On Thursday night, the NAACP Screening Room became a vibrant celebration of artistry, culture, and cinematic imagination as the NAACP and The Handy Foundation presented the 2025 Glam Squad Glow Up: Hair Wars. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Detroit Hair Wars of the 1980s, the evening honored textured hair as a powerful form of storytelling in film and television — while spotlighting a new generation of production glam professionals stepping confidently into the industry.
Guests packed the screening room for a runway experience that unfolded like a live-action fantasy film, featuring bold hair sculpting, coordinated character styling, and immersive concept design from the Spring and Fall 2025 cohorts of the NAACP x Handy Foundation Glam Squad Training Program, funded by Netflix. Under the guidance of lead instructor Keshia Smith, whose expertise and mentorship shape every phase of the eight-week curriculum, the trainees transformed their training into a dazzling display of imagination and technical precision.
The Spring 2025 Cohort ultimately earned the title of Hair Wars Champions with their show-stopping “Coming to America” concept — a jubilant tribute to Afro-royalty, majesty, and gilded extravagance. Their models floated down the runway in sculptural crowns, metallic fabrics, lush gold accents, and gleaming editorial makeup that captured the irreverent, regal spirit of the beloved film. Their work radiated skill and joy, proving that cultural homage can be both elevated and delightfully over-the-top. The win also came with a meaningful prize: tickets to attend the 2026 NAACP Image Awards, offering the artists a firsthand look at the highest levels of entertainment excellence and glam execution.
The Fall 2025 Cohort delivered an equally breathtaking interpretation of The Wiz, presenting a cinematic journey through Emerald City energy, poppy fields, metallic fantasy, and a sculpted Scarecrow look that fused SFX artistry with intricate hair engineering. From seven-texture crowns to metallic body glow to hand-built wardrobe pieces, the team transformed their models into living characters whose stories extended far beyond the stage.
The Fall 2025 Cohort brings The Wiz to life, showcasing bold, imaginative designs inspired by Emerald City fantasy and classic cinematic storytelling.
The runway was followed by a gallery-style showcase, allowing judges and guests to study the intricate details up close — braided architectural shapes, handcrafted accessories, layered textures, and the kind of makeup precision that defines on-set professionals. Judges Tiffany Yvonne Cox (Actress, Reasonable Doubt), Cache (Film/TV Hair Stylist), Andrea Mona Bowman (Head Hair Department, The Piano Lesson), and Yvette Shelton (Head Hair Department, FOREVER) evaluated both the artistry and the storytelling behind each concept, while host Bree Webber (Actress, BMF/All The King’s Men) guided guests through the night’s imaginative world.
Reflecting on the evening, Handy Foundation founder Ri-Karlo Handy said, “Events like Hair Wars prove just how much brilliance exists in the next generation of glam professionals. These artists aren’t just learning how to work on a set — they’re learning how to lead with culture, creativity, and compassion. The industry needs them, and we’re proud to help open those doors.”
Judge and actress Tiffany Yvonne Cox added, “What I saw tonight was cinematic-level artistry. These trainees approached hair and makeup like storytelling tools, not just beauty tasks. The precision, the concepts, the joy — this is the future of glam departments, and it’s in great hands.”
From the NAACP, Hollywood Bureau Vice President Robin Harrison shared, “The Glam Squad Training Program represents exactly what NAACP Studios was built for — creating pathways, nurturing talent, and ensuring that Black creatives have the resources and visibility they deserve. Seeing these artists shine on our stage tonight was profoundly inspiring. They are ready. And Hollywood should take note.”
The NAACP × Handy Foundation Glam Squad Training Program — supported by Netflix’s Fund for Creative Equity — continues to develop emerging artists with eight weeks of specialized training in textured hair, inclusive makeup, SFX, set etiquette, and professional readiness. Hair Wars stands as the program’s culminating showcase, giving trainees their first opportunity to perform, compete, and present their artistry in a professional, industry-facing environment.
For the Spring Cohort, the victory was more than a win. It was a statement: textured hair, cultural imagination, and Black glam artistry aren’t just accessories to storytelling — they are storytelling. And on this night, they owned the screen.
Photo credit: Jairus Williams, courtesy of NAACP & Handy Foundation
