“ELEVATE!”,
2025 Taliah Waajid World Natural Hair Show
The Taliah Waajid World Natural Hair, Health & Beauty Show was held on April 26–27 at the Georgia International Convention Center. Marking its 25th anniversary, this year’s event embraced the theme “Elevate,” spotlighting beauty, wellness, self-worth, and community. Around 230 vendors participated, and over 40 professional workshops were offered, delivering deep insights into the natural hair and wellness industries. While slightly smaller in scale than last year, the energy on-site remained vibrant.
The Expansion of New Beauty Trends
Beyond hair care, the show featured a wide range of beauty categories including skincare, women’s hair growth supplements, and at-home spa products. Independent brands stood out, drawing attention with their nature-derived formulations. Across the show, there was a clear surge in interest around “inner beauty,” with a marked increase in skincare brand participation. The shift toward holistic wellness was evident, drawing crowds to scalp, facial, and skin massage booths. This evolution signals a new beauty movement—one that goes beyond “natural” to embrace a more integrated approach to health and beauty, inside and out.
Scaled Down, Yet Richer: A More Enriching Event
With Walmart stepping back as a key sponsor, the overall scale of the event appeared slightly reduced, but this shift allowed for a more focused atmosphere centered on beauty and wellness. Spaces like the “Men’s Den” gained popularity by spotlighting the rising conversation around men’s beauty and self-care. On-site styling services and live product demos kept energy high and drew strong engagement from attendees. Professional workshops and panel discussions for industry insiders, complemented by live entertainment and art exhibits, enriched the overall experience.
Interview — Kalifah Waajid
(Lead Organizer, Taliah Waajid Hair Show)
Could you tell us about the core theme of this year’s show, “ELEVATE”?
ELEVATE isn’t just about beauty or hairstyling. It’s about growth in every area of life. It’s about rising to a higher level, not only by embracing natural hair with pride, but by living a life connected to wellness, entrepreneurship, and community. Our goal is to inspire and uplift every attendee, and this year’s show was designed to reflect that vision.
The show is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. What stands out the most to you?
What stays with me most is how many people now recognize this show as a cultural platform. Seeing participants encourage one another, learn together, and grow as a community fills me with pride. It’s that feeling of, ‘We really did this.’ And most of all, watching kids and young entrepreneurs take active roles feels like a powerful sign of what’s ahead.
Do you have a message for brands or vendors interested in participating in the show?
This isn’t just a marketplace, but a platform where brands and consumers can connect authentically and build real trust. We understand the impact a single vendor or brand can have on the community, and we’re here to support them in achieving their highest outcomes. We welcome those genuinely committed to uplifting and serving the consumer.
