When I first saw a photo of the Black Hair Experience pop up on Instagram, I knew that I would take the time to visit. As a natural hair enthusiast, an art exhibit showcasing Black hair was an immediate draw. Then, I learned that the popup is housed in a storefront in Atlanta, GA, and I decided to visit.
On Instagram, the exhibit appeared to be a Black hair showcase from past to present. I went in hoping to learn all about Black hair and to possibly see some interesting art pieces within the larger installation. Online, the exhibit looked like something for ‘The Culture,’ that Black women of every age could enjoy.
Tickets & Parking
During the 2020 Black Friday to Cyber Monday sales blitz, I received an email sharing a pre-order ticket sale for $20 to see the Black Hair Experience. I snatched up the ticket, and once purchased, received a code to schedule a time to visit. The regular price for a general admission ticket is $28, and VIP tickets (which include a swag bag) are $48.
Due to COVID restrictions, visitors must sign up for a one-hour time slot to see the art installation. You must wear a mask, and they do a quick temperature check at the door. This allows the exhibit to be cleaned between time slots, and there are social distancing signs all around the exhibit.
I was happy to see the COVID policy restrictions. When I visited, my temperature was checked and everyone was wearing a mask. However, no one was social distancing, which made me glad for the 15 person limit per hour.
The art exhibit is not open all day every day, and I knew that I wanted to visit on a Saturday or Sunday to avoid taking time off work. So, I signed up for a mid-afternoon Sunday slot and drove to the Druid Hills neighborhood where the storefront is housed. They do not offer refunds on tickets, and changing your time slot is discouraged, so I made sure to pick a day and time I could make it to the exhibit.
The Black Hair Experience is in a storefront, so parking around the storefront is limited. However, there are parking garages near due to residences behind the storefront. Thankfully, I was able to park at a meter for $3.35/hour. The parking garages were high priced and charged per 30 minutes.
The Black Hair Experience
After the temperature checks, I entered the exhibit and… it wasn’t what I expected. The Instagram photos and video gave me the impression that the exhibit was more than one room and overall exploration of Black Hair through art.
It was as advertised, but smaller.
Imagine a large storefront, with 3D art installations. Except for no explanations for each exhibit. Instead, Instagram moments with patterned walls and large quotes all in one room. The experience is more like the vendor exhibits at trade shows.
Is that a bad thing? No. It’s not what I expected, but if you are a hair enthusiast, I think you will still enjoy the art installation and vibe. The exhibit is essentially several large 3D art pieces housed in one room.
Women and girls with natural hair will recognize several moments from the exhibit. I know I smiled to myself when I saw hot combs and a stove inside the Black Hair Experience.
Everyone in the room was taking photos and videos on the various sets. I enjoyed the swing, the Hype Hair wall, and the blue bottles most. There were no small placards with information or titles, so I have to describe the installations with color and part details for your reference. If I visited again, I would bring a photographer for a really fun photoshoot.
After enjoying the art around the room, each visitor is to receive an oil mixture on the way out via the small shop. I did not receive a vial of oil, but I did not ask or push for it because well, I own enough products.
The shop housed a few great t-shirts, hair accessories, and oils for purchase. I honestly did not look at the pricing of the shop items because I knew I wasn’t purchasing anything.
Should YOU add The Black Hair Experience to your 2021 bucket list?
If you are a natural hair enthusiast, I think you will enjoy this pop up hair exhibit. It is not big, and the price with parking is a bit over $30, but considering the exhibit is in a stand-alone storefront, it’s reasonably priced. I would not go out of my way to visit the installation, but if you are in town, I would encourage you to stop by and walk down memory lane for a spell.
Would I go again to see this Black hair art?
Only with a photographer. It is not the type of experience that needs a second go-round. I do not think I missed anything the first time. Actually, I personally think this exhibit would be best served as a fun moment at a Natural Hair Show.
Have you visited The Black Hair Experience? What are your thoughts? If not, would you visit while in ATL?
