We hosted CURLYTREATS Festival 2022 at Novotel London West, and it was a full day of joy, learning, and connection. As soon as guests walked in, the space was buzzing - natural hair love was everywhere, and the energy felt real and welcoming.
This wasn’t just about hair - it was about empowerment. The day was packed with hands-on workshops, cultural conversations, wellness vibes, and interactive experiences for all ages. Here’s a look at the highlights that made CURLYTREATS Festival 2022 one for the books.
Haircare sessions: real talk, real techniques
Our haircare workshops were all about giving you tools to understand and love your natural texture. Here’s what went down:
- Afro Haircare Product Making: Paris Reveira (The Good Hair) showed how to make personalised products with natural ingredients—DIY and sustainable!
- Truth About Hair Porosity: Trichologist Enitan Agidee (Healthy Hair Studio) helped guests decode porosity and moisture needs.
- Retain Length Naturally: Althea Hamilton (BIG Nanny’s Hair Products) gave practical tips to reduce breakage and boost growth.
- African Headwrapping Workshop: Amma Serwaa Asantewaa Gyimah demonstrated wrap techniques that celebrate heritage and elevate any look.
- Glowing Hair & Skin from Within: Leah Salmon (The Naturally You Coach) shared how nutrition and wellness play a huge role in healthy hair and glowing skin.
Learn to braid: beginner-friendly workshops sponsored by Camille Rose
Led by braiding expert Uche Abuah, our Braiding for Beginners sessions helped guests master the basics of cornrows, box braids and more. With individual support and a chill atmosphere, it was the perfect intro to protective styling.
Book & Kulture: celebrating voices that tell our stories
This space brought together authors, creatives, and educators for conversations that highlighted the beauty, struggles, and legacy of Afro hair.
- Hairvolution Talk: Saskia Calliste and Zainab Raghdo explored hair as identity, art, and activism.
- The Story of Afro Hair: Kandace Chimbiri took guests on a historical journey through iconic hairstyles and milestones.
- A Quick Ting On Afro Hair: Zainab Kwaw-Swanzy spoke about the everyday experiences and triumphs of having Afro hair in the UK.
- All About Locs: Loctician Naomi Roberts shared practical care tips while diving into the history and spiritual roots of locs.
- Secrets of the Afro Comb: Kandace Chimbiri returned to spotlight the powerful symbolism behind this timeless tool.
Creative workshops: art, culture, and expression
From paint to print, these sessions helped guests explore the intersection of identity and creativity:
- Black Hair Zine Workshop: Fiona Quadri guided guests in creating zines that celebrated their own hair journeys.
- Paint & Sip: Artist Named Nobody and The Art Babe led a chilled painting session inspired by Black hairstyles.
- Lino Printing with Lydia Julien: Guests created lino prints combining plant life and curly hair symbolism.
- Paint & Party: Black Womanhood: Cherelle Morris led a vibrant session exploring self-love and celebration through art.
Film screenings: visual storytelling with purpose
In partnership with Black History Studies, our film zone featured impactful short films and documentaries:
- Black Britain on Film: Archival footage told powerful, often overlooked stories from across the UK.
- Black London: A Bigger Picture: Films that highlighted the beauty, resilience, and impact of Black communities in London.
The expo: shopping, discovering, and connecting
With over 75+ brands, our expo was a go-to spot for all things curly hair, wellness, beauty, and culture. From indie gems to big names like TikTok, Camille Rose, Afrocenchix, and Creme of Nature, guests browsed, learned, and connected directly with founders and hair experts. Ace of Jacks kept the vibes flowing with feel-good music all day.
Final thoughts
CURLYTREATS Festival 2022 delivered more than just a good time. It brought people together to learn, share, and celebrate everything that makes the curly hair community vibrant and powerful.
We’re so grateful to everyone who came through and helped make it magical. Whether you were braiding, dancing, painting, or just soaking it all in - you were part of something special.
