Natural Hair Week 2015 (now CURLYTREATS Festival) was more than an event - it was a moment. A space created for naturalistas to feel seen, heard, and celebrated. We brought people together to talk hair, health, culture, and confidence - all under one roof.
Whether you were rocking your fro, protective style, or just starting your natural hair journey, our event made guest feel at home. It wasn’t just about looking good — it was about feeling good in your own skin and celebrating who you are.
What went down
Each day kicked off with early VIP access - and from the start, the vibe was electric. People came ready to learn, shop, connect, and glow up inside and out.
- Pop-up shops: From natural hair brands to skin care consultants, there were so many Black-owned gems in the room.
- Live hairstyling demos: Anastasia Chickezie delivered styling tutorials that made textured haircare look easy, empowering, and exciting.
- Free facials + skin advice: Hazel Kay (Shilshani) led our Diagnosis Corner — helping guests take better care of their skin naturally.
- Hair clinic consultations: Shirley McDonald brought expert advice to attendees seeking scalp and hair loss solutions.
Talks that stayed with us
The speaker sessions were powerful, personal, and packed with takeaways. This wasn’t surface-level beauty talk — it was real, educational, and rooted in self-love.
- Hazel Shilshani set the tone with “Loving the Skin You’re In.”
- Lola Akingbola broke down the causes of hair loss in women of colour and shared how to build a healthy hair regimen.
- Lavinia Osbourne connected natural hair care to financial self-care, encouraging a holistic approach to wellbeing.
- Frédérique TIETCHEU shared bold style tips with a focus on confidence and fashion freedom.
- Lorene Rhoomes took us on a heartfelt journey through the meaning of locs — their beauty, depth, and history.
We also held workshops for children, because self-confidence and self-love start early. It was beautiful to see the younger generation learning to embrace their natural beauty too.
The energy? Unmatched.
What made Natural Hair Week 2015 unforgettable wasn’t just our agenda — it was the community. The shared experiences. The honest conversations. The joy. The pride. The feeling of being surrounded by people who just get it.
Why it mattered
Our event reminded guests how powerful it is to have safe, affirming spaces that centre the, and their beauty. We created room for knowledge, self-expression, and connection. And it proved what we already knew — that our hair is more than hair. It’s history, identity, and strength.
Thank you
If you were there in 2015, thank you. You helped create something special - something that mattered then and still matters now. Natural Hair Week 2015 was a celebration of who we are, and that energy continues to inspire.
