HairSpiracy in Portland presents The Hair Collection celebrating Black hair as art

HairSpiracy returns to Portland with "The Hair Collection," a museum-style event on April 4 showcasing Black hair as living art through runway pieces, live demonstrations and local vendors. The event arrives as a recent Consumer Reports investigation raised questions about the safety of many braiding hair products.

HairSpiracy, founded by Hanna Steigman, is returning to Portland with an event called "The Hair Collection." The program blends museum-style displays, a seasonal runway, live hairstyling demonstrations and local vendors. Steigman and lead educator Angie Parker frame Black hair as art, identity and cultural practice. The event is scheduled for April 4 at Kinship in Southeast Portland. Key details: - Event name and date: "The Hair Collection" on Saturday, April 4, from 6 to 9 p.m., with the show beginning at 7 p.m. - Venue: Kinship, 1121 Southeast 2nd Avenue, Portland; organizers describe the program as part exhibit, part runway and part community gathering. - Organizers: Hanna Steigman is the founder and curator; Angie Parker is the lead educator and a Portland native involved in programming and demonstrations. - Program elements: featured hairstylists, designers and models; live demonstrations of techniques such as finger waves and box braids; art and style displays, DJ set, food and vendor market. - Context: a February 2026 Consumer Reports investigation reported heavy metals and cancer-linked chemicals in 29 of 30 braiding hair products tested, a finding organizers said underscores the value of community spaces for education and product selection. - Vendor approach: Steigman said she prioritizes vendors who are personally connected to the products they sell, including those who make or use the items. Summary: The Hair Collection aims to present Black hair as a living art form while offering education and local commerce in a single event. The program is meant to foster community connection and showcase seasonal styles; the immediate next step is the scheduled show on April 4.