The Rise of the Afro and the Afro Hair Industry

Saturday 21 September

We will track the timelines of the Afro and the Afro hair industry, including the use of chemicals, the Natural Hair Movement and styles.

 

This event will look at the early rise of the Afro and the more recent Natural Hair Movement which takes us up to the present day.

Afro hairstyles have evolved over the years, intertwined with cultural identity and reflects broader individual creativity. From women with afro textured hair using hot combs, to wearing their natural hair in round afro’s in the 1960s and 1970s marked a significant shift.

The trend then went back to straightening afro hair and with chemicals and later when the natural hair movement gained momentum in the 2000’s, it encouraged women to embrace their natural textures and reject harmful chemical treatments. This era saw the rise of protective styles like braids, twists, and locs, which were both fashionable and practical.

Today, afro hairstyles continue to evolve, with contemporary trends like the afro puff, bantu knots, and elaborate braided patterns showcasing the ongoing innovation and creativity within Black hair culture.

HOST

This event will be presented by author and Certified Trichologist, Lorna Jones , having qualified from the prestigious International Association of Trichologists. She undertook her clinical training in various parts of the world including Australia, South Africa, Washington and the UK and set up her clinic dealing with hair loss and scalp issues, Caring for Hair, in London where she is now based. She speaks at conferences both nationally and internationally on various aspects of hair care and hair loss and she runs training courses on the Science of Hair.

She is the the National lead of the UK CCCA Support group run by the US based Scarring Alopecia Foundation. CCCA is a type of hair loss condition that is found almost exclusively in black women.

Lorna also runs a service for individuals who are affected by Cancer-related Afro Hair loss which includes support groups, hair clinics and interactive workshops.

We will be joined by Sisterlocs Consultant, Gillian Mckenzi who will talk about locs and published author Ovi King who will share the insights for curly and afro haircare.

THIS EVENT IS SUPPORTED BY CROYDON COUNCIL AND IS OPEN TO CROYDON RESIDENTS ONLY.

The event will take place in Whitgift Shopping Centre, Croydon (full details on registration) Tickets are limited so, book your FREE ticket today!

If you don’t live in Croydon and would like to come along, please send an email to info@caringforhair.org.