The Black Hair Experience Is The Ode To Self-Love We Didn't Know We Needed
What does Black hair mean to you? For me, it is a revolution and that's on PERIODT! Black hair has evolved over many years and we have seen it, in all its glory, take center stage to highlight the uniqueness of Black women. The styles, looks, the texture, the expression, all of it is an important component of how Black women make a statement in any room. It is our revolution, our rebellion, our beauty, and our crown. As a young girl, there are many instances where your hair experiences were a rite of passage that gave way to womanhood. Your first appointment to the salon, first relaxer, the first time being burned by a hot comb, the first time getting your hair straightened, we can go on and on here. I can distinctly remember the first time I went to the hair salon, my first stylist's name was Alandra and she was my introduction to loving my hair.
The power of a hairstyle can change a woman's perspective.
As the saying goes, when a woman cuts her hair, she is about to change her whole life. Every Black woman has her story about her hair and the many twists and journeys they have taken to own their independence by creating a look that fits them. Even still, there have been many instances of discrimination of our hair in the workplace, in media, in the schools and yet we still show up proudly with our tresses in tow. We have seen culture vultures take Black staple hairstyles like cornrows and braids and rebrand them as their own unsuccessfully. The resilience of Black hair culture has triumphed in legislation, such as the CROWN Act to end race-based hair discrimination passed on September 21, 2020, and mainstream culture to protect our rights to wear our hair however we see fit.
It is truly absurd for me to not wear the hair that I grow out of my head naturally in any way that I feel beautiful.
Black women have blazed a path in trend-setting our creativity and innovation in the beauty industry and we should be celebrated for that fact. In celebration of our hair and our story, The Black Hair Experience walks us down memory lane of all the things that make Black hair magical. According to The Black Hair Experience website:
"The Black Hair Experience is an interactive adventure that combines a pop-up art exhibit and a series of instagrammable spaces all in the name of celebrating black hair."
The Atlanta-based interactive pop-up was created by two friends, Elizabeth Davis and Alisha Brooks, who have a shared affinity for Black hair and pop culture. The two women collectively have a background in photography and graphic design that helped them bring this two-year vision to life. Elizabeth's original idea consisted of a photo passion project that documented the stories around Black women and their shared hair experiences. She shared this idea with Alisha who took it up a notch by imagining an interactive experience around Black hair and Black hair culture to elevate the storytelling.
Alisha shared, "We started focusing on what we really wanted people to get from the experience and focusing on self-love and reinforcement of Black hair being beautiful regardless of how you are wearing your hair and women owning that and us connecting through those shared experiences. That is really how the Black Hair Experience was born."
It is not only a celebration of Black hair but a reminder of all the nostalgia of the hair and culture that make Black women, Black people so vibrantly beautiful.
We have seen some tough days this year but out of that, there has been an elevation of Blackness that is undeniable. Whether it is has been social justice movements or Black women leading the grassroots efforts in the election, Black people have seen a helluva year. We deserve something that shines a light on us. Elizabeth touched on why this time was the right time for this installation despite the obstacle from the pandemic. She shared, "We both felt like this year was just so heavy, just in terms of the social justice movement and the way things have gone. The message we were trying to send with the experience was really about positivity within our community of self-love and acceptance and really rejoicing in some of our most valued moments in our life. We felt like we really wanted to put a smile on our communities face while keeping them safe."
Our hair is a part of that story and it is just so fitting to create such a fun and interactive experience for those of all ages to come, enjoy, and be reminded that, "Black hair has always been poppin!"
Opening this pop up has not come without its challenges, the original open date was June 2020 but COVID pivoted many of those plans. However, the co-owners decided they would not be deterred and continued forward to open with a plan of safety and a sense of duty to their community. "The decision was a hard one. We wanted to make sure that people knew that we were here and they had something to look forward to. We wanted to make sure that we hired cleaners, had air disinfectants, people wearing masks, and only had a certain amount of people in the space at a time," Elizabeth revealed.
"Once we felt confident in that and found a location that could accommodate the social distancing in the way that we wanted, we made the decision to move forward. Also, doing it for a shorter time as well, so people could recognize that we were here and have a moment with us. They could also join this journey with us until we open the bigger installations for us to be able to travel."
I had the opportunity to visit the pop-up and it was everything that I expected it to be and more. Keep scrolling to learn my top 3 Reasons you should visit The Black Hair Experience:
1. Black Hair Representation Is Important.
This activation has 15 fully immersive and vibrant installation curated for your instagrammable pleasure. There is everything from a swing that is adorned with braids, to a mini beauty supply store, to a small replica kitchen with hot combs as the theme. We asked the co-owners how they created each installation, Alisha stated, "We wanted to pull out the installations that tapped into nostalgia the most but also reinforced our concept of self-love. It was about finding the balance between the nostalgia and also reinforcing that message about loving your hair and accepting your hair."
