Hair Freedom EXPO
Description
Hair Freedom EXPO is Australia's first celebration of coily, curly and kinky hair—bringing together culture, identity, education and community under one roof.
Featuring international keynote Professor Wendy Greene—founder of #FreeTheHair and an architect of the CROWN Act, the landmark legislation advancing protections against hair discrimination in the United States.
Join Black and multicultural women and girls, parents, hair professionals, educators, brands, creatives and changemakers for an inspiring half-day of learning, connection and celebration.
Your ticket includes:
🎁 FREE goodie bag worth over $100
🍽️ Cooked lunch and refreshments
🛍️ Exhibitor marketplace featuring leading hair suppliers
💇🏾♀️ Live hair demonstrations and interactive workshops
🎤 International keynote speaker, local panel discussions
🤝 Networking with community, creatives and industry
🎶 LIVE entertainment throughout the day
Whether you're embracing your natural hair, supporting the next generation, or growing your career, Hair Freedom EXPO is your chance to celebrate your crown and be part of Australia's growing movement
Wear it. Love it. Live it. #InspiringHairFreedom
Australia's first Hair Freedom EXPO celebrating coily, curly and kinky
Lineup
Monette Banda
Monette Banda is a 17 year old Australian-Zimbabwean poet and amateur photographer. She writes with a belief that our existence is made up of fragments of love, grief and culture. Deeply inspired by her faith, family and community, she aims to capture a sense of nostalgia or sentimentality. For her, poetry is a canvas where memory meets meaning and vulnerability becomes connection. By sharing her own stories, she hopes to broaden perspectives and create space for others to feel seen.
Professor Wendy Greene
Professor Wendy Greene is one of the world’s leading legal voices on ending hair discrimination. As the founder of the #FreeTheHair movement, her groundbreaking legal scholarship has shaped the U.S. C.R.O.W.N. Acts, landmark laws recognising discrimination based on natural Afro-textured hair as racial discrimination. A professor at Drexel University and globally respected civil rights advocate, she has advised governments, courts, the United Nations and legislatures across four continents. Her appearance at Hair Freedom EXPO Australia is a landmark moment, bringing world-leading expertise to Australia's growing movement for hair equity, policy reform and the protection of Black and multicultural communities.
Daniel Doody
Daniel Doody is an Australian journalist, television presenter and reporter with Network 10, recognised for his engaging storytelling and genuine connection with communities across Australia. With a career spanning radio, the ABC and national television, he has covered major national events while shining a spotlight on inspiring people and important social issues. Known for his warm, authentic style, Daniel is passionate about amplifying stories that matter. At Hair Freedom EXPO, Daniel will MC, to bring his expertise in meaningful conversations and community engagement, helping elevate the voices driving inclusion, representation and lasting social change across Australia.
Farouk Zawady
Farouk Zawady is the Salon Success Partner and Photographer at Ethical Brand Co. and Clever Curl, where he helps salons grow through strategic partnerships, authentic storytelling and powerful visual branding. Combining business expertise with creative vision, he has built a reputation for showcasing the beauty and individuality of the curly hair community. Passionate about supporting salon success and celebrating textured hair, Farouk brings valuable industry insight into building inclusive, thriving and purpose-driven businesses.
Thais Pantigas
Thais Pantigas is a Brazilian-born, Sydney-based curl specialist with over 25 years of experience specialising in textured hair. Raised in São Paulo, Thais picked up the scissors at 14 and trained with one of Brazil's leading beauty institutes. Founder of Amor Curls and owner of Inner West curly salon Taïs Hair Studio, she’ll be live on stage celebrating natural textures and demoing a simple styling routine tailored for kinky and coily hair.
Gloria Tabi
Gloria Tabi is a researcher, TEDx speaker, and two-time author changing the conversation around hair discrimination in Australia. Born in Ghana and based in Australia, she combines lived experience with research to challenge the stigma surrounding Black women’s and girls’ natural hair. After wearing a wig throughout her 25-year career, Gloria founded Enable Women Africa: #InspiringHairFreedom to inspire authenticity and end hair discrimination. Her latest book, ENOUGH, is a powerful call to reclaim identity, dignity, and the freedom to wear the hair you were born with.
