NaturallyCurly is back better than ever at the ESSENCEFest’s 30th anniversary. With our reemergence comes game-changing panels that will impact hair lovers worldwide. This year, we’re highlighting hair stylists who demonstrated quality hair techniques in the industry. NC’s editor, Desiree Johnson, will chat with hair founders Michelle O’Connor and Tippi Shorter for our live, on-the-ground “Ask a Curl Expert” series on Saturday, July 5th.
Also, SheaMoisture will sponsor a special panel with hair enthusiast Lacy Redway as she tells beauty secrets with model, actress, and brand ambassador Ryan Destiny. These panels will unlock the latest trends, innovative brands, and hair care tips for all textures while embracing Black beauty. The Superdome will broadcast lively energy while informing the community about hair health that impacts our identity. Be sure to check out these panels NaturallyCurly will cover!
Ask A Curl Expert Featuring Some Hair Mavens
Image Source: @michelleoconnorbeauty
Michelle O’Connor is a 5x North American Hairstyling Award-winning editorial hair stylist whose achievements surpassed global expertise within the hair care industry. O’Connor’s reputation aligns with treating natural hair care and DIY tips while creating exceptional looks.
Image Source: @michelleoconnorbeauty
The educator’s work was featured in Byrdie, Allure, and InStyle magazines. Now, the renowned creative team will share the spotlight with Tippi Shorter.
Image Source: @tippishorter
Shorter is an artist for L’oreal’s color artist team, collecting gems for being Pantene’s first Black American spokesperson. Shorter became Aveda’s 1st Artistic Director for textured hair and graced ELLE, Seventeen, and, of course, ESSENCE Magazine while styling for stars like Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and Kelly Rowland.
Image Source: @krisdaviphotography
The business owner centers her work on editorial textured hair. Both phenomenal women empower stylists and the natural hair industry to enhance their techniques and beautify their clients.
Janell Stephens Takes Us On A Hair Journey With Camille Rose
Image Source: @janell_stephens
When Janell Stephens developed the brand in her kitchen, the Black woman-owned and founded Camille Rose, which became a global phenomenon in the natural hair movement. Over a decade later, Camille Rose became a competing hair care brand, a household name that beauty creators use as their everyday hair regimen. From Target to your local beauty supply chain, the prominent pink packaging signifies a brand here to stay. Stephens will sit down with BeautyCon and discuss her trials and triumphs as a Black woman whose products shifted the lifestyle and beauty space.
Hair Artistry With Lacy Redway and Ryan Destiny
Image Source: @paolakudacki
Celebrity hairstylist Lacy Redway will join IT girl Ryan Destiny on the stage to discuss the current state of beauty trends in Black culture and highlight summer-ready hair!
Image Source: @lacyredway
Redway works with all hair types, and her work is seen in magazines like W Magazine, Vogue, Vanity Fair, and Glamour while showcasing her artistic abilities to stars like Sarah Paulson, Amandla Stenberg, Ayo Edebiri, and Hunter Schafer. The hairstylist created a Mer Gala hair moment for South Africa’s pop princess, Tyla.
Image Source: @ryandestiny
The class act, Ryan Destiny, is known for switching up her style while staying true to her timeless aesthetic. The “Star” and “Grown-ish” actress embodies the “soft girl” trend with her luxurious, minimalistic looks. The songstress will model for the powerhouse as they highlight contemporary, beauty-related content.
SheaMoisture, an impactful brand celebrating beauty while reinvesting in communities, will sponsor this panel. This event will bring an exciting conversation about two of Hollywood’s talent stars. Join this moment and celebrate Redway’s contributions as Destiny models for the moderator.
ESSENCEFest 2024 attendees don’t miss out on these women who challenge societal beauty standards while creating spaces for textured hair. You don’t want to miss it!