It’s a wrap: reflections on our first series of afro hair care workshops

In February 2026, Done Together CIC delivered Wrexham’s first-ever series of Afro hair care workshops, which were made possible through a £4,200 grant from the Welsh Government Culture Grant Scheme, administered by Adferiad.

We organised, promoted and facilitated the programme, working with Lucy and Helen from Wrexham-based Dare to Dream hair salon, who led the technical teaching and demonstrations. Together, we set out to give everyday people something they’ve never had access to locally: practical, reliable and fun education on caring for afro‑textured hair.

Our aim was to provide clear information on caring for afro hair, including protective styling techniques and where to buy affordable products and guidance to support families, carers and young people so they no longer have to struggle, guess or travel out of the area for support. We wanted to create a space where their needs were understood, represented and met.

The results show just how effective community‑led, culturally specific learning can be.

A programme that changed confidence and understanding

Across five workshops, we reached 43 participants, including parents, carers, young people and professionals. Families and young people made up the majority, exactly who we hoped to support.

The impact was clear:

• 79% felt “a lot more confident” caring for afro‑textured hair

“I feel so much more confident caring for afro‑textured hair now.”

• 100% improved their understanding

Participants valued straightforward, hands‑on learning, ranging from hair science and protective styling to making natural hair masks and asking questions in a supportive environment.

A culturally relevant space Wrexham has been missing

This coverage from the BBC reflected what we heard throughout the programme: local families have long struggled to access afro hair care, advice and representation.

As the article highlighted, many parents fear “doing the wrong thing”, and some people still travel to Manchester or the West Midlands for support.

Done Together Director Natalie Edwards, who led on this project, shared with the BBC that: “These workshops are about more than styling, they’re about belonging.”

That theme came through strongly in our sessions. Participants told us they valued having somewhere local, friendly and culturally relevant to ask questions, learn techniques and build confidence. One attendee described it to the BBC as “a real bonding experience” with their child.

The BBC also highlighted the national picture: only a third of colleges currently teach afro hair care, despite updated industry standards saying all hairdressers should be trained. This gap is felt acutely in places like Wrexham, where access has historically been limited.

Our workshops offered a practical, community‑based response, and the feedback shows how much it was needed.

A foundation for long‑term change

For Done Together CIC, this project wasn’t just about hair. It was about belonging and ensuring that inclusion in Wrexham is something people can feel, not just hope for.

What’s next: responding to demand and widening our reach

This first series showed us exactly where the need is, and where we can go next.

We heard from:

• Hairdressers and trainees who want more textured‑hair training

• Foster carers, nursery workers and residential care staff who often support children with afro‑textured hair but receive no formal guidance

• Working adults who asked for later session times

• Families outside Wrexham who joined the online session and want more.

These insights mirror the BBC’s reporting that many people still travel long distances for afro hair care, and that training gaps in the sector remain widespread.