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TULSA, Okla. — A much healthier conversation about Black hair unfolded at this year’s Black Wall Street Legacy Fest Legacy Summit. Jaslyn M. Ferguson, founder and CEO of Historifi App and moderator of The Legacy of Hair panel, opened the discussion with a powerful, thought-provoking statement that set the tone for the entire conversation.
“I think one of the most important things that’s important for us to talk about, when we talk about the legacy of haircare, is this idea that there isn’t bad hair or good hair. These things don’t exist,” Ferguson stated. “Everybody just needs the right tools and the right environments to thrive.”
For generations, Black hair has been policed, politicized and rarely celebrated. The conversation traced that legacy, from painful memories of tender-headed childhoods to the creativity and joy found in haircare today.
Held inside the welcoming space of Fulton Street Books & Coffee—a Black and women-owned business located on historic Greenwood Avenue—the panel brought together Black hair entrepreneurs. Together, they explored the history, identity, and resilience embedded in every curl, twist, and braid.
From Pain to Empowerment: How One Man’s Journey Led to a Haircare Solution That Heals Generational Trauma
“I realized so many parents were struggling. And so many children grew up thinking something was wrong with them simply for being themselves,” Howard Moore, a panelist and co-creator of the scalp serum Tugs, said.
Moore shares a personal journey of discovering how painful and emotionally charged managing natural Black hair can be. While living in Sweden, where Black community members were rare, he met a woman from Tobago who became a maternal figure and tried to care for his hair. The painful experience led him to call home, only to learn that many people simply “tolerate” the pain without a real solution.
“So many kids who had grown up with just the trauma of feeling like their hair was a burden or feeling like they were the bad guy for just being themselves,” he noted.
Motivated by this, and aware of the emotional trauma many children and parents experience around haircare, Moore decided to find a better way. Collaborating with a professor from Dillard University. They developed a product aimed at transforming haircare from a painful, stressful task into a positive, bonding experience for both children and adults.
Reclaiming Luxury: How TJ Woodberry Is Redefining Beauty Spaces for Black Tulsa
Panelist TJ Woodberry is a dynamic serial entrepreneur based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the visionary owner behind two standout businesses: Silk Salon and Poppi’s Spa & Lounge.
Both of TJ Woodberry’s spaces make a statement the moment you walk in. “The place looks like something out of a magazine—Architectural Digest,” Ferguson remarked. The design of Silk, in particular, stands out. “It’s such a unique design, it’s just beyond.” Walking into these spaces feels transformative. “You’re transported somewhere else—like, am I even in Tulsa anymore?” she raved. That experience alone—the intentional beauty and atmosphere of these spaces—sets them apart and leaves a lasting impression.
“I think that quality service is an art, and a little bit of a lost art nowadays. So the thing that I kinda hang my hat on is quality service and that commitment to excellence,” Woodberry shared.
Woodberry’s commitment to luxury and high-quality service is intentional and deeply rooted in serving Black clients. Beauty and wellness industries have overlooked and underserved Black consumers for generations. By creating salons and spas that rival the world’s best, Woodberry is reclaiming that space.
‘Black clients deserve excellence,’ her approach seems to say. Silk and Poppi celebrate and elevate Black beauty, self-care, and community through every design and service detail.
Restoring Confidence, One Hair Cut at a Time
Chrissy Johnson brings more than styling skills to the chair—she brings healing. Known for her work with Transformation Church performances and the broader Tulsa community, Johnson uses every appointment and her social media page as an opportunity to affirm and empower her clients.
“We’ve been told our hair is unprofessional. But that’s not true. There’s no such thing as bad hair—just a system that taught us to hate our own.”
It’s why she’s intentional about every interaction, especially during moments that can trigger old wounds or insecurities. For Johnson, even a simple haircut can be an act of restoration.
“I turn people in the mirror when I trim their hair, ’cause cutting hair for Black women is super traumatic sometimes. A lot of times, we’ve left with a vibe, and we just wanted a trim. So yeah, I think I’m just intentional in small things. And like, if they come off the bat like, ‘My hair is horrible,’ or ‘My hair is bad,’ I immediately try to just bring it back in and educate,” she shared.
A Celebration of Hair, Healing, and Heritage
The Legacy of Hair panel at this year’s Legacy Fest wasn’t just about products or styles—it was about reclaiming agency, joy, and self-worth. Each panelist affirmed everyday beauty and addressed generational trauma, making one truth clear: Black hair is not a problem to be fixed, but a legacy to be honored.
