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Workforce Development

Partner With Us

About Workforce Development

Beyond the Combs' Workforce Development program opens real pathways into the hair and makeup industry for underrepresented and system-impacted adults. Through partnerships with organizations like LA Trade Tech, participants work in our salon, train in our workshops alongside working artists, and, as their skills advance, get staffed on real productions.

Partners refer participants and help support them along the way. For funders, it's a direct investment in economic mobility and in an industry that needs more artists trained in textured hair and darker complexions.

The Pathway

Work in Our Salon

Participants start by working in the Beyond the Combs salon, building skills and confidence with real clients and textured hair of every kind.

Train in Our Workshops

They join our training workshops to learn advanced technique for textured hair and darker complexions from working artists in salons and on set.

Get Staffed on Real Productions

Once their skills have advanced, participants are staffed on real productions, gaining on-set experience and industry connections. The program is offered through partnerships only. Reach out to start a conversation.

❋ Real Salon Experience

Participants build skills working with real clients in the Beyond the Combs salon.

❋ Working Artist Instructors

Taught by professionals who work in salons and on set and know what the industry expects.

❋ On-Set Opportunities

As their skills advance, participants are staffed on real productions.

❋ Dignity & Support

A respectful space where every participant is met where they are, without judgment.

Makeup artist applying lipstick to a seated woman in front of a ring light mirror
Busy hair and makeup salon with clients and stylists seated at illuminated vanity mirrors.
Close-up of a person’s mouth as a hand gently pulls down the lower lip to examine the teeth and gums.
Makeup artist using a smartphone and ring light to photograph a woman in a beauty studio

How Partnerships Work

  • Contact us about bringing Workforce Development training to the people your organization serves.

  • We’ll learn about your participants, your goals, and the support your team already provides.

  • Together we shape the schedule, training focus, and referral process.

  • Our working artists lead the training, and we stay in close touch with your team throughout.

Sample Training Day

Textured Hair Foundations for the Salon

Check-In

9:00am

Technique Demo

9:30am

Lunch Break

12:00pm

Hands-On Practice

1:00pm

Career Skills

3:30pm

 FAQs

  • Underrepresented and system-impacted adults who want to build a career in hair and makeup, referred through our partner organizations.

  • Right now, participants join through partner referrals. If you’re interested, ask an organization you work with to reach out, or contact us and we’ll point you in the right direction.

  • Yes! We partner with schools and workforce organizations like LA Trade Tech. Reach out through our Contact page to start a conversation.

  • Cohorts are supported by partner organizations, grants, and donors. Beyond the Combs is a nonprofit, so gifts may be tax deductible. Contact us to talk about sponsoring a cohort.

  • None at all. We welcome every skill level, from first-timers to people looking to sharpen their technique.