The 2015 Natural Hair Congress Canada
Presented by Inhairitance, the Natural Hair Congress Canada took place on June 27 at the luxurious Loft Hotel, located in the heart of Montreal. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in workshops and panel discussions focused on natural hair care tips and promoting healthy living. It was refreshing to be surrounded by black women with different, yet beautiful, natural hair styles.
Throughout the day, women wandered the halls of the Loft Hotel with their goody bags shopping from small, mostly black-owned, businesses. This extravagant affair involved over 85 brands for natural hair and body products, African-inspired clothing and accessories, delicious food vendors and other small businesses.
Natural hair experts and bloggers from all over North America facilitated workshops that ranged in topics such as:
- “Working while Natural”
- “Do’s and Don’ts of Protective Styling”
- “Hair, Health, Love…& Sex”
- “All Essentials on Healthy Length Retention”
Many of the attendees were there to learn about what products work best for their natural hair texture, as well as what practices and exercises were good for their overall health. MAPP Africa was able to interview notable guests:
- Audrey Davis-Sivasothy from Texas, USA
- Nerissa Irving from Florida, USA
- Stacey McKenzie from Toronto, Canada
Later on in the evening, the much anticipated Natural Hair Competition took place. Three hairstylists representing 3 major Canadian cities took the stage, but Paula Whitelocke from Curly Hair Designs in Ottawa took home the title of “Canada’s Best Natural Hairstylist 2015.” Stacy Mckenzie was honoured with an award for contribution in changing the perception of beauty in Canada.
After the competition, refreshing cocktails and tasty hors d’oeuvres were served during the very chic after party. It was a perfect ending to an eventful day. Kudos to Abisara and Inhairitance for organizing such a necessary event that celebrates the natural and diverse curls of African hair!
Photo credit: Randolph Graham Photography
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