MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Gladys Afolayan (Calgary based) is a Afro Texture hair educator with over 20 years of industry experience. She is nationally recognized for her skill and creativity as a braiding and hair colour specialist. A certified and licensed cosmetology instructor and entrepreneur Gladys partnered with the Alberta provincial government to develop Canada’s first accredited Afro-textured hair curriculum to close the gap in the current education. As the founder of Kulture Beauty Collective and the Kulture Institute of Cosmetology, Gladys is passionate about creating inclusive experiences and interactions between stylists and clients from different cultural backgrounds.
Course Content
This course covers: Module 1: Afro-Textured Hair Fundamentals 1. Understanding curls, coils, and kinks 2. Hair behavior, shrinkage, and elasticity 3. Importance of proper sectioning and control Module 2: Lines, Angles & Elevation 1. Understanding lines vs angles in haircutting 2. Elevation levels: 3. Low (0–30°) – weight and fullness 4. Medium (45°) – balanced layering 5. High (90°+) – volume and movement 6. How elevation affects shrinkage and final shape Module 3: Wave & Curl Patterns 1. Curl classifications (wavy, curly, coily) 2. Growth patterns and natural fall 3. Working with—not against—curl direction 4. Cutting with shrinkage allowance Module 4: Tools & Techniques 1. Shears (precision cutting) 2. Razor (soft shaping – controlled use) 3. Taper shears (texturizing) 4. Afrocentric cutting principles: 5. Low tension cutting 6. Dry vs damp cutting techniques 7. Free-hand shaping Module 5: Core Haircuts 1. Blunt / One-Length Cut 2. Graduated Cut (45° layering) 3. Layered Cut (90° uniform layers) 4. Afrocentric adaptations: 5. Maintaining curl integrity 6. Avoiding over-layering 7. Creating rounded, balanced shapes Module 6: Density & Texture Mapping 1. Understanding thin vs medium vs thick density 2. Weight distribution techniques 3. Customizing cuts based on texture + density matrix Module 7: Tension & Control 1. Understanding tension in Afro hair 2. Minimal tension cutting for accuracy 3. Preventing shrinkage distortion 4. Body positioning and control Module 8: Finishing & Detailing 1. Blending and shaping 2. Hairline detailing (edges, nape, fringe) 3. Cross-checking for balance 4. Final refinement techniques Module 9: Key Terms & Professional Language 1. Cutting line 2. Distribution 3. Growth pattern 4. Crown 5. Cross-checking 6. Guideline 7. Free-hand slicing Learning Format: 1. Structured theory lessons 2. Visual demonstrations 3. Step-by-step cutting breakdowns 4. Hands-on practice sessions 5. Instructor corrections and feedback Students will: 1. Perform sectioning and controlled cutting techniques 2. Execute blunt, graduated, and layered cuts 3. Work on mannequins and live models 4. Apply Afrocentric cutting principles in real scenarios 5. Complete full haircut transformations
Who This Course Is For
1. Beginners learning haircutting fundamentals 2. Stylists transitioning into textured hair specialization 3. Professionals refining precision cutting skills 4. Barbers expanding into Afro-textured haircutting
About the Course
About Kulture Institute of Cosmetology Kulture Institute delivers structured, inclusive, and industry-aligned beauty education focused on textured hair. Our programs develop confident, skilled, and industry-ready professionals. From guest work to professional, industry-standard career pathways. Kulture Institute of Cosmetology is redefining beauty education in Alberta, Canada. Our courses are meticulously crafted for aspiring professional stylists, beauty entrepreneurs, and individuals seeking structured cosmetology training aligned with real industry standards. Students learn both foundational and advanced hairstyling skills, client consultation, professional responsibility, and technical mastery — preparing them not just to style hair, but to build sustainable careers. In a world where the beauty standard has historically centered Eurocentric hair, Kulture Institute of Cosmetology is intentionally bridging the gap. We are bringing inclusivity, equality, and a truly diverse approach to the beauty industry. We are bringing balance. Our graduates are trained to confidently work with all hair types, while placing strong emphasis on mastering the art, design, science, and technical skill behind Afro-textured hair. We believe excellence means understanding texture in its full spectrum — straight, wavy, curly, coily, and everything in between. In institutions where straight hair has traditionally been the dominant educational focus, Kulture Institute of Cosmetology introduces balance, uniformity, and true industry readiness in a world of diversity. We are not replacing standards. We are expanding them. Our mission is simple: To graduate confident, skilled, and culturally competent professionals who are ready to serve a diverse community with excellence. Join us for a fulfilling and rewarding career path in the world of hairstyling!
Ready to Transform Your Career?
Master the art of cutting Afro-textured hair with confidence, precision, and purpose.
$165.00 / month with 14 day free trial