CURLYTREATS Festival 2023 brought the energy, the education and the community. Held at Novotel London West in Hammersmith, the event welcomed attendees of all ages from curl friends, curly-haired kids to parents, students, creatives, and wellness lovers - all in one space to embrace natural hair, learn something new, and connect in real life.
This year’s festival was packed with powerful moments. From expert hair talks and cultural storytelling to movement sessions, workshops and product discoveries - here are the highlights that made it unforgettable.
Hair first, but make it about the science: School of Afro Hair
This wasn’t just about styling - it was about real, science-backed knowledge for textured hair. Guests learned about breakage, scalp conditions, product build-up, and how to strengthen strands from root to tip.
Featured speakers included:
- Lola Dansu – Aesthetician and founder of ASME Beauty, shared advice on scalp health and seborrheic dermatitis.
- Lola Akingbola – Dermatologist and author, explored the anatomy of textured hair and treatments for hair loss.
- Althea Hamilton – IAT Certified Hair Practitioner, addressed causes of breakage and how to restore hair strength.
- Jessica Oduro – Founder of TIPH’ARAH, helped guests navigate confusing product labels in a session on product overload.
The Wellness Zone: Reset and reconnect
The Wellness Zone created space for guests to pause, move, breathe and reconnect - through sound, rhythm, and healing practices rooted in ancestral wisdom.
Featured sessions included:
- Yoga with Oya Heart Warrior – an uplifting session that blended movement, music and inner connection.
- Drumming Zen with Tia Sunlight – a rhythmic, grounding experience for peace and presence.
- Womb Love with Leah Salmon – a transformative space for tuning into creative and intuitive power.
- Soca Dance with Kanndiss Riley – a high-vibe movement class celebrating rhythm, joy, and stamina.
The Book Fair: Real stories, real voices
In partnership with Book and Kulture, the CURLYTREATS Book Fair celebrated literature, storytelling, and self-expression. Curated and hosted by Zainab Kwaw-Swanzy, it featured panels, author Q&As, and talks that amplified underrepresented voices and inspired future writers.
Book Fair speakers included:
- Tony Fairweather, Paula Perry, and Jody Burton – uncovering hidden UK history in We Build This Britain Too.
- Ola Awonubi, Sharon Fevrier, and Leah Osakwe – discussing culture, identity, and storytelling in Voices Unheard.
- Daniella Blechner and Kandace Chimbiri – guiding guests through publishing in The Business of Writing.
- Kimberly McIntosh – leading Writing for Change, a session on literature as a tool for justice.
- Doria Adoukè and Yolanda Toussaint – discussing how books can support wellness in Well-being Through Words.
The Maternal Well-being Check-in: Real support for every stage
Created in partnership with Mama’s House, this zone focused on practical support and shared experiences for expecting and new parents — covering everything from breastfeeding to postnatal care.
Featured speakers included:
- Carmelle Gentle & Lydia Emmanuel-Desir – led a session on Breastfeeding Essentials.
- Susan Ibuanokpe – founder of Mama’s House, hosted Pregnancy: Birth Choices & Reflections.
- Dr. Karen Joash – offered medical insights on Prenatal Care.
- Dr. Orinayo Onabanjo & Dr. Ria Clarke – led an empowering talk on Postnatal Mental Health.
The Marketplace: Discover, shop, connect
With over 75 vendors, the Marketplace was full of independent brands offering natural haircare, wellness products, fashion, skincare, art and more. It was a perfect space to explore new favourites and support small businesses.
Outside, the Food Village kept the vibes high with Caribbean and African dishes — from jerk chicken to plantain to vegan eats. A true cultural feast.
Final thoughts
Whether you came for the curl science, the good food, the movement, the stories, or the marketplace - CURLYTREATS Festival 2023 reminded us how powerful it is to be in a space where textured hair, wellness, culture and creativity are celebrated.
This was more than just a day out - it was a movement rooted in confidence, community, and care. Thank you to everyone who attended and to all those involved in making the event a success.
Want in next time? Follow @curlytreatsuk and join our mailing list to be the first to know about the next CURLYTREATS Festival.
We’ll see you there - curls, coils, fros and all.
