runway" Styles Commanded The Catwalk at EssenceFest

Be captivated by Texture on The Runway.
Share this Article
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
How These "Texture on The Runway" Styles Commanded The Catwalk at EssenceFest
By Ayeshah Plummer · Updated July 6, 2024

A time was had at the BeautyCon stage! Texture on The Runway revolutionized the hair game with iconic looks that seamlessly blended the essence of editorial magazines and the vibrancy of New Orleans culture.

How These “Texture on The Runway” Styles Commanded The Catwalk at EssenceFest

Models strutted and posed on the catwalk, showcasing unique pieces that beautifully merged Black hair with high fashion. L’Oréal Professionnel, Mizani, Redken, Matrix, Carol’s Daughter, NYX Professional Makeup, and essie Nail Polish — all part of the L’Oréal Groupe family — joined forces to put textured hair center stage in a celebration of its unique beauty.

How These “Texture on The Runway” Styles Commanded The Catwalk at EssenceFest

The highly anticipated runway show, curated by NOLA-bred hairstylists and THE TEXTURE OF CHANGE™, Tippi Shorter, Michelle O’Connor, Jamal Edmonds, Allen Pazon, Mandy D Williams, and Dhairius Thomas, left the audience in awe with their jaw-dropping looks.

How These “Texture on The Runway” Styles Commanded The Catwalk at EssenceFest

The Anticipation

How These “Texture on The Runway” Styles Commanded The Catwalk at EssenceFest

Johnny Wright ignited the crowd’s excitement when he announced that Texture on the Runway celebrates fashion and hair culture. As New Orleans marks its 30th year, the Essence Fest served as the perfect “backdrop” to honor Black beauty and empower all Black women to shine. 

Head-Turning Looks

How These “Texture on The Runway” Styles Commanded The Catwalk at EssenceFest

Each hair look was a moment. The architect of each hairstyle looked as if it was designed for an editorial spread. Models with different hair types shined as they glided on the runway. One by one, eleven models gave multidimensional hair inspiration. The AirLight Pro created each stunning look, the first professional hair dryer augmented with infrared light by L’Oreal Professionnel.

How These “Texture on The Runway” Styles Commanded The Catwalk at EssenceFest

This stunning red abstract braided look shifted the energy in the room. The model complimented her hair with a bright, golden dress and rocked a half-up, half-down burgundy hairpiece. The upper half of the do was constructed with uniformed plaits that were crafted to perfection. Stylists kept the lower half simple but tousled with waves.

How These “Texture on The Runway” Styles Commanded The Catwalk at EssenceFest

Feathered and fabulous! This model killed it with her yellow, avant-garde dress and hair to match. The hair was styled in a sleek but lengthy low-textured ponytail wrapped at the base and secured with parted yellow rubber bands. This look is a fashion-forward ode to Y2K fashion.  

Big blowouts will forever be a moment. This model rocked a simple but voluminous blowout style with subtle waves. This is perfect for a versatile look. Whether for brunch or a night out, this Diana Ross-inspired style is the topic of conversation. 

Look extraterrestrial with this remixed Bantu knot-out style. This model posed in an auburn and dark brown exaggerated textured hair look. This intergalactic hairstyle gives the main character energy. 

Article continues after video.

This simple, platinum blonde finger wave moment is classic and chic but spontaneous. The ruby-red hooded dress is perfect for this retro ensemble.

How These “Texture on The Runway” Styles Commanded The Catwalk at EssenceFest

Mohawk realness! Bring out your inner rockstar with this glamorous, medium-brown textured mohawk. 

How These “Texture on The Runway” Styles Commanded The Catwalk at EssenceFest

This crisp, half-braided afro is giving cottage-core realness. The textured piece is bluntly cut and topped with an abstract cornrow design.

How These “Texture on The Runway” Styles Commanded The Catwalk at EssenceFest

The most constructed hairpiece designed by hair scientists. This piece perfectly balances traditional editorial hairstyling while giving an amplified ode to the French twist updos and hair “bundles.”

This curly fro look screams 80s baby! The tousled magenta hair piece is clipped to the side, a nostalgic but safe hair styling approach for curly hair lovers.

How These “Texture on The Runway” Styles Commanded The Catwalk at EssenceFest
APRILSKIN Pink Aloe Facial Polish Cleanser
Amazon
APRILSKIN Pink Aloe Facial Polish Cleanser
SHOP NOW
Top Product.
Briogeo Style + Treat™ Dry Shampoo Puff
Briogeo
Briogeo Style + Treat™ Dry Shampoo Puff
SHOP NOW
Holler & Glow 12 Days of Self Care 12 Piece Masking Set
Target
Holler & Glow 12 Days of Self Care 12 Piece Masking Set
SHOP NOW
Lanolips Day & Night Lip Minis
Lanolips
Lanolips Day & Night Lip Minis
SHOP NOW
Ruby Kisses Lip Oil Booster
Amazon
Ruby Kisses Lip Oil Booster
SHOP NOW
Melanie Mills Hollywood Gleam Body Radiance
Amazon
Melanie Mills Hollywood Gleam Body Radiance
SHOP NOW
Catrice Under Eye Brightener
Amazon
Catrice Under Eye Brightener
SHOP NOW
Curlsmith  Shake + Shine
Amazon
Curlsmith Shake + Shine
SHOP NOW

A true Bridgerton baddie! Beauty editor Akili King stated the hit TV series was a remnant of this hair look. This timeless coiffure is pinned to perfection! The model’s hair was styled with golden accessories throughout her crown.

Abstract braids for the win! Abstract braids became a part of the new wave of protective styles. The craftsmanship on the braided updo is foundational but extravagant.

Wrapping Up

How These “Texture on The Runway” Styles Commanded The Catwalk at EssenceFest

Texture on the Runway has paved the way for young entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams while making a mark on the hair industry. Stay tuned for more textured hair inspiration during the 30th celebration of the Essence Festival.

The ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola® will take place July 4-7. For more information and updates on the festival, visit our website and follow us on social media @ESSENCEFest on X, Facebook, and Instagram.

Read More

How Donni Davy Built Half Magic By Following Her Intuition
Beauty
How Donni Davy Built Half Magic By Following Her Intuition
Our Favorite Beauty Looks From The 2025 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards
Beauty
Our Favorite Beauty Looks From The 2025 ESSENCE Black Women ...
Ask A Stylist: Color Combos To Try During Your Winter Arc
Curly
Ask A Stylist: Color Combos To Try During Your Winter Arc
How Growing Up as a Black Man Shaped My Relationship with My Curls
Curly
How Growing Up as a Black Man Shaped My Relationship with My...
Jayda Cheaves Is Revolutionizing Hair Culture One Style At A Time
Shop
Jayda Cheaves Is Revolutionizing Hair Culture One Style At A...
Company Information
  • Customer Service
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
Subscribe
  • Newsletters
FOLLOW US
  • Home
  • Watch
  • 2024 Event
    • General Info
    • Presenters & Speakers
    • Tickets
    • Get in Touch
    • FAQ
  • Shop