21 Trending Natural Hairstyles Styles We Saw At CurlFest 2023 (2024)

21 Trending Natural Hairstyles Styles We Saw At CurlFest 2023 (1)

When The Curly Girl Collective, comprised of longtime friends Charisse Higgins, Melody Henderson, Simone Mair, Tracey Coleman, and Gia Low, held CurlFest in 2019—the brand expanded with festivals in New York, NY and Atlanta, Ga. However, the 5 women had no idea that a global pandemic was looming around the corner and would halt their curly girl plans. Nevertheless, in 2020, amid the pandemic and extreme uncertainty, they hosted a virtual event to bring curly girls together. “One of the things that keeps us going is that so much of what we do is a reflection of our community. Everything we do for our brand is for our community,” emphasizes Henderson. Higgins revealed to ELLE at the founding of CurlFest in 2014 they had hoped 500 people would show up. “Almost 2000 people showed up,” shares Higgins, adding, “We’ve been doubling and quadrupling ever since.”

This year, CurlFest returned with a roar to Randall’s Island, a location that also houses festivals like Electric Zoo—a testament not only to the power of CurlFest but also to the need for a gathering space to celebrate natural hair. And with the United States Senate quietly blocking The Crown Act in December 2022 and constant reports of Black people being discriminated against or facing disciplinary action due to wearing their natural hair, it’s evident that spaces like this are needed. The Bounce Back was the 2023 CurlFest Theme—and in addition to celebrating the springiness of curls, it’s a direct response to a three-year hiatus and a celebration of the resilience of persons with natural hair. “The reason I wanted to come to CurlFest was for unity, community, and to spread some fairy goddess bubble energy out there,” states Monique, 36, from Brooklyn, NY.

CurlFest is truly unlike any festival you will attend. It’s an opportunity for curly girls to meet one on one with brands (and yes, get samples—just like a Beauty Editor!) and just bask in curly hair glory. However, CurlFest is not about boxes. You don’t have to wear your hair natural or in a protective style to show up to CurlFest. It’s a celebration of Black hair. While walking around Randall’s Island, I noticed families at CurlFest, setting up small picnics on the grounds and enjoying the music and the atmosphere. Friend groups shrieked with excitement—admiring each other’s hairstyles and swaying their hips to the Afrobeats and SOCA the DJ played. There were brand activations abound from companies, including Mielle Organics, who had a “Mi Kitchen” offering photo ops to attendees, and Palmer’s Hair Care, who gave guests much-needed handheld fans.

Nevertheless, the booth that surprised me was Magic Fingers Studio—founded by Stasha Harris, who is also known for her Shine N Jam braiding products. Harris blessed attendees with Bantu knots, box braids, stitch braids, and more. What other festival do you know that’s giving out intricate protective styles?!

I’ve attended CurlFest since 2017, and in addition to a bevy of beauty products, you will also leave with some natural hair inspiration. CurlFest is a playground of trendy natural hairstyles that you will surely see not only on the streets of Brooklyn or Harlem but also on the runway and the red carpet. Keep reading if you’re looking at your curls and want to try something different for 2023. Here are the top 21 natural hairstyles from CurlFest that will make you book a hair appointment, stat.

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1

Shell Out

21 Trending Natural Hairstyles Styles We Saw At CurlFest 2023 (2)

Accent your box braids with cowrie shells. Highly revered in African and Caribbean communities, these shells are also worn as a form of protection.

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2

Afro-disiac

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Wearing your healthy afro is always a good choice.

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3

A Ring of Beauty

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The gold metallic rings extending these bubble braids bring an added bling we didn't even know we needed.

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4

Hats Off to You

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This bald-headed beauty accented her crown with this netted cowrie shell that is perfect for festival season.

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6

Blooming Beauty

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Everything is coming up roses in this afro-bouquet.

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7

Bubble Ponytail

21 Trending Natural Hairstyles Styles We Saw At CurlFest 2023 (8)

Multiple bubble ponytails accented with gold embellishments has this festival-goer CurlFest ready.

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8

Bantu Knot Beauty

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Update your bantu knots with some curly hair for goddess bantu knots.

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9

Flower Child

21 Trending Natural Hairstyles Styles We Saw At CurlFest 2023 (10)

What's a festival look without flowers in your hair? This CurlFest attendee looks so beautiful with sunflowers blooming out of her mane.

