Memyhairandthecity.com captured this amazing blue ‘do at the 2012 Bronner Brother’s hair convention. The blogger called the convention “a hair show on steroids!”
According to RollingOut.com: “The Bronner Brothers International Hair Show’s 65th Anniversary at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Ga. has definitely been a fantastic weekend in the wonderful world of hair.”
This spectacular heart-shaped style seems over the top, but is par for the course at the annual hair-lovers’ convention.
“David Hiland demonstrates his skills during the barber battle. (RAYMOND HAGANS, SPECIAL TO AJC),” from the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
“Models strut the runway at the 2012 Bronner Bros. show which celebrated more than 60 years of creative hairstyling Sunday at the Georgia Congress World Center (RAYMOND HAGANS),” from the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
“All in the name of showmanship, California barber Christina Goree cuts the hair of a client who was being held up only by one broom. (RAYMOND HAGANS, SPECIAL TO AJC),” from the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
“Barber Javon Crockett demonstrates his upside-down hair cutting skills. (RAYMOND HAGANS, SPECIAL TO AJC),” from the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
“Bernard Bronner presents the $20,000 check to David Hiland, the winner of the 2012 Bronner Bros. barber battle. (RAYMOND HAGANS, SPECIAL TO AJC),” from the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
Color was found in wild array over the course of the Bronner Bros. hair show — even for natural styles like dreadlocks.
This unusual use of cornrows was one of the many amazing displays of playful creativity found at the 65th annual Bronner Bros. hair convention.
Some styles, while unusual, were still pretty. Here, two young women go glamorous without being outrageous.
Here is the head-to-toe look of one of the previous young ladies, showing off her chic look and fab legs.
Does it count as a hairstyle if it’s clear that part of the style is not composed of real hair? It does at the 2012 Bronner Bros. hair show!
Here we have a bouffant hairstyle made even more dramatic by a green veil and somewhat gothic makeup.
In an amazing mix of hairdo and sculpture, this braided style combines hat and hair.
Women aren’t the only ones who can combine a hat with a hairstyle. This fellow even incorporated an unusual, but suitable prop — a jar of hair grease!
This amazing, towering afro is gilded with golden butterflies.
In a more traditional style, this model wears cascading beach waves.
Stylish stingray? Clearly this attendant took inspiration from a slick sea creature in the creation of her couffiere.
Who knew hair could be so patriotic!
This creative creature shows that hair extensions are not just for the head anymore.
Here, Skittles candies have been used as fashion inspiration.
Crayola crayon-like etchings on the sides of the head were another trend from the show. This is a look we could see Rihanna working.
Here are more examples of this playful take on short hair.
This amazing take on dreadlocks brings a new dimension to hairstyles for men.
In a swirl remeniscent of a galaxy, this auburn ‘do has all the grandeur of a regal church hat.
Was an exotic bird the muse of the designer of this haircut? The Bronner Bros. hair show demonstrates the unlimited creativity of African-Americans concerning hair.
The 65th annual Bronner Bros. International Hair Show just wrapped up yesterday after delivering its usual array of dramatic hairstyles and fierce competitive displays. Held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta from February 18-21, the Bronner Bros. hair show is arguably the most popular African-American hair convention in the world. “Over 60,000 hairstylists, exhibitors, distributors and cosmetology students” attend the yearly festivities, according to the company web site. Nine thousand people watch the fierce barber competition alone, which is the heart of the four-day event.
During the Bronner Bros. barber battle, numerous hair artists craft looks in dramatic presentations for a $20,000 prize. The elaborate exhibitions often include large casts of players who provide thematic backdrops for stylists who cut hair live before an eager crowd and discriminating judges. This year, buff male models and wildly inventive props graced the stage as part of the performances. Stylist David Hiland walked away with the grand prize of twenty grand — and a fabulous pair of gold and black boxing gloves.
In addition to the barber contest, the 2012 Bronner Bros. convention featured every conceivable product and service related to hair — and beyond — ranging from classes on styling, to a performance by neo-soul artist Musiq Soulchild. There was even a church service.
An event that has drawn notable African-Americans throughout its history, this year reality TV star Tami Roman of VH1’s Basketball Wives and Soul Food actress Nicole Ari Parker attended. In the past, black luminaries such as Dr. Martin Luther King and Jackie Robinson have spoken at the show in order to reach a concentrated audience of African-Americans who were often also entrepreneurs.
The Bronner Bros. International Hair Show was founded in 1947 by Dr. Nathaniel H. Bronner, Sr. and his brother, Arthur E. Bronner, Sr., with their sister Emma, to teach African-American cosmetology techniques. Sixty-five years later, the annual coiffure convention remains a family business run by the descendants of the founders, led by the current CEO, Bernard Bronner, the son of Nathaniel.
“We are celebrating 65 years of hard work, dedication, determination, [and] focus-driven people. We are celebrating family and black history,” Christina Bronner, daughter of Bernard Bronner, said of the 2012 hair show — and the success of this perennial family enterprise.
And what a celebration it was. Check out the amazing hairstyles and barber competition highlights from the 65th annual Bronner Bros. International Hair Show below. This expo is truly an African-American tradition that blends family, fashion and fun.
Follow Alexis Garrett Stodghill on Twitter at @lexisb
