Natural Hair Week 2014 (now CURLYTREATS Festival)was a defining moment for the natural hair movement in the UK. Taking place across major UK cities, this event brought together naturalistas, beauty lovers, industry experts, and everyday women to connect, learn, and celebrate their natural roots.
Designed to educate and empower, Natural Hair Week 2014 wasn’t just about styling tips or product stalls. It was about building a space where people could share their stories, discover solutions for textured hair, and walk away feeling seen and supported.
What made the event so special?
The 2014 edition focused on community-driven experiences. Whether you were looking for hair health advice, skincare support, live tutorials, or just wanted to be in a space that celebrated natural beauty, this event had it all.
- free natural hairstyling: attendees received complimentary makeovers by American stylist Candace Kelly and UK-based celebrity hairdresser Desmond Murray. These sessions filled up fast, and the transformations were stunning.
- DIY workshops: Lush ran hands-on product-making sessions, teaching guests how to craft their own natural hair and skincare items using safe, effective ingredients.
- african headwrapping tutorials: led by Lorene Rhoomes of Akhu Designs, these sessions offered step-by-step demonstrations on how to tie and style traditional African headwraps.
- free skincare support: guests were treated to mini facials by skincare expert Antonia Burrell, who also led a seminar on natural health and wellbeing.
- mini makeovers: beauty brand Fashion Fair provided makeup touch-ups throughout each event, helping guests feel fresh and photo-ready.
Main stage highlights
The main stage was where education met inspiration. With a packed programme of demos, seminars, and discussions, attendees walked away with real knowledge they could use.
- creative hairstyling demos: Desmond Murray took to the stage multiple times to demonstrate cutting-edge techniques on natural textures, combining creativity with professional expertise.
- hair health and trichology: Shirley McDonald shared over 20 years of experience in diagnosing and treating scalp conditions common in afro-textured hair, offering practical solutions for breakage, thinning, and hair loss.
- skincare science: Antonia Burrell focused on internal and external skincare for Black women, highlighting natural approaches to combatting hyperpigmentation, acne, and sensitive skin.
- giveaways: throughout the events, guests received prizes from brands like Hairfinity and Azure Professional, creating extra buzz and brand engagement.
Let’s talk: the debate
One of the most powerful parts of the event was the live panel discussions, “let’s talk: the debate.” bringing together key voices in the natural hair space together.
The panel featured:
- Desmond Murray – celebrity hairdresser and educator
- Candace Kelly – founder of Curl Prep (USA)
- Jacqueline Shepherd – Sky 1 presenter and advocate for Black visibility in media
- Elle or Neecie – representing Natural Hair Daily
Topics ranged from representation in the beauty industry to challenges in finding inclusive products on the high street. The energy in the room was electric, with audience members sharing their own thoughts and experiences too.
Big chop moments
Throughout the afternoon, several attendees made the bold and emotional decision to do the “big chop” live on stage. Led by Desmond Murray, these transformations weren’t just about aesthetics — they were about reclaiming identity and embracing a new chapter of self-love.
These moments were deeply moving, and many guests later shared how the experience gave them newfound confidence.
Closing with connection
The event closed with more giveaways, heartfelt thanks, and a special mention of the supported charity: BME Cancer Voice, a group raising awareness and support for people of colour affected by cancer.
Final thoughts
This event wasn’t just a week long experience. It marked a shift. It showed the beauty industry — and the community itself — that there’s power in creating intentional, inclusive, culturally rooted spaces. Natural Hair Week 2014 gave attendees knowledge, confidence, and a sense of belonging that still resonates years later.
To everyone who attended, spoke, sponsored volunteered, or cheered from the sidelines — thank you. You helped make history and prove that our hair, our culture, and our stories deserve the spotlight.
