Curlfest: Celebrating Natural Hair and Black Culture
Curlfest, launched in 2014 by the Curley Girl Collective, has transformed from casual group chats about natural hair into a vibrant festival that draws tens of thousands to Randall’s Island. The event celebrates natural hair, Black beauty, and culture, showcasing a growing community.
Co-founder Simone Mair recalls the festival’s inception: “We decided to have it in a park one day… And Curlfest was born!” Although the festival took a year off in 2025, it made a strong comeback in 2026.
Attendees like Nicole Eaddy and her daughter Ava travel from areas lacking positive representations of Black culture to experience the celebration. Nicole emphasizes the importance of such experiences for her daughter, while Ava expresses her joy, saying, “I love it. There’s nice music and everyone is really pretty.”
Curley Girl Collective aims to mainstream acceptance of natural hair. Co-founder Charisse Higgins recounts how the group began following a friend’s hair crisis, leading to discussions about embracing natural textures.
Influencer Jess Martinez advocates for the professional acceptance of natural hair, highlighting the community’s efforts to change perceptions.
The festival features a “vendor village” with Black-owned businesses showcasing hair, beauty, health, and fashion, helping many achieve success. Live performances and motivational speakers create an empowering atmosphere.
Despite the event’s growth, co-founder Melody Henderson notes that it remains a grassroots operation fueled by passion, dedication, and a commitment to something larger than themselves.