2. Support Black-Owned Businesses For The Long Haul.
Not only will you be supporting two Black co-owners and their Black-owned business by purchasing tickets to The Black Hair Experience, you will also have the opportunity to spread the wealth by stopping by the retail space before you leave. All the vendors that are featured in the store are Black-owned businesses. They have everything from candles to combs to graphic tees, and all of them are absolute must-haves. This is also a part of a bigger plan to expand the retail space and includes many more Black-owned hair care businesses and more. This reflects a bigger idea because as we know Black hair is a multi-billion dollar industry that is not controlled by us. The Black Hair Experience aims to put that money back into our community.
3. Black Girl Joy Is Manifested Here.
It's really about the community, and more than that, being a vessel of joy for that community. As Elizabeth puts it, "We wanted to have a sense of joy was really a big part of it. We felt that the love that we have gotten from people and the joy that we have seen on their faces and the women who have cried in our space have made it worth its weight in gold for us to be able to open right now."
Black hair is more than just what is on top of our heads, it is a part of who we are and our lived experience. And that should absolutely be treasured.
There are future plans that the co-owners have to continue with the success of this Atlanta opening. First, there are plans to create a permanent location that will host more installations and the installation will change over time. The pop-up model will be traveling to other major markets in the US once COVID has been contained and reduced. Lastly, the co-owners really want to open the space to young women to host workshops on how to care for their hair. But most importantly, they want young women and girls to know they have a space the represents them and to know that Black hair is beautiful.
The interactive pop up is currently open in Atlanta until December 20. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit The Black Hair Experience webstie.
Featured image by Amer-Marie/Instagram
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ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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ItGirl 100: Get To Know Some Of The Most Inspiring And Empowering Women On Our List
The ItGirl 100 List, in partnership with Hyundai, is a celebration of 100 Black women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table.
We often see lists featuring amazing women who are seasoned in this thing called life, and our ItGirl 100 List gives flowers to the people they’ve passed the torch to: young millennial and Gen Z women who are innovating and disrupting in today’s world of advancement.
xoNecole has partnered with Hyundai for its inaugural ItGirl 100 List to give these women their flowers today. It’s a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who have built their own tables, launched new businesses, and redefined what it truly means to be blessed, booked, and busy.
Here’s a snapshot of fun facts from a few of the women listed on the ItGirl 100, representing the East, West, Midwest, and South:
EAST
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DJ 9AM: DJ & Curator
Representing: Brooklyn
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "On My Mama" by Victoria Monét
Favorite OG It Girl: Nia Long
Zodiac Big Three: Cancer Sun, Taurus Moon, Pisces Rising
Favoring open-format, multi-genre mixes, this DJ has created a winning reputation for rocking a crowd with seamless transitions and selections, always representing Southwest musical and cultural influences.
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Tiffany James, Founder, Modern BLK Girl
Representing:Brooklyn
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Lucky Girl" by Carlina
Favorite OG It Girl:Naomi Campbell
Zodiac Big Three: Sagittarius Sun, Leo Moon, Virgo Rising
Modern BLK Girl is one of the leading investment groups among women of color, and the founder serves as an avid investor, community builder, and advocate. Tiffany James is also a mentor, utilizing her unique combination of financial and fashion expertise.
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Kat Mateo, Casting Director
Representing: New Jersey
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Princess Going Digital" by Amaarae
Favorite OG It Girl: Kelis, Eve, Lil Kim
Zodiac Big Three: Aries Sun, Cancer Moon, Cancer Rising
Thriving as a casting director and stylist, Kat Mateo offers a unique point of view that has shaped New York Fashion Week shows, ad campaigns, and editorials. She has also been a major contributor to cultural conversations related to fashion and inclusivity.
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Denise Stephanie Hewitt, Photographer
Representing: Brooklyn
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Experience" by Victoria Monét
Favorite OG It Girl: Hannah Montana
Zodiac Big Three: Taurus Sun, Aquarius Moon, Aquarius Rising
This Gordon Parks Foundation scholar is a full-time student who has been working to expand her freelance career in photography. Denise is also been featured among Essence'sinaugural list of "Top 10 Creators Under 30," for her unique aesthetics and perceptions through her art.
WEST
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Nayamka Roberts-Smith, Aesthetician
Representing: Los Angeles
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Tomorrow 2" by GloRilla & Cardi B
Favorite OG It Girl: Meagan Good
Zodiac Big Three: Sagittarius Sun, Leo Moon, Capricorn Rising
Nayamka Roberts-Smith is an award-winning professional in the skincare industry and serves as an educator, offering knowledge on beauty culture. She also is a well-sought-after speaker on beauty and women’s issues, with a following of more than 1 million on social.
