Yep, you read right! Over at www.going-natural.com, the 2nd annual America's Next Natural Model Contest (ANNM) is currently in session! And on top of that, I received the honor of serving as a guest judge during the contest! I am extremely excited about judging in a contest that I believe is a wonderful way to spread and encourage positive images of natural hair.
Here are some of the details regarding this year's contest from Going Natural's Press Release:
Now that Chris Rock has shown us one part of Black women's hair care in his film Good Hair, America can watch how another part is styling their tresses in a pageant called America's Next Natural Model organized byGoing-Natural.com.
Each of the ten participating beauties is proud to show their natural texture to the fullest and proof that African hair can be extremely beautiful without hazardous chemicals, extensions or weaves.
The successful pageant is in its second year. Last year's winner, Tiana Tamara Townsel is today's Miss Black Washington.
The goal of the competition is to take natural hair styles beyond acceptance of the corporate world and show the beauty and fashion industry an unexplored universe of hair and styles that they miss out on.
According to organizer Mireille Liong, wider acceptance of natural hairstyles is essential because in their pursuit to meet the standards of “good” straight hair, Black women damage their scalp and suffer disproportionately from hair breakage. America’s Next Natural Model is an inspiring way to create awareness and acceptance using new technology to spread the message.
According to organizer Mireille Liong, wider acceptance of natural hairstyles is essential because in their pursuit to meet the standards of “good” straight hair, Black women damage their scalp and suffer disproportionately from hair breakage. America’s Next Natural Model is an inspiring way to create awareness and acceptance using new technology to spread the message.
A panel of judges that include Anu Prestonia from Khamit Kinks, Patricia Gains from Nappturality, Wilbur Pack from skwilbur.com, Rhonda Ray from Afro City TV and photographer Justin Grant will share their professional opinion but users also have a final say in who will win this online pageant.
It's American Idol meets America's Next Top Model on site at Going-Natural.com where registered users can vote for their favorite model and leave comments in a social network environment.
The competition starts on November 2nd and runs until December 28. For more information visit
Going-Natural.com.
Going-Natural.com.
So head on over to www.going-natural.com and support the natural ladies in this year's contest! Judging for the 1st challenge is currently in session, so feel free to provide your input.