Photography: Courtesy of Professional Beauty Association (PBA)
Redefining what inclusive hairdressing looks like—in classrooms, backstage, and on the world’s biggest stages—Michelle O’Connor, Tippi Shorter, Jamal Edmonds and Jada Jenkins didn’t just make room in the industry for textured hair, they kicked the door wide open. Through their individual efforts and collective action as part of The Texture of Change—formed in partnership by L’Oréal USA Professional Products Division and the Professional Beauty Association—they continue to advance a movement committed to improving access to curly, coily and wavy hair education. Read on to learn a more about these industry-renowned and globally-celebrated stylists.
Michelle O'Connor (@michelleoconnorbeauty)
Michelle O’Connor is the Global Artistic Director at Matrix, celebrated for her award-winning creativity and textured-hair mastery. A six-time North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) winner and member of the Ulta Beauty Pro Team, her editorial and educational work continues to push the boundaries of beauty and elevate representation across the industry. As ambassador for The Texture of Change, Michelle champions texture-inclusive education that inspires stylists everywhere to expand their craft.
Jamal Edmonds (@lamajbackwards)
Jamal Edmonds is a Redken and Mizani Artist, and the owner of JE Parlour in Suitland, Maryland. The 2018, 2020 and 2022 North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) finalist/winner is known for his sculptural cuts, editorial shapes, and trend-setting approach to textured hair. His innovative artistry and commitment to elevating texture have made him one of the industry’s most influential creative forces, frequently tapped by editorial publications and New York Fashion Week, and called upon to care for the famous tresses of Teyana Taylor, Terence Howard and Eva Marcille. As an ambassador for The Texture of Change, Jamal helps advance texture-inclusive education nationwide, inspiring stylists to lead with creativity, confidence, and technical excellence across all curl patterns and coils.
Jada Jenkins (@jadajenkinsco)
Jada Jenkins is a Mizani Artist and the owner of L’amour de Rose Salon in Maryland, celebrated for her precision cutting, dimensional color, and healthy-hair approach to textured services. A sought-after educator, she blends deep technical expertise with a gift for breaking down complex concepts in ways stylists can immediately apply behind the chair. As a Texture of Change ambassador, Jada empowers professionals to confidently care for every texture through education rooted in skill, intention, and cultural awareness.
Tippi Shorter (@tippishorter)
Tippi Shorter is a L’Oréal Professionnel and Mizani Artist, a legendary celebrity stylist, and the creator of the iconic Mizani AirCut—a specialized, curl-by-curl dry cutting technique for curly, coily and wavy hair that enhances natural texture, volume and movement. With more than two decades of shaping red carpet, runway, and editorial texture trends, her gentle, health-first approach has made her one of the most influential voices in textured-hair care. Her ambassador role with The Texture of Change reflects her commitment to moving the industry forward through culturally informed, texture-inclusive education.
Tippi has been nominated for two categories in this year's 37th Annual North American Hairstyling Awards. Check out to see if she takes the win in Texture and Haircutting on Sunday, May 31, 2026 in Orlando, Florida at Premiere Orlando.