Janet Annor
Janet Annor is a registered nurse, midwife, and Advanced Practice Nurse with NSW Health, where she champions the wellbeing of children, young people, and families. Originally from Ghana, she is passionate about creating inclusive communities where Black girls and multicultural women can embrace who they are without stigma or the pressure to change their natural hair. As Public Relations Officer for the Ghanaian Australian Women’s Association (GAWA), Janet advocates for cultural pride, belonging, and healthier futures where every woman and girl feels seen, valued, and empowered.
Marileide Evangelista
I’m Marileide Evangelista, a certified hairstylist and curly hair specialist with six years of experience helping women embrace, understand, and care for their natural texture. For almost three years, I’ve proudly served the Blacktown community, creating a welcoming space for curl education, personalised cuts, styling, and healthy-hair routines. My mission is to help women build Curly Girl confidence and see their curls as a gift. I believe beautiful, healthy curls are not luck; they come from the right guidance, consistent care, and a plan made for your hair.
Luke Charters
Luke Charters, as the founder of Clever Curl, is passionate about developing products that truly enhance the lives of everyday people, driven by a dedication to pioneering formulas that celebrate every hair type. A proud father of two beautiful daughters, Luke balances family life with his dedication to giving back to the community. Luke believes in the impact of small actions to create meaningful change and is dedicated to engaging in programs and opportunities that contribute to the well-being of others. Luke loves being an active presence in our community and contributing in practical ways through support and collaboration with Clever Curl’s very special partner organisations with shared values.
DJ GNGR (Abekan)
DJ GNGR (Abekan) is a Nigerian-born, Sydney-based DJ celebrated for bringing African music, culture and community to audiences across Australia. Blending Afrobeats, Amapiano, Highlife, Fuji, Makossa and global favourites, her energetic sets create unforgettable experiences that unite people on the dancefloor. Founder of Jinja Me and Rhythm Fest, DJ GNGR is passionate about celebrating African culture through music. Having performed at VIVID Sydney, Sydney Theatre Company, Sony Music and major cultural festivals, she brings infectious energy, authenticity and joy to Hair Freedom EXPO, where culture, connection and celebration take centre stage
Mark Buttigieg MLC
Mark Buttigieg MLC has served in the NSW Legislative Council since 2019 and is the Parliamentary Secretary for Industrial Relations, Work Health and Safety, and Multiculturalism. A passionate advocate for safe workplaces, workers' rights and inclusive communities, Mark has championed legislative reforms that strengthen public safety and protect essential industries across New South Wales. He is also a dedicated supporter of multicultural communities, regularly representing the NSW Government at cultural events and initiatives. At Hair Freedom EXPO, Mark's presence highlights the importance of inclusion, equity and celebrating Australia's rich cultural diversity.
Fatu Halloran
Fatu Halloran is a hairdresser and the founder of Fatu Hair Artistry, with over 13 years of experience in the hair industry. Specialising in curly and textured hair, Fatu is passionate about helping women understand, embrace and feel confident in their natural texture. Her approach centres around personalised hair care, education and creating a welcoming space where every client’s individual texture is celebrated and using her skills to empower women through hair, confidence and self-expression.
Charishma Kaliyanda
Charishma Kaliyanda was raised, educated and has worked in south-west Sydney for most of her career. In 2023, she was elected as the first Indian-born Australian Member of Parliament for Liverpool. She is Parliamentary Secretary for Customer Service, Digital Government, Emergency Services and Youth Justice, supporting Minister Jihad Dib to deliver better services for communities across NSW. Before entering Parliament, Charishma worked as a registered Occupational Therapist in youth mental health. Charishma is committed to integrity and equity and works every day to ensure people across Sydney’s south-west have the opportunity to build a better future for themselves and their families.
Gallery
Hair Freedom EXPO - Attendee (Effie)
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
