Attending Natural Hair Shows: 5 Things to Know Before You Go

Look at all the people at the World Natural Hair Show!

Natural hair will be the talk of ATL this weekend, as the city hosts the 15th Annual World Natural Hair Show.

The show is a don't miss event -- there's simply no other time or place to see this many products at one time. EVERYONE is here -- from larger brands like Shea Moisture to mom and pop brands with dreams of making it big. If you've always wanted to try a certain brand of products, you're in luck.

There are sample giveaways galore and product demonstrations. The show is a product junkie's dream --- all natural hair products, all in one place, just fingertips away -- no need to pay postage or travel across town to grab your products.
I've gone to at least three natural hair shows. Before you go, make sure you follow these 5 tips. They apply to any large hair show. I'll warn you: The spring show is MUCH larger than the fall World Natural Hair Show. If you are scared of crowds, stay home. You'll probably be shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow patrons.

Also, be wary of bringing kids -- especially little ones. They're little legs will get tired dragging them around and it will make it tougher for you to shop. There are so many people that it's tough to have a stroller. A few years ago, I brought my tween daugthers and I spent too much time making sure no one got lost in the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds.

1. Dress comfortably. I can't stress this enough. I know 5-inch heels are cute and all, but the hair show is in a large banquet hall area of the Georgia International Convention Center. You will be walking. And throbbing feet are so not the business! Make sure your footwear is comfortable. Cute flats are OK. Be cute, yes, but remember your outfit has got to be made for walking around.
2. Narrow down your dream products. You will see LOTS of things you want. Last year, I knew I wanted to try Anthony Dickey's Hair Rules. So I stalked the booth and managed to get a fistful of products. There are so many exhibitors that it's easy to lose track. But if you know that you've always wanted to try Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding (they are usually ALWAYS there and give out tons of free samples and have product demos) and don't want to fork over $40 at Target, get over to the Miss Jessie's booths quickly. I still have lots of Miss Jessie's samples from the show last year -- probably enough to make a small jar. Samples are free, but they don't last forever. Last year, samples of Jane Carter's Curly Solution were gone within a few hours of the show.
3. Cash rules. Lots of vendors will have credit card machines and there's an ATM at the convention center. But then again, some vendors won't have credit card machines and will only accept cash. Have cash on you just in case. You'll need it anyway for parking, which is $5.
4.  Check prices. If you go on the last day, you're bound to get better deals from vendors who don't want to schlepp that stuff home. Know that you may find the same products -- especially earrings -- for sale at many vendors for different prices. Unless it's a pair of to-die for earrings (there are plenty of them at the show) try to be competitive and see what prices others are offering on them. Last year, I picked up three bars of Shea Moisture's black soap for $10; they normally retail for $4.99 each at stores.
5. Be inspired. You will see show much freakin' gorgeous natural hair! From locs to twist outs and braids, natural hair is in full display. You'll get whiplash from the many gorgeous heads that you'll see.

How do you shop at natural hair shows?