Whether you’re a beautician, barber or a hair care do-it-yourselfer, there’s something for everyone to learn about hair maintenance at the 13th annual Chew’s Multicultural Hair Expo, which will run Saturday-Monday, July 13-15, in the Lake Charles Civic Center.

“Since we started this expo in 1997, we’ve been bringing the top hair artists in the country to better educate local cosmetologists, but it’s turned into something that everyone wants to see,” said Dianna Guillory, show coordinator. “People really like seeing the different types of hair styles these artists can create.”

The show will feature 75 exhibition booths, presentations, demonstrations and classes for certified beauticians — as well as a chance for the public to see the work of hair professionals during beautician and barber battles. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the door at the time of the event.

Well-known stylists who have worked with high-profile clients and celebrities who will be at the show are Antonio Smith, Freddie J., George Cooper, Kevin Kirk, Tomeka James, The Joan Louis, Sharon Reed, David and Danielle Bechet and Shawn Bos’Man Boston.

Booths will be open noon-6 p.m. Saturday, with and an opening party to be held at the Foundation House. Sunday events will include a church service by pastor Braylin Harris at 8:30 a.m., stage presentations, a fashion show, and the first of the two hair battles.

“Each stylist gets a model and are given 15 minutes to do a style and cut right there on stage,” Guillory said. “They have to get creative; they cut the model’s natural hair and sometimes add hair extensions to create whatever design they have in mind. They always come up with some beautiful and unique styles.”

Models for the battles will include local volunteers, who are always pleasantly surprised with their new hairstyles once they get off the stage, Guillory said.

The expo will conclude on Monday with the show’s final competitions — one for professionals and students at 1 p.m. and one for barbers at 2 p.m.

“The barbers do it just like the beauticians,” Guillory said. “They get 15 minutes and are able to show their traditional cuts, creative cuts and exotic cuts.”

(mgnonline.com)