Sunday 25 October 2026, 11:00 to 16:00
Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Road, London SE23 3PQ

Forty years of Charlotte Mensah’s hairdressing archive meets the Horniman’s Handling Collection for a hands-on family day exploring hair, memory and making.

Rooted in Black hair culture and open to all families and hair types, the day explores how knowledge about hair is learned, shared and passed between generations. Through practical learning, objects, making and conversation, families are invited not only to take part, but to contribute to a new and growing archive of hair, memory and making.

Curl Power Masterclasses

Conservatory, £5, booking essential

11:00 Care: Detangle & Diffuse
Simple techniques for detangling with confidence, reducing breakage, and using diffusion to shape and dry different textures.

12:30 Craft: Plait, Braid & Style
The fundamentals of plaiting, braiding and simple updos, for parents, carers and children to practise together at home.

14:00 Adorn: Accessories & Hair
A playful session on self-expression, weaving beads, clips and ribbons into different styles.

Each session runs for around 30 to 40 minutes. Suggested ages 3 to 18, accompanied by a parent or carer.

All Afternoon, 12:00 to 16:00

Free, drop in

Handling Space: objects from Charlotte’s personal archive in conversation with the Horniman’s Handling Collection, connecting personal practice, cultural history and contemporary hair care.

Zine Making: a creative workshop responding to hair, identity and creativity.

Book masterclasses at the Horniman →
Handling Space and Zine Making are free, no booking needed.