On Saturday, 26th October, CURLYTREATS Festival 2019 transformed Novotel London West, Hammersmith, into an energising hub celebrating the beauty, diversity, and excellence of the curly hair community. Throughout the day, our event welcomed attendees to experience expert-led seminars, workshops and vibrant cultural exchanges, designed to inspire confidence and empower every visitor.
Expert-led curly hair seminars
The festival offered specialised seminars delivered by trusted industry leaders, who shared their extensive knowledge on essential hair and skincare topics:
- Protecting Your Edges and Restoring Hairlines: Renowned hairstylist Verona White addressed practical methods to repair thinning edges and rejuvenate receding hairlines, giving guests actionable solutions tailored for immediate use.
- Natural Hair Myths Debunked: Joycelyn Mate and Rachael Corson, the passionate founders behind Afrocenchix, dispelled seasonal haircare myths, clarifying misconceptions to help attendees manage their curls effectively during colder months.
- Hair, Identity, and Self-Expression: Design Essentials educator, Stephen Debellotte provided a thought-provoking discussion about hair identity and personal narratives, sparking empowering conversations around the powerful link between hair and self-image.
- Nourishing Your Body, Enhancing Your Hair: Amaeze Madukah, a registered associate nutritionist, offered nutritional strategies specifically designed for curl health, showing attendees how plant-based diets can naturally boost hair strength and overall wellness.
- Instantly Glamorous Natural Styles: Natural hair influencer Chuma Soko demonstrated creative yet easy-to-achieve styles, ideal for parties, special occasions, or everyday glamour, inspiring attendees to elevate their natural looks effortlessly.
- Seasonal Haircare for Rapid Growth: Dr Lola Akingbola, a respected hair and skincare expert, revealed techniques to maintain and accelerate natural hair growth during challenging weather conditions, keeping curls healthy and vibrant year-round.
- Healthy Ageing Secrets: Hazel-Kay from Shalshani introduced practical anti-ageing skincare regimens suitable for cooler seasons, helping attendees retain youthful, radiant complexions naturally.
- Understanding Hormones and Hair Health: Holistic nutritionist Leah Salmon provided eye-opening insights into how menstrual cycles influence hair condition, offering balanced lifestyle recommendations to support overall health.
- Celebrating Afro Hair Heritage: Michelle De Leon, founder of World Afro Day, passionately discussed the importance of celebrating Afro hair globally, uniting attendees in pride, positivity, and advocacy.
The youth zone: inspiring confidence in young curly girls & teens
Our festival included a carefully curated programme tailored specifically to children and teenagers, nurturing their self-esteem, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit:
- Hair Confidence for Kids: Ekwy Chukwuji-Nnene from Equi Botanics delivered engaging sessions empowering children under 12 to appreciate and proudly embrace their natural curls.
- Practical Hair Styling for Young Girls: Princess Keisha, founder of A Crown of Curls, facilitated fun, hands-on hairstyling sessions designed to encourage skill development and sisterly bonding.
- DIY Natural Haircare for Teens: Haircare expert Verona White equipped teenagers with practical skills for creating homemade natural hair products, encouraging innovation and creativity.
- Teenage Skincare Solutions: Dr Lola Akingbola educated teenagers about nurturing clear, healthy skin through natural routines, fostering lifelong self-care habits.
- From Passion to Profit: Abena Hagan, CEO of Curls-AuNaturel, inspired teenagers to cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets, guiding them on how to transform their personal interests into profitable ventures.
The expo experience: connecting with innovative curly hair brands
The festival's buzzing expo area showcased pioneering haircare brands that understand and celebrate curls. Attendees had the chance to interact with brand representatives, test new products, and gain personalised haircare advice:
- Creme of Nature: Celebrated their Pure Honey collection, providing nourishing moisture-rich products crafted to maintain healthy, soft curls throughout all seasons.
- Revlon Realistic: Introduced their Black Seed Oil range, designed specifically for natural hair enthusiasts looking for strength, resilience, and versatility.
- Design Essentials: Offered personalised styling consultations and effective products uniquely tailored for textured and curly hair types.
- NHS Blood Donation Awareness: Educated attendees on the crucial need for Black blood donors, fostering community support and inspiring potential lifesaving contributions.
Celebrating together: uniting a thriving community
CURLYTREATS Festival 2019 was a powerful celebration of identity, beauty, and collective empowerment. The atmosphere was filled with positivity, meaningful connections, and cultural pride, creating memories that attendees cherished long after the event concluded.
Our sincere appreciation to everyone who attended, contributed, and supported CURLYTREATS Festival 2019. Your passion fuels our mission, and we look forward to continuing this beautiful journey together.