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10

Curls, Curls, Curls

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Wearing your natural curls. That's it. That's the hairstyle.

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11

Red-y

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Give your mohawk some dimension with afro puffs! Also, adding a fun color, like this vibrant red, is perfect for summer.

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12

Cropped Cut

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With her cowrie shell ear cuff, this CurlFest attendee shows us that earrings can be an accessory with cropped cuts.

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13

Pump Up the Volume

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This voluminous brown afro is accented with butterfly locs and beads for a playful Summer style.

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14

Monarch Queen

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You can't go wrong accessorizing your afro with butterflies.

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15

Cartoon Inspiration

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This CurlFest attendee got her box braids festival ready with some inspiration from Rugrats' very own Susie Carmichael.

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16

Space Buns

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We love this CurlFest attendees' messy space buns. A half up half down hairstyle is a perfect way to beat the summer heat.

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17

Braided Crown

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Mermaidcore is here to stay, but we're obsessing over this braided crown.

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18

Tribal Beauty

21 Trending Natural Hairstyles Styles We Saw At CurlFest 2023 (19)

This hairstyle is native to the Malagasy people, a tribe that originated from Madagascar. It consists of woven twists with afro buttons at the end—it became popularized in America when Rihanna was spotted wearing the style for a magazine cover.

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19

The Influence of Ice Spice

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At CurlFest, one noticeable thing was how many orange-red hair looks were prevalent. This curly girl went two-toned with her orange tresses.

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20

Ombré Braids

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A little color goes a long way. These green ombré box braids are the perfect accent for this effortless up-do.

21 Trending Natural Hairstyles Styles We Saw At CurlFest 2023 (2024)

FAQs

What is the best hairstyle for a girl? ›

Avoid overly thick bangs or blunt hairstyles, as this could accentuate the angles on your face even more. Also, any severe, slicked back looks should also be avoided, if you are trying to soften your face shape. Curls could also widen your face, so opt to wear your hair in either loose waves or straight.

What hairstyle makes an older woman look younger? ›

Loose waves are more younger-looking, while straight hair can be aging. Play around with face-framing layers to give your hair some softness and movement. Layers can also make your hair appear to be more luscious and healthy. Parra recommends asking your stylist for perimeter layers that are cut in a straight line.

What hairstyle makes an older woman look younger over 60? ›

Medium-length haircuts can be a great style for older women to look youthful, but it ultimately depends on the individual's face shape, hair texture, and personal style. This length allows for versatility in styling, as it can be worn straight, curly, or in between, providing a fresh and modern look.

What is the number 1 hairstyle? ›

What Are the Numbers in Haircuts? If you ask your barber for a number one cut, you are asking them to cut your hair so it is an eighth of an inch long. If you ask for a number eight cut, the hair left on your head will be one inch.

What hairstyle do men find most attractive? ›

How Men Feel About the Top Ten Women's Hairstyles
  • The Sleek Ponytail. Guys love a sleek ponytail. ...
  • Bangs. Dudes don't care too much for bangs. ...
  • The Bob. The bob is an elegant and glamorous look that most guys really like. ...
  • The Chignon. Classy. ...
  • The Shag. This is a powerful one. ...
  • The Wavy Curly Combination. ...
  • The Curls. ...
  • The Pixie.

What hair length should a 50 year old woman have? ›

"You don't have to put yourself in a box and cut off all your hair after the age of 55," says hairstylist Alisha Leela. For those who prefer having a bit more length, the reality is you really can't go wrong with a cut that falls between the chin and a few inches below the shoulders—regardless of your age.

What length hair makes you look younger? ›

Will having long hair or short hair make me look younger? If you have medium to thick hair, a lengthier mane can give off an air of youthfulness. But if your hair leans thin, it's best to go with a cut that's mid-length or shorter to lend natural volume to your look.

Does long hair make a 50 year old look older? ›

The decision about locks for a youthful appearance is more about style than length. As a result, whether or not you choose long or short hair, your hairstyle determines if you look older or younger with your hair.

Do you look older with longer or shorter hair? ›

Long hair can enhance facial features by diverting attention away from wrinkles or age spots and adding volume to your hair. Short hair does not need to age you, though, as the style and texture of shorter hairstyles can add a youthful appearance.

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