Big news for the U.K. entertainment industry.
The days of “bring your own product” are officially numbered.
In a massive team-up, the country’s biggest networks and top industry partners are joining forces for a game-changing new initiative.
They are rolling out a series of specialized masterclasses designed to upskill hair and makeup crews in textured hair and dark skin tones.
This is not another empty diversity pledge. It is a practical, overdue upgrade to industry standards.
According to Variety, the ‘Textured Hair & Make-up for Deep Skin-Tones Accelerator’ is a groundbreaking initiative from Dandi, an organization that champions diversity and inclusion in the UK’s screen industries.
As part of the team behind the TriForce Creative Network, this program builds on their 2025 Hair & Make-Up Equity Guidelines, aiming to create a more equitable environment for stylists and performers alike. According to Dandi, it allows a more “practical, scalable solution to ensure equitable, culturally competent styling across the UK’s screen industries.”
In a recent Equity survey, 71% of actors from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds said that hair and makeup departments still do not meet their needs, an issue that negatively affects their well-being, authenticity and the quality of the production. So, this initiative is a big step toward addressing the long-standing disparities in representation, offering a much-needed framework for stylists to embrace and celebrate the beauty of textured hair and deep skin tones, too.
The accelerator is a fantastic opportunity for aspiring professionals. It offers hands-on training, industry insights and direct connections to potential employers. Backed by Prime Video Pathway, which piloted a successful program in Scotland in 2025, the program has garnered support from major players like BBC, Sky, ITV, the WIFC (Women in Film Chicago) and Screen Alliance North.
And this year, the excitement continues with two new programs featuring masterclasses in collaboration with the Kevin Fortune Hair Styling Academy – one in the north and another in the south of the U.K. Each program will welcome 10 participants, providing an intimate setting for learning and networking.
“Working with such incredible partners, we can shift the landscape tangibly with solutions that directly address the fundamental issues surrounding Black hair and make-up. Where the guidelines set the standard, the Accelerator delivers the solution. Inclusive styling is essential, not optional,” Fraser Ayre, CEO of Dandi, said in a recent interview.
In 2024, Variety reported the glaring issue in the U.K. film industry about the inadequate attention given to natural hair care on set. Many Black British actors, including some prominent figures, found that hair departments often fell short in their ability to manage and style textured hair, as compared to the support their white co-stars received.
This lack of expertise forced these artists to come in hours early just to do their own hair or to send video tutorials to help the crew understand how to style it properly.
It’s disappointing to see such a critical aspect of representation overlooked, especially in an industry that prides itself on diversity and inclusion. The conversation around hair care on set is not just about aesthetics; it’s about respect, recognition and the acknowledgment that every actor deserves to feel confident and valued in their portrayal, regardless of how they look. But more importantly, this issue also highlights a significant gap in the industry: the lack of hairdressers and other artists of color who are already trained and well-versed in caring for all hair textures and complexions. By not prioritizing diverse talent in these roles, productions risk alienating actors and undermining the authenticity of their storytelling.
It’s time to ensure that all artists are included in behind-the-scenes roles, so that everyone arrives on set feeling valued and empowered.
And the stories being told reflect the rich tapestry of human experience.
