The Bronner Bros. International Hair Show is the largest African American centered hair exhibition in the world. Hair care corporations and mane managers convene bi-annually in Atlanta to showcase and observe the latest trends in tresses.
Much like with cars, shoes and fashion, hair care is an ever-evolving industry as trends tend to change from year to year. So rolling out took a few minutes to speak with hair care connoisseurs and product manufacturers to find out what they think of the latest styles to emerge within the last year or so.
Ursula Dudley Ogelsby, president of Dudley Beauty Corp. LLC: “The biggest trend in the industry right now is healthy hair. Everyone is looking at how to keep their hair healthy – whether it’s a relaxer, whether it’s chemical-free [products], whether it’s braids or locks or whatever the case may be. It’s really about keeping their hair healthy. They want to be cute, too, but they want to have healthy hair at the same time.”
Neloir Tibolla, trade show manager, DK Hair: “What we are seeing are people are going away from relaxers and going with our DK hair treatments. Relaxers damage the hair and people are finding that [our products] are way better than relaxers, it makes the hair shine and it’s more bold and beautiful. It’s all about beautiful hair.”
Shannon King, director of education, SoftSheenCarson: “Right now, what I’m seeing in trends is that hair color is looming large. A lot of women are ‘blonding’. They are lightening their hair a lot more. So we’re starting to see lighter colors in terms of shape and texture. We’re seeing a smooth, polished feeling because the hair has to have a flow to it. It’s not firm or hard, but it does have some geometrics to it as far as the hair goes, which I think is cool. It’s very futuristic. As far as lengths goes, it runs the whole gamut. Whether it’s short, medium or long, it’s all in style. What I really think is cool is individuality, which I think is really key. Everyone has their own look and style. And we’re kind of looking back a little bit to move forward.”
-terry shropshire
