Guest Post: Natural Hair Exhibitions & Debates

This Autumn I’ve been lucky enough to attend and even take part in some of the exhibitions and talks on natural hair.

The first was Talk About Hair, in Brent Cross, north London. Event Organiser Uzi, had been inspired by her own experiences and studies, to host an open discussion about various topics such as misconceptions and acceptability of natural hair. Special guest included Motivational Speaker Action Jackson; Hair Consultants from Hair 9; and Singer Natalie May, who held a mini fashion show and was also selling some of her customized hair turbans.

I was very pleased to purchase more Be Unique Moisture Custard and I finally invested in some Jamaican Black Castor Oil from Shea Butter Cottage.

After the event, some of the other ladies and I continued into central London for more fun, food and drinks and an altogether fabulous night.

The final London-based public talk for the Origins Of The Afro Comb Project was again held in The Petrie Museum. Check out my blog United KinKdom for updates, and if you haven’t had a chance to get involved yet, don’t worry, there’s still time. The Exhibition is set to open in Summer 2013 at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge and we would still like to hear from anyone who is interested in being involved. The official website was recently launched with details about the exhibition, and video clips of some of the interviews that have already taken place. Make sure you visit www.originsoftheafrocomb.co.uk

I was recently on the debate panel at H.A.I.R: a “one day only” exhibition at Rich Mix in Shoreditch. Other guest speaker included Origins Of The Afro Comb Curator Dr Sally-Ann Ashton; Founder of Be Unique Hair Care Belinda Raji; Co-Founder of Black History Studies Charmaine Simpson; Hairdresser/ Author and Lecturer Sandra Gittens; and Author Ben Arogundade.

My personal highlight of the day had to be getting my book signed by Ben, but I also enjoyed the performances by theatre group Silhouettes In The Dark, and the screening of Bold Black and Beautiful, a hair documentary made in Canada in the 90’s.

As well as a timeline of historical information, there were also exclusive images and artworks for sale; a barbershop corner for the men; and a bedroom-like hub area for chilling out and watching a separate short film on black hair.

I noticed that there seemed to be more men present at the hair exhibitions and debates, than there have been at other events; I wonder if we’ll see increasing numbers involved with hair events in 2013?

Make sure you visit the Unitied KinKdom Events Page for a list of what natural hair events are coming up.