The Black Hair Show Is Entering a New Era

Hair shows have captivated audiences since the 1930's, a tradition that originated with spectacles like Atlanta’s Bronner Bros. International Beauty show, which helped educate hair professionals, but most importantly, placed a bright spotlight on the power of Black beauty. And on May 2, opulence and over-the-top glamour took over WSA as VIPs and creative industry tastemakers filed in for an honorary show ahead of the highly anticipated first Monday in May. Ushering in a new era for the Black hair show, in the process.

The medium of hair is uninhibited — but it is also a deeply personal craft. Black hairstyles can act as a means of protection, like a reliable armor. Black hairstyles are also inextricably intertwined with the concepts of identity and resistance. Calling back to the golden era that paved the way for many of today’s major hair artists, the debut show was a refreshing blast from the past that didn’t skimp out on the glam factor.

Jawara Wauchope and Jarrod Lacks of Echelon Noir Production orchestrated the luxe showcase, which proudly displayed the crafts of Wauchope, whose work has graced major runways from Calvin Klein to Hermès, Yusef Williams — who has brought many of Rihanna’s hair-envy inducing looks to life, Vernon François, who has worked with countless luxury brands and stars like Lupita Nyong’o, Cyndia Harvey, hair engineer behind Bad Bunny’s slick Met Gala 2023 look (to name just one viral moment) and Malcolm Marquez, everyone’s favorite Swamp Princess, Doechii’s hairstylist. All of these artists have not only continued the legacy that began almost a century ago and have consistently pushed the creative narrative forward that Black hair is boundless, but they have also each helped to educate the wider industry about textured hair.

The show began with a red carpet, which hosted stars like Solange, Justine Skye, Julez Smith Jr., Paloma Elsesser, Selah Marley, Raul Lopez and more. The night was hosted by the inspiration behind many hair mood boards herself, Tracee Ellis Ross, who has also been a proponent for hair health and education for the duration of her career. Hypebae spoke to her ahead of the flashy show, and she shared her excitement for continuing this legacy, especially as it aligns with this year’s Met Ball theme.

"The theme of the Met Ball, Black Dandyism, is a really special one, particularly within the community. To have a show like this continue the legacy of the Bronner brothers, to kick off the weekend and honor all of the creatives that masterfully create these looks that walk on those steps — in one environment, on one stage, is very exciting. Their imagery defines so much of fashion and culture. I’m excited!" she exclaimed.

Ross was fitted out in head-to-toe Balmain and her hair was as natural and free as can be. Elaborating upon her own personal hair journey, she shared, "I could chronicle my journey of self-acceptance through my journey with my hair. The biggest thing I’ve learned from my hair is that I work for it. It does not work for me. I have to meet it where it is and honor it."

Before guests took their seats, we also caught up with Paloma Elsesser, who knows a thing or two about learning to grow and evolve with her own hair habits, especially as a model who’s continually being molded and sporting different looks. She chronicled her hair experiences and learnings as well: "Growing up mixed forced me to investigate who I was in reference to belonging. My mom has very different hair from me; I became really motivated to figure out who I was to me."

And her hair secrets? "I’ve had to learn how to really take care of my hair because of my job. I try to always use heat protectant to prevent breakage. I use some leave-in and I always use oils too. The tea is…I use hair masks as conditioner instead of conditioner."

After catching up with some of the figures that have gotten to display these visionary hairstylists’ work, the lights cascaded low and the quietness that fell across the crowd was replaced with pulsating bass as Phil Collins’ "I Can Feel It Coming" boomed from the speakers. The entire crowd could feel it too. We were witnessing a piece of hair art history.

Each hair artist’s work was accompanied by intentional fashion styling, curated by Carlos Nazario, Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, Patti Wilson, Jan-Michael Quammie and Jessica Willis. Each hair look breathed life into the styling, making the models’ ensembles feel tactile and immersive. As if that wasn’t enough to enthrall the audience, today’s major models from Anok Yai to Alton Mason dominated the runway. The cherry on top of each creation were different, ethereal makeup looks, crafted by Sir John and Sheika Daly.

For the event, Echelon Noir also partnered with The Texture of Change™, a movement that focuses on providing equitable access to textured hair education, powered by the L’Oréal Professional Products division. This organization provides hair stylists access to programs and courses that will grant them the knowledge they need to service all hair types and distinct textures — making it a night of passion and purpose.

Check out the images to dive into the runway atmosphere and get a sneak peek backstage, where we got the rundown before the show. And you may even see some of these hairstylists’ work taking over the scene at fashion’s biggest night, so stay tuned.

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