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Desiree L. Talley, Esq., Vice President, Legal & Business Affairs, Revolt TV
Representing: Los Angeles
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Nice" by The Carters
Favorite OG It Girl: Issa Rae
Zodiac Big Three: Cancer Sun, Scorpio Moon, Cancer Rising
An attorney and storyteller, Desiree L. Talley meshes relatability with her legal smarts for the culture. She advocates for cultural advancement and societal change through her POPLAW Podcast while balancing her executive duties at Revolt TV.
Marley Rae
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Marley Rae, Organizer, WalkGood
Representing: Los Angeles
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Nice For What" by Drake
Favorite OG It Girl: Mariah Carey
Zodiac Big Three: Capricorn Sun, Taurus Moon, Leo Rising
Marley Rae is a Nike Athlete, certified yoga instructor, COO, and Director of Health and Wellness for WalkGood LA, a family-founded non-profit organization. She is dedicated to fostering understanding and care in local and global communities.
MIDWEST
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Shawnee Dez
Representing: Chicago
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "FreeBody Freestyle" by Shawnee Dez
Favorite OG It Girl: Toni Morrison
Zodiac Big Three: Cancer Sun, Aquarius Moon, Cancer Rising
Shawnee Dez is an artist who's all about captivating her audience through encouragement and empowerment. Her music features fluid harmonic layering, live instrumentation fused with digital production, and her unique multi-talented voice in an alto melodic tone.
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Bianca Pastel, Visual Artist
Representing: Chicago
Ultimate ItGirl Song: Anything by Whitney Houston
Favorite OG It Girl: Grace Jones
Zodiac Big Three: Taurus Sun, Leo Moon, Sagittarius Rising
Bianca Pastel's artistic portfolio includes fine art, illustrations, and animation, and she's worked with clients including Disney Pixar, and the NFL, to name a few. Her focus is "empowering the experience of being a Black child and dealing with mental health issues."
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Donyale Walton, Founder, Hoop Mobb
Representing: Detroit
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Yeah I Said It" by Rihanna
Favorite OG It Girl: Aaliyah
Zodiac Big Three: Virgo Sun, Libra Moon, Capricorn Rising
Donyale Walton's brand Hoop Mobb, celebrates the Black and Brown fashion and cultural impact and presence of hoop earrings. It's grown to earn more than seven figures in annual revenue and a nationwide community of loyal consumers.
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Ticara Devone, Content Creator
Representing: Chicago
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "She's a Bitch" by Missy Elliott
Favorite OG It Girl: Ananda Lewis
The Zodiac Big Three: Libra Sun, Taurus Moon, Virgo Rising
A trusted sneaker enthusiast and content creator, Ticara Devone uses dynamic storytelling to hold space for others with a passion for sneakers. A published writer, she’s worked with brands including Nike and Footlocker and inspires us all by ensuring women are vocal and seen in the multi-billion dollar shoe space.
SOUTH
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AllyiahsFace, Content Creator
Representing: Atlanta
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Go Off" Doja Cat
Favorite OG It Girl: Gabrielle Union and Halle Berry
Zodiac Big Three: Gemini Sun, Leo Moon, Scorpio Rising
AllyiahsFace's YouTube channel has more than 830,000 subscribers, and she's been hitting the ground running since 2015. Her content creation, which centers on beauty, fashion, and lifestyle, has led to a lucrative career and drawn a close-knit social and real-life community to view and be inspired.
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Jaycina, Executive Director, Tender
Representing: Atlanta
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "All I Got" by Amel Larrieux
Favorite OG It Girl:Tracee Ellis Ross
Zodiac Big Three: Leo Sun, Sagittarius Moon, Sagittarius Rising
Jaycina is a signed model with a nonprofit that works to provide support and community for single mothers in Atlanta. She's also appeared in campaigns for brands including Fenty and GAP as well as features in all your favorite magazines and on billboards across the country.
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Asha Christian, Founder, Coily App
Representing: Atlanta
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "It's My Life" by Mariah Carey
Favorite OG It Girl: Toni Childs (Girlfriends)
Zodiac Big Three: Sagittarius Sun, Leo Moon, Leo Rising
Asha Christian created Coily to provide beauty recommendations utilizing social data. It offers a more personalized, AI-driven experience for users and part of her mission is to provide solutions related to diversity and put the focus back on the consumer. Meshing tech and culture, Christian is innovating with options that exemplify the Black girl magic needed in tech.
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Featured image by FG Trade/Getty