Imagine this: The lights dim, the bass drops, and you’re suddenly front row at the fiercest-ever runway show. But the star isn’t the clothes. It’s the hair. I’m talking an intricate updo sculpted into the shape of a helicopter, complete with a working propeller on top. Bundles of hair formed into Technicolor waterfalls. More mind-blowing masterpieces being crafted live onstage. This, my friends, is the majesty of a Black hair show—where creativity is limitless, theatrics are on high, and every single style feels like a love letter to Black ingenuity.
Founded in 1947, the Bronner Bros. International Beauty Show in Atlanta was one of the earliest Black hair shows, and it’s definitely still the most iconic. Other exhibitions have also been around for decades, turning hairstyling into performance art. But the events aren’t just about styling demos or brand activations. They are platforms for hairstylists to push boundaries and, more importantly, for what that process means. It’s not only about the lewk—it’s about storytelling, pride, and community. It’s about celebrating Black culture.
Last spring, a few days before the annual Met Gala, Jawara Wauchope, a celebrity hairstylist and the cofounder of Echelon Noir Productions, staged Black Hair Reimagined: The New Era of Beauty in downtown New York City. The audacious hair show reminded us all why these spectacles matter. It was dripping with the kind of creative genius—a mohawk that stretched to the heavens, a cape made from intricate braids—that only comes from a deeply rooted admiration for Black hair. And I’ll never forget the towering cascade of curls that looked like jet-black water suspended in air. Sublime!
Am I ever going to personally rock one of these complete styles to dinner? No. But am I clocking every swoop, twist, and flip? Hell yeah. And that’s the point. These shows are also about the details. The precision of the plaits, the geometry of an Afro, the sleekness of a bust down. The magic is in the remix (which you can achieve for yourself with the products below). Because for Black folk, every strand tells a story, and the stories just keep getting doper.
Okay, real talk: I slathered this smoothing cream on post-wash and my hair actually looked juicy and joyful. And beyond the look and feel, the golden vanilla-meets-sandalwood scent is giving luxe vibes. It claims a 72-hour frizz free crown and while I don’t always keep track that long, it definitely held up through a few super humid days. My strands felt smooth and hydrated, not crunchy or weighed down. If you’ve got waves, curls or even just flyaways, this is a little pump of everyday glam.
Okay y’all, let’s talk precision. This parting rat tail comb absolutely delivers when it comes to sectioning your hair—and it will also meticulously lay your edges. The fine-teeth grip smooths everything out and that stainless steel tail? Genius. It feels sturdy and handles heat like a pro. I also love the ring on the head, so it can hang beautifully in the bathroom. If you’re serious about your styling game this is a small tool that makes a big difference.
This shine spray is my little secret for did-you-see-that hair. I misted it on my finished hairstyle and instantly get a glossy, glass-like finish without that greasy weight. The Camelina oil and Vitamin B5 deliver actual moisture while taming flyaways like a pro. And the citrus spell is divine. If you want head-turning shine and smoothness without grimy buildup, this is a must-have.
I don’t say this lightly, but these extensions made my hair feel like it went to glam camp and came back slaying. The 4A/4B texture blends amazingly with coils, so no one knows where my natural hair ends and the magic begins. They’re full, vibrant, and they hold a twist-out like a champ. I styled them, flaunted them, and yeah, I got lots of compliments. Want effortless fullness that still looks natural? This is it.
It's giving slick-and-secured! I slotted a pea-sized amount around my hairline, smoothed it through, and bam—baby hairs laid to perfection. The formulation is honey infused and nourishing, yet still strong enough to hold through whatever chaos my day brings. No crunchy cast, and no flakes. If your edges need both care and style, you’ll love this baby.
I call this stuff “liquid gold.” I pump just a couple drops of this luxe oil into my damp strands and the is shine popping, the frizz is chilled out, and my ends felt like silk. A subtle scent combo of mandarin orange, violet, and sandalwood is straight up chic. It’s lightweight (no greasy weigh down) and makes my hair feel stronger, smoother and ready for anything.
I was so excited about the launch of this mousse. Honestly anything from Pattern Beauty is dope, so it’s no surprise I fell in love with this product from the first pump. I have been loving it for light and fluffy twist-outs. And a little goes a long way to keep my curls hydrated and defined. The 360Repir of it all ensures that my strands get stronger as I use it, so there is less breakage. If your curls need repair and bounce, this is a shining moment.
Prepare to turn heads! These designer bobby pins are total statement-makers. Slipped a few of the Supernova set into my curly updo and those little Swarovski stars, moons and planets had me serving galactic goddess. They stayed firmly in place and elevated my whole look in such an effortless way. I believe hair accessories are totally underrated, and we should be rocking them way more often. Start with these!
Julee Wilson is Beauty Editor at Large at Cosmopolitan. Previously, Julee was Beauty Director at Cosmo and Global Beauty Director at Essence and has held various editorial positions at Huffington Post and Real Simple. She counts herself lucky AF that she gets to play with beauty products for a living and tell dope stories. And if you’re as obsessed with beauty as she is, make sure to follow her on Instagram for plenty of product recs, natural hair inspo, skincare testing, and Black girl magic shenanigans.
