Hair Wars, the extravaganza of hair entertainment that helped make famous stylists like Weaven' Steven and Teddie the Braid Artist, is coming this Sunday to Cobo Hall in Detroit. And this year, Hair Wars is going pink.
Event organizers are working with the Karmanos Cancer Institute to raise awareness about breast cancer research. Participating hair entertainers were asked to incorporate a twist of pink into their shows, and audience members are asked to wear pink at the event.
The show combines wild hair styles with performance and has been touring the country since 1994.
"It's a stage show featuring hair entertainers, hair stylists who perform a night of five-minute skits based around hair," said Detroit DJ David Humphries, also known as "Hump The Grinder," who created the show in 1985 as a "gimmick party" to promote local night clubs. He attributes its now global success to a special Motor City knowledge.
"We're from Detroit," he said. "Everybody knows we're the hair capital of the world."
Many of the performances are satirical, and many feature extreme fantasy hair creations like the "hairy-copter," a hair-covered helicopter created by the late stylist Mr. Little.
The event features about 250 models and 25-30 stylists/hair entertainers. Their creations remain a secret until the performers get on stage.
"We have no idea what they are going to do," said Humpries, adding that hair entertainers -- who can spend up to three months on their creations -- are protective of their work.
In addition to old favorites like Ali D'Shua and Kristina the Glam Tech, Hair Wars will also feature new talent, including many artists from Detroit-area beauty schools.
Humphries said up-and-coming stylists like the exposure they get from the show. He said some have gone on to get deals with hair care companies or even appear on television shows like "Oprah" and "America's Next Top Model." But he stresses the event is not really a war.
"It's not a competition. It's a showcase, so everybody wins," he said.
Hair Wars will take place at Cobo Hall in Detroit on Sunday April 29. For more information see www.hairwarsustour.com.
Flickr photo by RuffRyd.