Louisville Hair Show Pays Tribute To Black Men With Beards

By
Brad Harrison (The Urban Reporter)
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When African-Americans think of hair shows, the first event that usually comes to mind is the annual Bronner Bros. event in Atlanta.

For the last 70 years, it has been the largest and most prestigious African-American hair show in the country. It’s practically the Grammy Awards, for African-American barbers, beauticians and stylists, so it attracts spectators from nearly all 50 states.

When it comes to demographics, Detroit barbers, beauticians and stylists have earned a well deserved reputation for their masterful skills, so that city hosts its share of hair shows as well.

Despite having well over 100 Black-Owned barber shops and beauty salons, Louisville doesn’t have many events to celebrate and showcase its own “Master’s of the Craft.”

Filling that void is Louisville entrepreneur and authorized Dudley Beauty Products Representative, Tami Charles. For the past three years she has held “3rd Sunday”: Protect & Respect The Beauty Industry events, on the 3rd Sunday of certain months, to showcase local barbers, beauticians & stylists.

“We have very little camaraderie in our industry and so much competition that I wanted to show that we’re better at networking, than competing. I’ve brought so many people together because of the 3rd Sunday’s that we do.” – Tami Charles

Tami Charles

The unique concept about “3rd Sunday”, is that each event has a different theme centered around African-American hair care. This month’s event took place on Sunday Nov 12, at the Kentucky Center For African-American Heritage and the theme was, “Beards & Barbers.” This was the 23rd event of the “3rd Sunday” series.

“Beards & Barbers” featured four barbers who demonstrated their skills on pre-selected clients, while spectators looked on, danced to music played by the live DJ, or shopped with African-American vendors who had booths setup throughout the venue. The barbers were: Courtney Cosby, C.J. Carter, Stephen Probus, and Tre Trimz.

Beards have been trendy in the African-American community for the past 5 years or so, and this past year, the popular “Beard Gang” group on Facebook has thrusted African-American men with beards into the national spotlight. Because of that trend, it was only fitting that Ms. Charles selected a beard-based theme for one of the 3rd Sunday events this year.

In addition to the “Beards & Barbers” hair cutting exhibition, Charles also incorporated an educational aspect to the event. The following day she organized a barbering class at Big City Styles Barber & Nail Salon, which entailed highly skilled barbers teaching specialty techniques.

“This was our very first event doing Beards & Barbers and it was Kentucky’s first ever barbering class, which took place the next day. Kentucky has never had a barbering class until I did it. We had about 300 people there for the class.” – Tami Charles

Four upcoming 3rd Sunday events are already scheduled to take place over the next few months . Any barbers, beauticians, stylists, nail techs or vendors can contact Tami Charles at (502) 286-9281 or message Tami Charles on Facebook and Instagram.

Additionally, anyone interested in purchasing Dudley Beauty Products can stop by the offices of Tami Charles at 3950 Dixie Hwy, Louisville, KY 40216.

 VENDORS IN ATTENDANCE

 Myisha – Asha & Nias Jewelrybox website
Asha & Nias Jewelrybox Instagram
(Women’s Jewelry, Accessories & Clothing)

 

 

Deanna Coles – Melodic Elements
Melodic Elements website
(Natural Deodorant & Body Wash)

 

Brianna Wright – FROM MY ROOTS Instagram
(Natural Hair & Body Products)

 

 Breanya Hogue – Bling By Bre website
(Women’s Jewelry & Accessories)

 

 Tre Trimz – Trimz & Co Styling Bar
(Barber Shop & Haircare Products)

 

 

Allen Benson – Benson Group website
(Human Resources – Workforce Training – Organizational Development)

 

Phillip Thurman – HashtagTees Instagram
(Men’s Clothing Line)