CURLYTREATS Festival 2016 – back when it was known as Natural Hair Week – took over five cities across the UK and delivered one of the most empowering, educational, and community-driven events of the year. From Birmingham to Manchester to London, the festival was all about celebrating natural hair and educating people on how to care for it with pride.
This multi-city tour brought together curl lovers, families, and experts for a series of exciting sessions on afro and curly hair care, wellness, business, and self-confidence. The vibe was welcoming, informative, and full of positive energy – a perfect blend of celebration and empowerment.
Education and empowerment: the heart of the festival
Natural Hair Week 2016 was built around the idea that knowledge is power. Across each location, guests could take part in expert-led workshops and seminars covering everything from product ingredients to curl maintenance and self-love.
Featured speakers and educators
- Dr Lola Akingbola – Transitioning 101, hair loss and skin workshop
- Stephen Debellotte – International educator for Design Essentials
- Nicola Smart – Consultant trichologist, Smart Hair Clinic
- Lorene Rhoomes – Head wrapping masterclass
- Harlem Carty – Loctician and locs styling workshop
- Trina & Sian (Mane Divas) – DIY hair product workshops (Diva’s Kitchen)
- Abena Hagan – Natural hair care for children workshops & panelist
- Rachel Sealy – Blogger and panelist (UKafrolista)
- CURLture (Jay and Trina) – Bloggers and panelists
- Jimmy Swagger – Debate host and panelist
- Claire Clottey – Host and presenter
Attendees walked away with not just hair tips, but real-life encouragement to embrace their full selves without apology.
What went down across five UK cities
The festival toured through:
- London
- Manchester
- Leeds
- Nottingham
- Birmingham
Each stop delivered the same strong programming with local flair, showcasing the diversity of natural hair stories throughout the UK. Whether you were just starting your journey or fully natural for years, there was something for everyone.
Interactive zones and community vibes
visit hands-on hair stations, get personalised tips, or discover new products from indie brands in the exhibitor space.
Popular highlights included:
- Live hair demos – showcasing everything from twist-outs to protective styles
- Product education – decoding labels and understanding ingredients
- Self-love and mental wellness talks
- Afro-textured hair care for children
Supporting small businesses and indie brands
Natural Hair Week 2016 was an amazing opportunity to support small businesses in the hair and beauty space. From handmade butters to eco-friendly stylers, attendees had the chance to meet passionate founders, sample their products, and shop directly with confidence.
Many of the brands that participated in 2016 have gone on to become staples in the natural hair space. CURLYTREATS has continued to give these businesses visibility and connection to the community that loves and supports them.
The impact of the event
Natural Hair Week 2016 wasn’t just a celebration – it was a cultural moment. It gave thousands of people across the UK the space to feel seen, heard, and supported on their hair journey. It showed that natural hair is not just a trend – it's a movement rooted in identity, education, and pride.
And although the name has evolved, the mission remains the same: to empower the curly hair community through events that uplift, educate, and connect.
Final thoughts
CURLYTREATS Festival 2016 (formerly Natural Hair Week) was a game changer. It set the tone for what CURLYTREATS would become – the UK’s biggest and most-loved natural hair festival. If you were there, you know how special it was. If you missed it, don’t worry – the spirit lives on in every CURLYTREATS event we host today.
Here’s to more curls, more confidence, and more community.
