During the 1980s, Detroit captivated the world once again but through the art form of hair styling. The Hair Wars of Detroit is a movement that developed in African American nightclubs. The founder, DJ David “Hump the Grinder” Humphries, took traditional hair showcases to the next level by seeking stylists that were exotic, bold and risky. These events were covered by local radio stations, magazines and news outlets and helped Detroit to become crowned as The Hair capital of the World.
The Hair Wars are more than just an event, its an immersion of African-American culture, fashion, artistic expression, and hairstyling advancements. Since its beginning it has helped numerous stylists launch successful careers and influence pop culture as well. Even today the wars are meeting new heights with the use of social media. This movement has and continues to showcase local talent, provides opportunities and expresses black culture in a unique way.
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