Stylist Casey Kilbane, left, cuts the hair of Elijah Smith during the Textured Hair Expo last year at Bridge Street Middle School in Wheeling. (File Photo)

WHEELING — The fourth annual Textured Hair Expo sponsored by Ohio County Schools is set to happen next month, and a focus on nails and fashion is being added to the mix.

Additionally, there just might be a fashion show as part of the event starring some members of the Wheeling Park High School Black Student Union, according to Unique Murphy, communities in schools social worker at WPHS.

The Textured Hair Expo will take place from 5-6:30 p.m. Feb. 26 at Bridge Street Middle School.

“We have a variety of volunteers and businesses participating,” she said.

Among the salons participating will be the Just Me Salon, the Elite Academy of Hair Design, the Luxury Lifestyle Grooming Lounge, Bare Beauty, Klawz by Kyra, Stradwick’s Fade Cave and AB Artistry.

In addition to stylists participating, there will also be two fashion stores represented — Two Times: Clothing and Collectibles and Outdated Threads.

“We’re featuring more than hair this year,” Murphy said. “We’re going to include instruction on waxing and lashes. We chose those two things because they are popular within diverse communities, especially the younger people.

“We found that they are a big part of self-esteem for many people, and we wanted to include them this year.”

She has plans for the two retail stores, as well.

“We’re hoping to have a fashion show,” Murphy said. “We will display their clothing, and utilize some students from the Black Student Union to show off their clothing.

“They’ll serve as models, getting their hair, nails and lashes done. Then they’ll walk through the gym and show off.”

Murphy is particularly happy that the Elite Academy of Hair Design — a cosmetology school — is taking part in the event.

“This might be the biggest part of the expo for students and parents who are interested in careers in cosmetology,” she explained. “We don’t offer that at the high school.

“Honestly, I know there is a need for programs and events specific to diversity and inclusion. Given the current state of the country, with DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) programs being rolled back, it’s as important now as it has ever been to make sure they continue.”

Murphy explained a “diverse population” as meaning the existence of “minorities in all areas,” even youths who might be bald.

The idea for the textured hair expo began when Murphy wanted to reach out to foster families who had taken in kids of different races and religions who didn’t look like them or have the same hair texture.

“We wanted them to learn the skills to care for their foster child’s hair, and teach them the basics,” she said. “This is open to anybody and everybody. All are welcome to come. We’re excited to see the turnout, and we will continue to do this until people stop showing up.

“It has been more impactful than I could have imagined, and it means more to people than I ever thought it would,” Murphy added.