Meet Blue Tit’s Afro & Textured Hair Educator Sharley

Introducing Sharley Butcher!

The New Educator to Join our Blue Tit Family, Specialising in Afro Hair and Textured Hair

As part of our Diversity Roadmap progress, we appointed Sharley as the new Afro and Textured Hair Educator, who has started in the Blue Tit Brixton salon in December 2020. As we wait for our salons to reopen in 2021, due to national lockdown, we sat down with Sharley to hear more about her background and hear what she has planned for the Afro & Textured Hair education rollout across Blue Tit!

Tell Us About Yourself?

My name is Sharley Butcher and I have spent the last 15 years growing my knowledge and experiences within the hair industry both nationally and internationally.

I have a vast range of experience in all hair, including afro and textured hair types.

Throughout my career I have achieved my L’oreal colour degree, Management certification, Education Studies Degree, as well as being a member of an Artistic team, where I had the opportunity to work on various fashion shoots.

What Is Your Role At Blue Tit?

My role as an educator with Blue Tit is to provide a high level of training in afro and textured hair that will consist of theory, demos and practical sessions. Delivering this education will lead to the addition of services offered to clients with this hair type.

What Led You On Your Journey To Becoming A Hair Professional?

For as long as I can remember I have always enjoyed working with hair, being from a Caribbean background, hair styling was a big part of my culture.

I was fascinated by the versatility and the feel good factor that was associated with having your hair styled. Throughout school I excelled more in the creative subjects which made the decision to select hairdressing as my chosen path when transitioning to College.

Since then I have worked in a range of salons where I gained a wealth of hands-on experience. The great thing about hairdressing is that there are a multitude of routes within the industry that you can explore!

What Attracted You To Joining Blue Tit?

There are so many amazing hair salons in London that produce some great work, however, I was drawn to Blue Tit because of their acknowledgement of the lack of awareness, training and education available for afro and textured hair within mainstream salons.

This is a long standing issue and is something that resonates personally. I therefore take great pleasure in accepting this role which will contribute towards resolving this issue and making a positive change.

What Have You Enjoyed So Far Being Part Of The Team?

There are so many amazing hair salons in London that produce some great work, however, I was drawn to Blue Tit because of their acknowledgement of the lack of awareness, training and education available for afro and textured hair within mainstream salons.

This is a long standing issue and is something that resonates personally. I therefore take great pleasure in accepting this role which will contribute towards resolving this issue and making a positive change.

How Have You Found Brixton? What Do You Love About The Area?

It has been great working in Brixton as it is a cool quirky area. Brixton has a very diverse community. This will be advantageous once Blue tit begins to offer afro and textured hair services.

What’s The Most Important Thing When Doing Clients Hair?

The most important thing for me is listening carefully to what my client wants and managing their expectations accordingly. I like to be open and honest in order to build a trusting relationship. I think that this key to maintaining a long standing relationship with my clients.

What Would You Like To Achieve In Your New Posting At Blue Tit?

I would like every stylist and assistant that completes the Afro and Textured hair training to feel like they are equipped with knowledge and experience to carry out services on clients that have this hair type.

I would like to promote the services that we will be offering to afro and textured hair clients and increase the diversity of Blue Tits existing client base. The overall vision is that Blue tit will be recognised as a company that caters for all hair types

What Does The Future Of The Hair Industry Look Like To You?

Throughout the last 6 months I have seen a drastic increase of afro and textured hair being portrayed on hairdressing platforms. I can see this positive change increasing, and with that, also the increase in training within mainstream salons for this hair type.

Ultimately, what I would like to see is afro and textured hair modules added into the curriculum at NVQ level.

Who Is Your Hair Icon?

Currently, Michelle Thompson, Joseph Evans and Tippi Shorter. They are all amazing stylists that work with afro and textured hair.

They have a great online presence and provide training to share their skills and knowledge with other stylists.

What Are you Most Looking Forward To When The Salons Reopen?

Kick starting the Afro and Textured hair training and meeting the rest of the team in person.

Also, welcoming clients back and providing their first cuts and colours of 2021!

What Is the Plan or Courses For The Afro Textured Hair Training?

The course will consist of various modules including, Introduction to afro and textured hair types, consultation, hair tools and equipment, colour, cutting, relaxing and styling.

This course will be ongoing so stylists and assistants can undertake the training modules until they have a thorough understanding of afro and textured hair.

What Can Assistants And Stylists Expect?

Both stylists and assistants can expect to broaden their existing hairdressing knowledge by receiving the relevant information and hands on training to equip them for afro and textured hair clients.

Watch out for more updates from Sharley on styling and caring for natural afro and textured hair.

Click here for our latest Diversity Roadmap update.