Keya Neal, a seasoned beauty industry professional with 30 years of experience, is renowned for her groundbreaking work in breaking the textural and racial boundaries that segregate the hair industry. As a color educator, speaker, and DEI consultant, Keya has transformed the landscape of hair education and advocacy.
As the founder of Kolour Kulture and the Texture VS Race movement, Keya focuses on teaching stylists to identify and work with all hair textures. Her REPAIRations program partners with Texture VS Race Collab Coaches to provide underserved Black stylists with equitable education, championing diversity and inclusion both behind the chair and behind the scenes in the salon industry.
Texture VS Race operates on multiple fronts, featuring education, advocacy, equity, support for the school system, and consulting with major beauty brands to help them present themselves authentically. Keya has transitioned her expertise into a multifaceted consultancy role, specializing in leadership training, DEI initiatives, campaign activations, and engaging fireside chats with internal groups.
Known for her keynotes, panel facilitations, and leadership training, Keya draws upon her extensive background as a business owner, team leader, and educator to empower people nationwide in fostering safer and more inclusive environments. She was featured in HBO Max’s four-part documentary “Not So Pretty,” where she was celebrated as the “Wise Woman” and shared the history of the broken relationship between Black individuals and America, emphasizing that “Hair is indeed a fabric, not a race.”
Keya’s passion for education and her impactful work has led her to be named North American Hair Awards’ 2024 (NAHA) Educator of The Year, a testament to her significant contributions to the beauty industry.
WWW.KolourKulture.comInstagram.com/keyaartistically
