CURLFEST has grown into one of the biggest celebrations of natural hair, Black beauty, and culture. Behind its success is co-founder and Operations Director Simone Mair, whose personal journey inspired a movement that now brings together thousands of people every year.
After taking a year off, the beloved festival is returning with fresh experiences, more vendors, new panel discussions, and the same strong focus on empowerment. For Mair, CURLFEST has always been about much more than hairstyles. It is about helping people embrace themselves while building a supportive community.
Simone Mair’s Natural Hair Journey Inspired the Vision Behind CURLFEST
Long before she helped launch one of the most recognized natural hair festivals, Simone Mair was learning to appreciate her own curls. She said that journey started after college when she cut off her chemically treated hair.
At first, she continued wearing weaves and braids because she did not know how to style her natural hair. However, she eventually challenged herself to learn. That decision completely changed her relationship with beauty and confidence.
“It actually happened after college. When I cut all of my perm off, I was still just wearing weaves and braids and I didn’t know what my hair looked like.”
She explained that taking time to understand her hair helped her learn to love it. That personal transformation later became part of the inspiration behind CURLFEST.
CURLFEST Continues to Celebrate Natural Hair and Black Beauty
Created by the Curly Girl Collective, CURLFEST was designed to fill a gap in the beauty industry during the rise of the natural hair movement. Since then, it has become a major event for people who proudly wear their natural hair.
This year’s festival promises more experiences than ever before. Guests can expect live entertainment, educational discussions, beauty brands, and community activities throughout the event.
According to Mair, the festival’s Empowerment Stage remains one of its biggest attractions because it gives attendees the chance to learn from experts and hear inspiring personal stories.
“People really just want to connect. They want education, information about natural hair, and they want to hear experiences.”
She added that the festival also explores entrepreneurship, hair loss, wellness, and other important topics affecting the community.
Supporting Black-Owned Beauty Businesses Remains a Core Mission
CURLFEST is also creating opportunities for Black entrepreneurs. The festival continues to highlight small businesses by giving them direct access to thousands of customers.
Mair said nearly 100 small beauty businesses will take part in this year’s vendor marketplace. She believes these entrepreneurs deserve greater visibility and stronger support.
“We aim to amplify all of our small businesses, so we’re very excited to bring them back.”
The festival will also feature well-known beauty sponsors alongside independent brands. As a result, visitors can discover new products while supporting Black-owned businesses.
Road to CURLFEST Expands the Experience Beyond Festival Day
This year introduces a new initiative called Road to CURLFEST. The expanded program allows attendees to enjoy activities before the main event.
The schedule includes fitness sessions, brunch gatherings, influencer dinners, panel discussions, and even bar crawls. Mair said the idea came directly from community feedback.
“People want to talk about fitness. People want to go to a brunch party. People want to go to a panel discussion.”
She believes these additional events strengthen relationships and allow people to connect in different ways before the festival begins.
Why CURLFEST Has Become More Than a Hair Festival
Although natural hair remains at its heart, CURLFEST has evolved into a broader celebration of Black identity, confidence, and culture. Every year, the event brings together women, families, creators, and entrepreneurs who share similar experiences.
The festival also creates space for learning, networking, and personal growth. Whether someone is beginning their natural hair journey or already embracing it, the event offers encouragement and practical knowledge.
As CURLFEST returns, Simone Mair hopes attendees leave with more than new hairstyles or beauty products. She wants them to leave feeling connected, empowered, and proud of who they are.
