On August 17, 2024, Curlfest returned to its original roots at the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, NY, marking a significant milestone: its 10th anniversary. Founded in 2014 by the visionary Curly Girl Collective, a group of five Black women—Charisse Higgins, Simone Mair, Tracey Coleman, Gia Lowe, and Melody Henderson—Curlfest has evolved into the world’s largest natural beauty festival. This year’s highly anticipated event perfectly aligned with Black Business Month, creating an atmosphere of celebration, empowerment, and unity.
Curlfest 2024 was a vibrant showcase of Black and brown beauty, culture, and style. The attendees were local and international from as far as Jamaica and the UK—gathered to celebrate the richness and diversity of natural hair. The festival’s ambiance gave off vacation vibes, with stunning installations, lush greenery, and plentiful flowers that set the perfect backdrop for photo moments, relaxation, and connection.
Curlfest was always about more than just hair; it is about community, representation, and pride in Black and brown identities. The festival included dancing, enjoying delicious food, expressing individual style, or capturing inspiration for the next look. With major sponsors like Shea Moisture, Tropic Isle Living, Kiss Colors and Care, Mielle, and various influential community partners, Curlfest 2024 was a powerful testament to the enduring strength and influence of the natural hair movement.
I had the opportunity to speak with Simone Mair, one of the founders of Curlfest, about the relevance of spaces like Curlfest today. When asked if the need and value of Curlfest have changed since its inception ten years ago, Simone shared, “We have made a lot of progress but still have a way to go with the passing of the CROWN Act. We must maintain positive spaces where Black and brown people can feel seen or represented.”
As Curlfest celebrates its 10th year, it continues to serve as a sanctuary of empowerment, bringing together a diverse community that celebrates natural beauty and culture. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a global phenomenon, Curlfest remains a vital space for unity, self-expression, and celebrating Black and brown identity. Here’s to ten years of Curlfest—and many more to come! Check out some of our favorite style moments from this year’s festival below.
Monique (Mo) Glover is an award-winning NYC-based fashion designer and instructor. After designing for large retail brands, she launched her label, ZYEM NYC, named after her son. ZYEM has been highlighted by WGSN as a trendsetting brand to watch because of its responsible cultural collaborations. Rooted in her Black American heritage, which has spanned the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens since the 1940s, Monique’s work is inspired by her experiences coming of age in NYC, global travels, and the inter-generational style she observes in her son, Zyem, and his friends.
Photos by Cristina Twitty and Monique Glover.
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