By Khalia Dunn
ATLANTA – The Natural Hair Industry Convention (NHIC) held its 4th annual convention on November 12 at the Renaissance Atlanta Airport Gateway. This was Atlanta’s first year hosting the convention. Natural hair professionals gathered from all over the nation to attend this exclusive event, which was meant to help them build their brand, make valuable connections, and share natural hair knowledge.
Attendees had the choice of participating in 22 ‘Look and Learn’ classes, four hands-on training workshops, and nine main stage presentations. These classes ranged from learning how to press natural hair without damaging it to learning the signs of hair loss. A significant focus was placed on sharing knowledge within the natural hair community. It’s a form of education that often can’t be taught in cosmetology school. The array of learning opportunities is what drew hair stylist Kayla Stutson from Columbus, Georgia.
“I’m a natural hair care freak, so learning different things about it is very interesting,” said Stutson.
The loc styling classes were popular, with most rooms being packed with interested attendees. There was a lot of buzz surrounding the Goddess Locs class which was taught by Dr. Kari Williams – the chief creator, designer, and owner of Mahogany Hair Revolution—a natural hair salon and hair care studio located in Los Angeles. Many guests were particularly excited about her course. “I’m obsessed with her work. She’s really good,” said Jasmine Davis, a natural hair specialist who works under her own brand, Sassy Hair Therapy. Davis said she came to the convention to perfect her rendition of the popular style. “Why not learn from the creator?” she added.
While every attendee came to the convention for their own reasons, many said they were the most pleased with the focus on natural hair. “I really like the natural aspect of it because it’s part of my expertise,” said Marquita Carter from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Carter has a mobile braiding service in which she travels as far as two hours outside of Philadelphia to style clients. “It’s good to have the information that you need, and it’s not always chemical based,” said Carter, who was the most enthused about the Goddess Locs and Natural Henna Hair Coloring classes. “I’m getting more experience, and I am able to help my clients better.”
To learn more about the Natural Hair Industry Convention, visit www.thenaturalhairindustryconvention.com
