In Our Hands: Hair, Memory and Making with Charlotte Mensah

Rooted in hair culture but open to all families and all hair types, the day explores how knowledge around hair is learned, shared and passed across generations and cultures.

Through practical learning, objects, making, portraiture and conversation, families will be invited not only to participate in the day, but to contribute to a new and growing archive exploring hair, memory and making.

The day will combine:

Charlotte Mensah’s archive alongside selected objects from the Horniman’s Handling Collection
Three drop-in Curl Power mini masterclasses
Zine-making and creative activities
Parent/carer and child conversations around hair, memory, identity and family
Family portraiture
Contributions to a growing digital archive

Curl Power Mini Masterclasses
11:00am – Care: Detangle and Diffuse
A practical introduction to caring for and detangling hair with confidence. Charlotte and the team will share simple techniques for gently working through hair, reducing breakage and using diffusion to shape and dry different textures.

12:30pm – Craft: Plait, Braid & Style
A hands-on introduction to some of the fundamental techniques behind plaiting, braiding and simple updos. Parents/carers and children will learn techniques they can practise together and take home.

14:00 – Adorn: Accessories & Hair
A playful session exploring adornment and self-expression through hair. Families will learn simple ways to incorporate beads, clips, ribbons and other accessories into different styles.

Each session: approximately 30–40 minutes. Suggested age range: 3–18 years, accompanied by a parent or carer where applicable.

The sessions are open to all hair types and backgrounds.

Objects and Handling Collections
A selection of objects from Charlotte’s archive will be brought into conversation with objects from the Horniman’s Handling Collection, creating connections between personal practice, cultural history and contemporary hair care.

Zine Making Workshop
A drop in zine making and creating workshop in response to and exploring hair identity and creativity.

About Charlotte Mensah
The award-winning hairstylist, owner of Hairlounge salon, and founder of the Charlotte Mensah Manketti Oil product range, Charlotte Mensah, has achieved remarkable success. She serves as an

inspiration to stylists, business owners, and women across the globe. Her achievements are the result of hard work, unwavering self-belief, and her genuine, down-to-earth personality. Charlotte honed her skills at the London College of Fashion in the late ’80s, under the mentorship of ‘The Godfather of British Afro Hairdressing’, the late Winston Isaacs.

Located on London’s eclectic Portobello Road, her salon, Hair Lounge, welcomes a steady stream of devoted clients. These range from figures in business, entertainment, and politics to individuals who have become like childhood friends after walking through the door countless times.

Her exceptional talent has made her a familiar face at industry events and award ceremonies. She has been named ‘Afro Hairdresser of the Year’ three times at the British Hairdressing Awards, earning her a place in their Hall of Fame—a recognition that sits atop an impressive list of over 20 accolades in hair and business.

Visit information
Tickets coming soon.

Advance booking is advised.

Please be aware that tickets cannot be exchanged for different Horniman activities and refunds are not available.

All children (under 16 years) must be accompanied by an adult.

Main image by Karen Lasme