The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

Since its takeoff in recent years, many black women across the globe and in the Bahamas have been inspired by the natural hair movement, trading in their weaves for the coils and kinks that shoot straight from their roots.

Those who have embraced the movement fully and decided to wear their hair in its natural unprocessed state have done for the sake of having healthy hair and will go beyond to ensure their hair is as beautiful as it can be.

But the natural hair journey may not be the easiest. However, many women have proven that with the right products, styling tips and a little bit of commitment it is doable and enjoyable at that.

An upcoming event will be a playground for local naturalists, who will be exposed to a bevy of hair care and beauty products designed especially for them. The first annual Natural No Lye event takes place on Sunday at the Melia Nassau Beach resort with upbeat, non-stop entertainment and attraction. When doors open at noon, the entire event space will be buzzing with live marketing activity.

The event will showcase the best brands in hair, health and beauty for the modern women of colour. Attendees will also be inundated with special limited-edition products, offers, samples and a promised “unforgettable” stage show. Natural No Lye is presented in part by Lowe’s Wholesale, Crème of Nature, Lottabody, African Pride, Design Essentials, Aunt Jackie’s, Texture My Way and Jamaican Mango & Lime.

“On ‘Mane Stage’, our host Bodine will entertain three international stylists representing Design Essentials, Bio Care Labs and Luster Beauty Products as well as styling demonstrations from local salons and supply store,” said Krista Nairn, marketing manager at Lowes Wholesale.

“Express makeovers, free health screenings, interactive fitness demonstrations plus style suites featuring a Braid Bar, a Sweet Retreat featuring Shiver and Puffee Cotton Candy, a Beauty Mark with Henna Tattoos from Island Gal Henna, and an Express Yourself lounge featuring Pick a Prop & Pose Photo Booth and caricatures by Wayne Head are all in store at the event. There will be a student hair styling competition featuring High School and BTVI students presented by Design Essentials. Finally, there will be lots of door prizes and giveaways throughout the show.”

With over 30 exhibitors, attendees can look forward to deals and freebies from their favourite brands like Creme of Nature, Lottabody, African Pride, Aunt Jackies Texture My Way, Jamaican Mango & Lime, Design Essentials, Coconut Restore, Doo Fro Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Cantu, Curls and Naturals, Garnier, Maybelline, Luster, Revlon, Bio Oil, Eco Styler, Happy Hair Boutique, Hair & Now, Kiki’s Beauty Supply & Accessories Ltd., Monty’s Beauty Supply & Trinkets, The Catwalk Boutique, The Prettiest Little Things, The Lemonade Stand, Pretty Persuasions, Pursenal ParaDiyse and Caribbean Sweat Fitness.

Natural No Lye will take on the same format as “The Little Pink Party”, a popular experiential marketing event Ms Nairn, her business partner and sister hosted in times past.

“Two things inspired the event. The first was Gloria Brown, a long time brand manager who having been with the company (Lowe’s Wholesale) for over 30 years always aspired to host a major trade show before she retired. Now with three years to retirement, she is finally seeing her dream come to fruition.

“Secondly, having co-produced ‘The Little Pink Party’ along with my business partner and sister, Kandice Cargill, she and I welcomed the opportunity to remix our event template by focusing on this niche market. In fact, hair and beauty brands have always made up the majority of the exhibitor marketplace of our popular experiential marketing event,” she said.

Ms Nairn said they are encouraging men, women and children, with or without transition to natural hair to join in celebrating the rich and vibrant heritage of Nassau’s naturals.

• Ticket locations are Lowe’s Wholesale - Soldier Road; Windermere Day Spa - Harbour Bay; Nicole’s Hair World - East Street South; The Hair Republic - Shirley Street; Styles Unisex Salon - Soldier Road; and Happy Hair Boutique - Sear’s Hill. For more information contact (242) 396-7000 ext 10246 or e-mail marketing@loweswholesale.com.