Over the past few years, I have developed something of a love/hate relationship with the Afro Hair & Beauty show. The very idea that someone would dedicate an entire exhibition (two whole days, no less) to Afro hair and beauty used to blow my mind.

When, years ago, I made my first pilgrimage to Alexandra Palace - its north London venue - I was suitably overwhelmed, as much by the audience as by the size and variety of stalls. It started when I was on the tube. A few minutes before I was due to get off, I realised that almost everyone in the carriage was black, very dressed up and with immaculate hair. There was also a definite sense of camaraderie, so much so that when we all got off it was as one unified group, rather than as a collection of individuals. Whatever the black version of Blitz spirit is, this was it, but with added melanin.

The first few shows I went to lived up to the hype. There was glamour, there was glitz and, most importantly, there was lots to learn about looking after my hair and skin.

Then something happened. Either I got old and jaded, or the shows did. The past couple have felt more like hideous sales conferences than anything with my needs in mind. The stalls were manned by staff who'd answer the simplest of questions with blank looks. I left last year with the world's most rubbish goodie bag (flyers, flyers and more flyers), a bad mood and a headache, vowing to take a year out.

I still loved that the show existed, but I hated that it was so inadequate. Now it's come round again. Should I go or stay at home? A year off might rekindle my affections, but then again ... all those hairdressers, all those beauty products designed just for my skin and all that potential inspiration under one roof. What's the point in sitting at home wondering what I'm missing?

· The Afro Hair & Beauty show takes place tomorrow and Monday at Alexandra Palace, London N22, 020-7498 1795 (afrohairshow.com).