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    CURLFEST, a textured hair festival founded by Curly Girl Collective, has officially returned after celebrating their 10th anniversary then taking a year off. Over the weekend, they proved why this year was worth the wait. “What excited us most was bringing our community together again,” co-founder Charrise Higgins tells ESSENCE. “It felt like a homecoming,” she adds.

    Courtesy of nigil crawford

    Held on Randall’s Island in New York, the festival—hosted by Black wellness coaches Anowa Adjah, Scott Bernard, and CoachCassfit—invited 1,000 people to celebrate the beauty of textured hair. In attendance, DHair Boutique served hair perfume like ice cream, Lisa Price introduced her new Carol’s Daughter collection, Dosso Beauty offered the industry’s most non-toxic braiding hair, and Dark & Lovely hosted hair therapy sessions. 

    “CURLFEST was created because we saw a need for a space that truly celebrated natural hair, Black beauty, and our community on a large scale,” co-founder Melody Henderson says. Across the festival grounds, natural-haired attendees sat in on panel discussions, from topics like scaling your personal brand to global conversations of identity and culture. 

    courtesy of gerold shellbair

    In one conversation, Lisa Price and Courtney Adeleye had a founders chat moderated by Nicole “JusNik” Prempah about leadership, resilience, and building a beauty business from scratch. Meanwhile, another discussion was all about Black men and how grooming rituals are the framework for identity and self-care. 

    Then, Battle of the Caribbean got everyone back on their feet. DJs One Gyal Army and Gabsoul invited dancers clad in Carnival costumes and Moko Jumbies on stage to bring Caribbean spirits to New York. But, best of all, attendees from every stage told the story of culture through their textured hair. 

    Courtesy of nigil crawford

    “We see everything from curls, coils, locs, braids, twists, protective styles, and bold color to fashion influenced by the Caribbean, the African diaspora, streetwear, vintage style, and high fashion,” co-founder Simone Mair says. “No two looks are ever the same, and that is what makes it so special.”

    Below, for some of the best street style moments at the 2026 CurlFest.

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