Bronner Bros. Hair Showcase

ESSENCE.com was on the scene at The Bronner Bros. 2009 International Hair Show that took place August 15-18 at the Georgia World Congress Center. Take a peek at the top highlights from the mane event.

Over 60,000 hairstylists, exhibitors, distributors and cosmetology students emerged on the city of Atlanta as Bronner Bros. rolled out the red carpet for yet another fantastic international hair show.

Actor and comedian Chris Rock, who is pictured here with actress Nia Long, was a special guest at the hair show, where he discussed his highly anticipated documentary “Good Hair” which goes inside the inter-workings of the $9 billion dollar African-American hair industry.

The founders of Bronner Bros. were siblings Dr. Nathaniel H. Bronner Sr. and Arthur E. Bronner Sr. The two were cosmetologist teachers who launched the first Bronner Bros. Trade Show in 1947.

In 2004, Wal-Mart and Sally Beauty Supply recognized Bronner Bros. as their top vendor of the year in their annual report. The Bronner Bros. enterprise is one of the largest private African-American hair and skin care producers in America.

Haute couture coiffures are staple at these festive and artist event.

Hairstylist from around the world bring their skills to the showcase where wild and crazy hair do’s and don’ts highlight the creatively fueling the hair industry.

“Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Lisa Wu Hartwell and hubby Ed Hartwell (pictured here) and Sheree Whitfield from the “Real Housewives of Atlanta” were on hand to check out the sights of the hair show.

The Clairol Professional Design Team presented a fabulous collection, the Art OF Contrasting Harmony.

Spinderella from Salt-N-Pepa enjoyed the festivities with a guest. The “mane attraction” of the event was the Hair Battle Royale competition sponsored by Ford Motor Company, where stylists competed for $20,000 and a 2010 Ford Taurus.