Power of Hair 2025: Deepening the Conversation Around Identity and Confidence

2025 marked the first full year of delivery for the next phase of the Power of Hair programme, continuing our partnership with Pantene and building on four years of impact in schools across the UK.

This year, the programme reached 1,723 students across 37 schools in 16 regions, with 92% of participants reporting increased confidence and 100% saying they would recommend the workshop to a friend.

While Power of Hair began as a focused response to afro-textured hair discrimination, 2025 saw the programme deepen its exploration of identity, belonging and self-expression. Using hair as a starting point, students engaged in creative workshops spanning poetry, photography, games design and brand experience, reflecting on how hair connects to culture, confidence and how they see themselves.

Across primary, secondary and post-16 settings, classrooms became spaces for honest conversation, creativity and reflection.

It gave me a rise in confidence in my natural hair and made me feel happier in my identity.
Student, Woolwich Polytechnic for Girls

It was very eye opening and made me feel encouraged. I enjoyed hearing everyone’s story and learning that a lot of people go through the things I went through.
Student, Bullers Wood School

In 2025, we also strengthened the programme’s creative delivery. Photography was formally introduced as a core strand, supported by professional photographers and industry partners, enabling students to visually explore identity alongside spoken and written expression. Regional showcase events at Teesside University and Macclesfield College gave young people the opportunity to present their work and see their ideas celebrated beyond the classroom.

Teachers continued to highlight the programme’s relevance to wellbeing, literacy and inclusion:

Students reflected deeply on their confidence, not just in relation to hair, but in how they perceive themselves beyond the opinions of others.
Laura Thursby, Cultural Development Lead

Facilitators also observed powerful moments of recognition and validation, particularly among students who rarely see their experiences reflected in curriculum spaces.

Power of Hair in 2025 demonstrated that this programme is about more than hair. It is about creating space for young people to feel seen, heard and proud of who they are.

As we look ahead to 2026, we remain committed to working with Pantene and our network of schools to continue building confidence, celebrating identity and nurturing the next generation of creative voices.