Trudy
I’m a little late posting about this amazing event that I finally got to attend in July. It was CURLFEST and if you haven’t heard of it that is fine because you will. It’s hosted by the Curly Girl Collective and it is a yearly event that celebrates curly, kinky hair and promotes you loving your hair and the texture you were born with without feeling judged. It really wouldn’t cross most people’s mind unless you have isn’t considered mainstream beauty, ie darker skin, textured hair, and plus sizes. I won’t get into plus sizes in this post but definitely the aforementioned.
What Is CURLFEST About?
Women of color are made to feel that their natural hair is “too” insert word here for every day in mainstream society. So this event is a day to celebrate it in whatever form it springs naturally from your head. CURLFEST is in its fourth year and growing in popularity each time it is held. This year the tickets sold out at a massive rate, kind of like the Bruno Mars tickets at Madison Square Garden. The large response actually crashed their site. And companies have taken notice and are sponsoring the event with luxe set ups, offering hair styling, massage, photo, and makeup sessions. It took place in the beautiful Prospect Park on the Nethermead, which is a huge open field in the middle of the park.
What Did I See At #CURLFEST?
I saw so many beautiful people, truly it was hard not to gawk! All different shades, body types, hair textures and hair styles, just loving being themselves. A lot of it served as inspiration and tutelage for how to take care of my hair and how easily the self-esteem can spread to through a whole family by the parents to their little ones who were showing off their outfits and hair. There were people there from other countries and the continent of Africa as well. So it couldn’t just be as simple as hair.
The New York Times did an awesome writeup of CURLFEST and featured a bunch of lovely shots and you can those here.
What Did I Think of CURLFEST?
The meadow had the vibe of a huge family reunion, lots of people of all ages, couples, children, and smiles. The only issue that I had besides port-a-potties ( I will always have issues with those) is that the food trucks were overwhelmed with lines and ran out of food. I’m definitely going to attend CURLFEST again next year, and I will be as prepared as the other attendees who brought blankets, lunch and sun umbrellas to stay for the long haul. I might even volunteer as a photographer (maybe).
Have you ever been to an event as special as CURLFEST? Have you ever felt singled out because of a physical feature? Tell me all about it in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation going!!! Also, don’t forget to subscribe!
Until our next rendezvous…
XOXO
Trudy
Love it 🙂 Gawd you want to see my hair at the moment, in humid hot Turkish weather 🙂 Celebrate our differences is brilliant!
Suz
I love all the great pics! I didn’t even know about Curlfest until this year and I was really curious about it so I’m glad you did a post. I’m always a fan of celebrating diversity, and I’m so happy this is getting strong support. Would love the movement to keep growing!
Yes, it’s gaining momentum especially with a lot of women refusing to alter their hair anymore, which is wonderful. You know… They are always looking for volunteer photographers, then you could get an even closer look. I’m thinking of doing that next year, especially since I got my camera back.
This looks amazing and perfect for my naturally wild hair!!!! Love it – super unique.
Thank you!
I love this!!! With my curls I’d fit in just fine!
I am Caucasian and have naturally curly hair that I have learnt to embrace and love. I am so happy that women of colour are celebrating and liberating their natural hair. Accepting yourself can be hard for anyone, but is especially so when societal norms tell you that you shouldn’t. Fabulous blog.
Hazel
PS My sister is called Trudy 🙂
Your sister must be an amazing person! Although you might not have seen it but there were Caucasian women there with very tight curled hair who use the same products. But culturally, there hasn’t been the same negative perception with their curls.
What a fun event!! I have curly hair, and am finally learning to love it! It was easier in the 1980’s when people got perms to have hair like mine, but then again, now it’s nice to stand out!
I have naturally curly hair and I’d fit right in! Looks like a good party. Didn’t know it existed!
What a fun and empowering, affirming event! I am Caucasian and have finally come to love my own curly, crazy, mind-of-its-own hair. I spent my teenage years trying to fit in with the straight-hair-parted-in-the-middle look of all my friends with no success. Now I appreciate my own hair.
And that’s exactly what this event is about. And if possible to start early building that confidence, that it’s not necessary to fit in.
What a fantastic event. I loved all the pictures of all these beautiful women. Thanks for sharing.
A festival for curly hair? That’s amazing!
It has such a great vibe!