Cosmetology courses aim to teach participants everything they need to know to care for their future clients’ skin, nails, and hair. But are there racial equity concerns when the care and styling techniques taught in these courses are typically for clients with straight hair, leaving behind a predominantly Black audience with textured hair? In this episode, Susan L. Peterkin joins Dr. Tamarra James-Todd to discuss the role of cosmetologists in beauty justice. They also discuss Susan’s career in the natural hair field and why helping others learn how to nurture and embrace their own, or their clients’ natural hair is essential in beauty justice efforts. 

Susan L. Peterkin is an award-winning cosmetologist, hair loss expert, and pioneer in cosmetology. She opened the first full-service natural hair salon located inside of a Dermatologic Hair Salon and the first all-natural hair (no hair extensions) salon in the DMV area, JAHA Hair Studio from 1996-2021. She also created and implemented the first Texture Hair Care Program at a correctional facility and taught the Natural Hair Course at Montgomery College, Susan founded The Natural Hair Industry Convention, an education platform for the advancement of professionals. In addition, Susan advocated for passing the CROWN ACT in the state and local government of Maryland. With over 35 years of experience, Susan is a voice of influence for professionals in the natural hair industry. You can follow Susan and her work  here: Instagram 

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