The Oscars of Black Hair

Natalie Hopkinson is a Washington, D.C.-based author whose current projects deal with the arts, gender and public life. She is the author of Go-Go Live: The Musical Life and Death of a Chocolate City. Follow her on Twitter. 

The Oscars of Black Hair

The 2009 competition at the Washington Convention Center will be fierce among black stylists to see who will take home the coveted awards. Click through to see highlights from a previous Golden Scissors competition.

Photos by Marvin Joseph courtesy of GLYNN JACKSON THE AGENCY.

Mr. Obama's Washington

Steps away from the other White House, Golden Scissors Awards creator Glynn Jackson poses with models vamping in front of an air-brushed portrait of the president, Capitol and White House—and of course, a few bottles poppin' with bubbly. It's a celebration!

Read Natalie Hopkinson's piece on how to cope with black hair's Dominican invasion.

Fan-tastic

Black hair shows are about more than just hair. For the past several years, retro '80s fashions have been popular.

I Love the '80s

And with its asymmetric styles and ecstatic bursts of color, what's not to love about the '80s?

Redstripe

And don't forget to add an extra dose of drama.

Golden Girl

Lash extensions and over-the-top makeup not optional.

Picture Perfect

She's the one.

Hairoic

The more architectural reinforcement a hairstyle needs, the better your chances are to take home a Golden Scissors trophy.

Interstate 95

Take this exit.

The Fire Backstage

Hey, does that hurt?

Young MC

Hair show veteran Glynn Jackson both emcees the competition and demonstrates how to walk this way.

Fierce

Go ahead Glynn, strike a pose.

Bustin' Loose

And sometimes, hair is beside the point…

King Strut

Does he even have any hair? Do we care?

Can Your Barber Do This?

Didn't think so.

Classic Gumby Cut

Upgraded from the Bobby Brown, circa 1988 edition.

Curves

We prefer our models well-nourished.

Pirouette

Choreography runs the gamut from classical to Dirty South.

Hunger

Must be the leopard print around her waist.

Pink Flamingo

Feathers strategically placed.

Forward March

Moving in lock-step in not-so basic black. 

Taking Flight

Fashion soaring.

Liquid Gold

A striking contrast with the b-boys and girls behind her.

In Motion

Amazing feats of athleticism from the dancers. 

Blue 'Fro

Not to be confused with the Jew 'fro.

In Living Color

Walking, talking kaleidoscopes.

Spiderwoman

The kiss? Deadly.

American Girl

This is the nation's capital, after all.

The Barack Cut

This is why they call it "Chocolate City."

Founding Mother

Who will take home the 2009 Golden Scissors Awards? All will be revealed this Sunday, Dec. 6.

PLUS: Read about how Glynn Jackson is coping with black hair's Dominican invasion.