Natural Beauties Share Why CURLFEST 2018 Is More Than Just a Hair Festival
Here's what they had to say.
There's something about being surrounded by black people celebrating natural hair that makes CURLFEST so many things at once—a beauty festival, a family picnic, a bloggers hub, and an outdoor party to remember.
The Curly Girl Collective describes CURLFEST as a "Mecca of afros, twist-outs, curls (and beards) set to a soundtrack of positive energy." That's exactly what it looked like this past Saturday when thousands of people strolled into Prospect Park, Brooklyn as afrobeats, soca, dancehall, and hip hop jams blasted throughout the day. Hair was moisturized to perfection and complemented with great style—from floral jumpsuits to more casual t-shirts with slogans like, "Black Mixed with Black" and "Somewhere Between Oprah and Cardi B."
We asked some of the festival-goers to share what the festival meant to them and why they chose the people they came with to celebrate with them.
Here's what they had to say, with photography by Daniel Randall.
Renetta + Renee
"We are twins, so everywhere she goes I go. You know how Issa Rae says she's rooting for everyone black? We are rooting for everyone natural."
Channy + His Daughter
"I came with my daughter because she is a beautiful black girl."
Whitney
"It's beautiful being surrounded by black beauty that isn't your usual experience. Black people are beautiful in all shades. I love it here."
Christina, Danii, Beverly + Valencia
"I came with her cause she's my sister. I love seeing everyone here united. I'm in my element." —Charnette