Natalie Hopkinson is a Washington, D.C.-based author whose current projects deal with the arts, gender and public life. She is the author of Go-Go Live: The Musical Life and Death of a Chocolate City. Follow her on Twitter.
The Oscars of Black Hair
The 2009 competition at the Washington Convention Center will be fierce among black stylists to see who will take home the coveted awards. Click through to see highlights from a previous Golden Scissors competition.
Photos by Marvin Joseph courtesy of GLYNN JACKSON THE AGENCY.
Mr. Obama's Washington
Steps away from the other White House, Golden Scissors Awards creator Glynn Jackson poses with models vamping in front of an air-brushed portrait of the president, Capitol and White House—and of course, a few bottles poppin' with bubbly. It's a celebration!
Read Natalie Hopkinson's piece on how to cope with black hair's Dominican invasion.
Fan-tastic
Black hair shows are about more than just hair. For the past several years, retro '80s fashions have been popular.
I Love the '80s
And with its asymmetric styles and ecstatic bursts of color, what's not to love about the '80s?
Redstripe
And don't forget to add an extra dose of drama.
Golden Girl
Lash extensions and over-the-top makeup not optional.
Picture Perfect
She's the one.
Hairoic
The more architectural reinforcement a hairstyle needs, the better your chances are to take home a Golden Scissors trophy.
Interstate 95
Take this exit.
The Fire Backstage
Hey, does that hurt?
Young MC
Hair show veteran Glynn Jackson both emcees the competition and demonstrates how to walk this way.
Fierce
Go ahead Glynn, strike a pose.
Bustin' Loose
And sometimes, hair is beside the point…
King Strut
Does he even have any hair? Do we care?
Can Your Barber Do This?
Didn't think so.
Classic Gumby Cut
Upgraded from the Bobby Brown, circa 1988 edition.
Curves
We prefer our models well-nourished.
Pirouette
Choreography runs the gamut from classical to Dirty South.
Hunger
Must be the leopard print around her waist.
Pink Flamingo
Feathers strategically placed.
Forward March
Moving in lock-step in not-so basic black.
Taking Flight
Fashion soaring.
Liquid Gold
A striking contrast with the b-boys and girls behind her.
In Motion
Amazing feats of athleticism from the dancers.
Blue 'Fro
Not to be confused with the Jew 'fro.
In Living Color
Walking, talking kaleidoscopes.
Spiderwoman
The kiss? Deadly.
American Girl
This is the nation's capital, after all.
The Barack Cut
This is why they call it "Chocolate City."
Founding Mother
Who will take home the 2009 Golden Scissors Awards? All will be revealed this Sunday, Dec. 6.
PLUS: Read about how Glynn Jackson is coping with black hair's Dominican invasion.