“Freaknik had a huge cultural impact in the beauty space,” says supervising producer Deshawn Plair.
(The colorful name is a portmanteau of the words “freak” and “picnic.")
Eventually, the gatherings became so large that they attracted students from around the country.
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Even non-students wanted to participate in the rowdy collegiate shenanigans.
These young people were often unwelcome at spring break gatherings in other cities.
The event also attracted celebrities as performers and participants.
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Usher, Tupac, and more came through.
Still, Freaknik was not without its detractors.
What was considered harmless,MTV Spring Break-style fun by some was considered disgraceful by others.
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Freaknik’s approach to beauty was the bolder, the better.
You wanted to stand out in a sea of women showing off and showing out.
Rhinestones,tooth gems, and logomania reigned supreme.The brows were skinnyand the “bay-angs” were fat.
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Attendees added globs of thick dark gel and spritzed strong alcohol sprays to transform their manes into magic.
Gold to achieve “that extra hold.”
A limp ‘do was unacceptable for twerking on car hoods and hotel balconies.
“You did not want your hair to fall,” she says.
Celebrity hairstylist Brandon Horsley recalls being inspired by seeing the styles from the period on his mother.
“The technique, the skill level back then was unmatched,” he says.
“It was just a great opportunity to kind of see those different fashions.”
“The girls were rocking that in the late ’80s and early ’90s,” she says.
“We know that you guys are celebrating,” she says.
No, you didn’t come up with it,” she laments.
“People have been doing this since back in the day.”
Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Toldis now streaming on Hulu.
