So I was wondering...Will any of you be going to this years annual Afro Hair and Beauty live?
I have toyed with the idea of going, leaning to not going thanks to the disappointed review of a fellow natural and bestie about her experiences last year. So after much inner debate (I'm good at that) I decided to message a representative of the show and ask the million dollar question...
Will there be anything worth the price of the ticket for us naturals.
Here's what they said, [NB The following is a quote from a press release issued by the people over at H. Thank you Miss Hamilton for your help :D]
"This year sees Afro Hair & Beauty LIVE celebrating 30 years of showcasing Hair, Beauty and Lifestyle at the Business Design Centre, Islington on 29th-30th May. This hair and beauty extravaganza brings you hair and beauty trends from all over the world – with more things to do, more things to try and a varied seminar/workshop programme. The main areas include:
Introducing this exciting and innovative section called “Natural Vibes” featuring natural hair care exhibitors they promise to cater for women who are stepping away from chemicals, artificial preservatives and sulphates and target women who want to embrace products that are 100% natural and/or 100% organic.
“Natural Vibes” will include natural hair care specialists from America such as founder of My Hairitage, Anysylla and Sonya Nandi Gilkey from Wrap-a-Loc. Both companies are dedicated to maintaining natural hair and dreadlocks. Wrap-a-Loc has pioneered a new hair styling tool and technique that creates a tight spiral curl on dreadlocks and natural hair without the use of heat.
Due to popular demand, natural hair care exhibitors such as T444z and True Vine Cosmetics will once again grace the event. T444z is a miracle product that is 100% natural and organic [they favour a holistic approach to haircare], it aids in rectifying the twelve major hair care problems that women face today such as dryness and hair loss.
True Vine Organic’s product line consists of five 100% natural and organic products for men and women. True Vine Organic’s Rose Hip Oil is a natural moisturiser for the face and with continued use will heal scars, eczema, skin rashes and will also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
In addition, a number of educational seminars throughout the two day event will educate women to correctly take care of their hair, body and health - the natural way!"
So there you have it, natural vibes aren't just about good feelings and good thoughts, it's also an opportunity for Naturals to be a part of this years Afro Hair and Beauty Live Show! yipeee :D
That's right, the need for products and hair care tools for others like us who are letting go of the relaxer and walking away from all those chemically infused hair products has and is being realised.
As is the growing I hate to use the word, trend, For finding natural means of dealing with cosmetic and physical problems.
The only criticism I have on the line up is that there aren't more homegrown companies on the rota...but maybe next year God willing we'll be seeing some of the natural hair meetup organisers and start-up companies making their mark in the natural vibesing zone, yes, I like the sound of that :D
I don't know if you have ever been to the Ahb, if you haven't, don't let the fact that its focus isn't 100% on natural remedies put you off; it is definitely worth the experience! Especially, if you are into fashion and beauty.
With tickets starting at £10 online £12 on the door, you are sure to get your money's worth. There are loads of events, live performances, when I went, the original Destiny's Child were performing...yes it was awhile ago, not to mention Fashion shows, hair styling demos, free hair salons and everyone's favourites....FREE STUFF!!! Arriving early is a must if you fancy visiting the Pampering Zone where you can "Be polished and preened with massage, reiki, nails, eyelash extensions, threading, makeovers and lots more in this ever expanding zone." Also there is a free goody bag for the first 500 arrivals?
So what do you say? Who's with me? Once we've exhausted the free pampering and completely satisfied our natural appetites we can turn our attention to something even more therapeutical...shopping for African inspired clothes at the pop up store!