People of Progression will host its annual Black History & Afro Hair Fair to give parents tools to adequately care for Black hair on Feb. 15 in Appleton.
The hair fair is now in its third year with the goal to realize an unmet challenge People of Progression’s founder Kristen Kelly noticed years ago. While she worked in domestic violence programs, she saw a stark lack of adequate Black hair care essentials. Later, she noticed another issue with the lack of knowledge to care for Black hair in mixed families and poor training in cosmetology programs.
Now, the Black History & Afro Hair Fair aims to address those same gaps Kelly saw years ago with workshops and vendors to equip families to adequately care for Black hair.
“I was a Black kid living in a white household. No one knew how to do my hair,” Kelly said. “The struggle of people trying to find hair care services is a huge gap in Wisconsin, so that’s one of the reasons we started it three years ago.”
The hair fair has grown in its three years. The feedback it’s gained helped it change its needs to what the community wants at the fair. This year will have more demonstrations, tips and tricks, and workshops.
Workshops include sessions like “Parting 101,” product application, introduction to simple styles, and caring for locks and braids.
Another component Kelly touted is the inclusion of attending the Black History and Afro Hair Fair as a requirement for cosmetology students at Fox Valley Area Technical College. Last year saw 45 students take demonstrations as a requirement to graduate from their program.
The hair fair also serves as a hub for local Black owned beauty businesses. Local Black owned businesses will come together in central space to sell their beauty and hair care products. Notable businesses include FAVORYT Brand. The local business has made waves in Wisconsin with awards and praise for its quality natural products made for sensitive skin and coarse hair.
The Black History & Afro Hair Fair will be held on Feb. 15 from 12-4 p.m. at Fox Valley Technical College, 1825 Bluemound Dr., Appleton.
Tickets are currently on sale for $10; children under 9 years old can attend for free. Workshops are $15 each.
