mixed race masterclass

With 1.2% of the total population, 15% of the ethnic minority population and 5% of all under fives fitting into the mixed race category, mixed race families are the fastest growing sector of the British population and the mixed race identity as well as the difficulties often associated with growing up as a mixed race child are a hot topic.

It has become clear that this is a group who’s individual needs, as well of the needs of their parents and families, in many ways are often overlooked.

On a chaotic afternoon in August, much like any other at Junior Green’s illustrious Kensington Salon, Junior was just about to lay down his scissors to snatch a five minute break when he noticed Natasha. Natasha, an otherwise glamorous mother of a beautiful five year old little girl with a full head of a mixture of deep brown ringlets and frizz, was upset and close to tears. After a heart to heart, Junior realised that Natasha; a single Caucasian mother was at her wits end with trying to style and nurture her lovely little girl's hair.

Junior couldn’t wait to get his hands on the wayward 'fro and got stuck in to teaching Natasha some quick and easy ways to style her daughters hair and mother and daughter left together feeling a lot happier. It was obvious to Junior that these two girls were unlikely to be the only people dealing with unruly mixed-race hair, and so after some research, focus groups and informal chats with families, Junior launched his Mixed Race Masterclass.

Having styled the likes of Lionel Richie, Tina Turner, Angela Griffin, Alesha Dixon and Leona Lewis, Junior feels passionately about using his years of experience in the world of celebrity afro and European hairdressing. He's created an inviting, fun atmosphere where parents can learn quick and easy ways to deal with their child’s hair in a relaxed and understanding environment.

Classes are held in Junior’s glamorous Beauchamp Place Salon and parents can choose to have a one to one tutorial or join a group session. Junior believes that parents of mixed race children should not feel that asking for help with their child’s hair is tantamount to admitting some kind of failure and that if these sessions can do just a little to remove this kind of taboo the results will be groundbreaking on a social level. And If he can create a fun and glamorous evening out at his salon at the same time, ‘well that’s just irie’ he says!

Contact Junior on:  www.junior-green.com

Tel: 0207 584 5134

Image from Colorblindcards.com - see 'Picture Perfect' from 2007...