Teaching textured hair as heritage, opportunity, and artistry
BEYOND THE COMBS · 501(c)(3) NONPROFIT
Beyond the Combs teaches textured hair as a craft to working film and TV professionals, as heritage to young people, and as a trade to new artists.
Our staffing service and Baldwin Hills salon put that expertise to work.
Why we exist
Textured hair knowledge is woefully under-taught.
For generations, people have passed down textured hair care at kitchen tables, but schools, trade programs, and sets rarely teach it. Young people lose touch with their heritage. Talented people can’t find a way into the trade. And production trailers, too often, lack people who know how to care for textured hair or match deeper skin tones.
Beyond the Combs was founded by Guild Award-winning, Emmy-nominated hairstylist Rhonda O’Neal, a second-generation stylist with more than 40 years behind the chair and nearly 25 years in IATSE Local 706. Her work spans Pirates of the Caribbean to The Drop. Now she and her cohort of working artists are teaching what they know to everyone who should have learned it.
Beyond the Combs’ Programming
For working artists. Train in textured hair and inclusive makeup to the standard film and television demand, from salon to trailer.
Hollywood Training Program
Youth Heritage Education
For young people. Learn textured hair care as Black heritage and cultural knowledge.
For people entering the trade. Hands-on training and pathways into hair and makeup careers for underrepresented and system-impacted individuals.
Workforce Development
Put our expertise to work.
Our staffing service and salon bring the same standard of care to productions and clients across Los Angeles.
Production staffing
Hire vetted hair and makeup artists who know every texture and tone, for film, TV, and live events.
→ Request Artists
Baldwin Hills Salon
Expert styling, protective care, and rejuvenating treatments for all textures.
→ Book Services
Help train the next generation.
Your tax-deductible gift funds scholarships, training supplies, and pathways into the trade for artists who have been shut out of it.
WHY BEYOND THE COMBS
Hands-on training with Hollywood experts
•
Elite hair & makeup artists available for your production
•
Salon services for all
•
Hands-on training with Hollywood experts • Elite hair & makeup artists available for your production • Salon services for all •
FAQs
-
Most pro modules require licensure; free foundations accept licensed stylists and qualified MUAs. Final-semester students may be considered.
-
Same-week for many LA holds. For travel jobs, submit dates and specs and we’ll confirm availability within one business day.
-
Leimert Park, Los Angeles. Security-patrolled lot parking available.
-
No guarantees, but exceptional graduates who pass readiness reviews may be invited onto our roster for staffing consideration.