Angel's Closet : Win: Tickets to the Africa International hair Extravaganza

Hair trends and brands under the spotlight as South Africa hosts 3^rd Africa International Hair Extravaganza

AIHE adds new categories which sees Africa’s top celebrities go head-to-head in battle for best hair

All eyes will be on the Africa International Hair Extravaganza as some of Africa’s top celebrities, including Bonang Matheba and Ghanaian singer and Big Brother housemate Mildred Eazzy Ashong, battle it out to see who will be crowned the best hair-styled celebrity as this year’s expo promises to be bigger and better.

In its third year, the AIHE creates a platform for both the African ethnic hair industry and its consumers to meet and discuss brands and trends. It also aims to show the role ethnic hair plays on the continent in recognising its efforts to create jobs and alleviate poverty.

In September, the whole of Africa will be descending on Vodaworld in Midrand for a 3 day hair expo that will see experts determining where the hair industry is heading and identifying new trends. The expo kicks off on 12^th September 2014 with the Ethnic Hair Conference where experts will be covering a wide range of topics from beauty to business as well as regulations surrounding the hair industry. Seats for this day are limited to only 100. The 13^th and 14^th September will showcase new trends in ethnic hair while sharing ideas and tips with consumers on hair well-being.

Other big names to form part of the celebrity category in the African Hair Awards evening, includes Zambian beauty Petita Mwanza, reality star Dineo Renaka, The Link presenter Lerato Kganyago, Pearl Modiadie, actress Minnie Dlamini and Nigerian actress and singer Omawumi Megbele. Organisers have realised the important role magazines have played in the lives of the African women, providing them with news of the latest trends. They have thus added an award for the People’s Choice for Most Informative Hair Magazine.

Ms. Fatima Cele, founder of AIHE, says since the expo started three years ago, it has created a lot of debate in the hair industry. “And even some of the continent’s most popular magazines are following our footsteps and educating consumers how to best look after their hair.

“And while we have set the trend, we will continue to offer a platform for brands to educate consumers and uplift stylists from disadvantaged communities. Our second ethnic hair conference brings more topics and top speakers. This is all part of ensuring that all those involved in this R21 billion industry get the highest value information with the aim of leading the formalization of this industry,” says Cele.

And to add more excitement to the expo, organisers are embarking on a search for the continent’s best hair stylist in the “Battle of the Hair Stylist” category. Entry forms are available on the website www.aihe.co.za . The winners of the battle of the stylist competition will have the opportunity to compete for R50 000 prize money and show off their skills and talents at the main expo in September under the mentorship of two top South African hair stylists Nthato Mashishi and Thomas Tsheola.

Cele also added: “The AIHE is the beginning of a new era in the rise and positioning of the African Ethnic Hair Industry as a sound contributor to Africa’s economy and an industry that plays a key role in displaying the beauty of African woman.

“The AIHE is aimed to be hosted around the continent annually with the vision of meeting the objectives and full participation of the continent in this regard, with South Africa being the first host country,” she says.