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.
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.
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.
The Anticipation
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
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.
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.
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.
This simple, platinum blonde finger wave moment is classic and chic but spontaneous. The ruby-red hooded dress is perfect for this retro ensemble.
Mohawk realness! Bring out your inner rockstar with this glamorous, medium-brown textured mohawk.
This crisp, half-braided afro is giving cottage-core realness. The textured piece is bluntly cut and topped with an abstract cornrow design.
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.
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
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.