Over the past two months, I had the pleasure of attending two major natural hair conventions back-to-back: CurlyCon in March 2025 (a one-day event) and the World Natural Hair Show (WNHS) in April 2025 (a two-day event).
Before diving into the comparison, I want to express my deep gratitude for being invited to both events free of charge. I didn’t have to spend a dime on tickets, and even my husband was accommodated. That being said, I feel it’s only fair to share my honest experiences for those considering spending their hard-earned money to attend either event — especially if it involves traveling long distances.
CurlyCon vs. World Natural Hair Show: A Quick Overview
Both events celebrate the beauty of natural curls and provide a powerful sense of community and connection. They’re spaces where curly-haired individuals can learn, explore, and feel seen. CurlyCon is based in California, while WNHS takes place in Georgia.
🎟️ Pricing & Perks
Although I didn’t personally purchase tickets, I did my research, and here’s how the pricing and perks stack up:
CurlyCon 2025
- Gold Status – $50
Includes two free drink tickets, access to all activities, and a gift bag with over $100 worth of full-sized products. - Platinum Status – $75
(Additional perks, though not clearly outlined) - VIP Entry – Free (for influencers and talent)
World Natural Hair Show 2025
- General Admission – $10
Includes a sample product bag. - VIP Admission – $15
Comes with a larger bag (though not necessarily filled with products), a t-shirt, and miscellaneous items.
Right off the bat, WNHS is more budget-friendly when it comes to ticket pricing. They also ran multiple promotions (e.g., Early Bird, Earth Day specials) via social media. On the other hand, CurlyCon did not offer any ticket sales to my knowledge.
As for the gift bags, CurlyCon clearly came out on top. VIP and Platinum attendees received custom CurlyCon-branded tote bags overflowing with full-size haircare products. In contrast, WNHS’s VIP bags were underwhelming — 75% air, 25% randomness. I received items like one bundle of colored braiding hair, a bottle of eyelash glue, a t-shirt, and a few samples (similar to what came in the general admission bag).
✨ Ambiance & Aesthetic
No contest here — CurlyCon wins hands down in terms of atmosphere and aesthetic. The event was beautifully designed with Instagram-worthy backdrops, photo stations, and an overall vibe that screamed “content creation ready.” Whether you were indoors or outside, there were countless opportunities to snap that perfect shot.
WNHS, unfortunately, didn’t deliver the same visual experience. There were a few signs scattered throughout the convention center, but nothing that really inspired attendees to pull out their phones and share the moment. Aside from the obligatory “I’m here!” entrance photo, there was little motivation to capture the experience on camera.
CurlyCon’s indoor/outdoor setup also made the space feel more vibrant and open, whereas WNHS, held entirely inside a convention center, felt more static and less engaging visually.
🎤 Organization & Feelings
I firmly believe that your mood at any event is shaped the moment you walk through the door. You’re either (1) overwhelmed and annoyed or (2) comfortable and excited — and the vibe of the space plays a huge role in that. With what I like to think is solid discernment (thank you, Lord, for that gift!), I can quickly tell when something feels off. As someone who typically gets nervous or shy in unfamiliar settings, I was surprised by how at ease I felt at CurlyCon.
From the moment I stood in line to get my wristband, everything felt smooth, welcoming, and well thought out. The layout was simple and clear — on one side were vendors, and on the other, panels, drinks, and lounge areas. Everything was organized to a T. Even picking up your gift bag was seamless — you just got in line and waited your turn. No confusion, no chaos. Zero notes.
Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for the World Natural Hair Show (WNHS). Right as I walked in, I was met with someone asleep at the check-in desk — yes, asleep — and staff who were unclear about which wristbands were required for access to specific areas. There were few directions, no signs, and a whole lot of guessing. I felt like a chicken with my head cut off.
Initially, I chalked up my discomfort to nerves about speaking on a panel. But quickly, I realized it wasn’t just me — the entire experience felt disjointed and stressful. I even turned to Corey at one point and asked, “Do you want to know how I really feel, or do you want the PR version?” Every step I took inside that convention center felt chaotic.
There were multiple DJs playing simultaneously, several stages with overlapping programming, and constant noise from all directions. You could barely hear yourself think, let alone hold a conversation. The sensory overload made it incredibly hard to focus, and the vibe just felt off from the beginning.
Having attended CurlyCon first gave me something to compare it to — and that contrast made the disorganization at WNHS even more glaring. I don’t say that to be harsh; I say it as someone who really wanted to enjoy both experiences. But between missing scheduled group photos, nearly missing my panel, and receiving contradicting information from staff, it was hard not to feel disappointed. Even receiving a gift bag was a mess — there was no clearly marked line, no roped-off area, and not enough staff managing the process. I saw people pushing through, reaching out their hands, and practically fighting to receive… what honestly wasn’t even worth the hassle.
💁🏽♀️ Representation Matters
If I had one critique of CurlyCon, it would be the lack of visible Type 4 hair representation. While there was a panel dedicated to Type 4 textures — which I appreciated — I still felt there could’ve been more diverse hair types showcased throughout the event. I actually felt proud to be one of the few visibly representing Type 4 hair.
To give you an idea of the impact, one attendee even came up to me and said, “Now this is what I want to see. What’s in your hair??” She was Type 4 herself and told me she was excited to see someone like her reflected at the event. That moment reminded me just how important visibility is.
WNHS, on the other hand, had Type 4 hair on full display. From the panels to the general crowd, you saw kinkier textures proudly worn and showcased everywhere. That representation felt authentic and was one of the event’s biggest wins in my eyes.
💭 Final Thoughts
All in all, both events offered something valuable — whether it was good, bad, or somewhere in between. This blog isn’t meant to steer you away from one event or push you toward the other. It’s here to give you insight so you can decide where your money, energy, and travel time are best spent based on your personal vibe and expectations.
This was my first time attending both events, and let me just say… first impressions really do matter.
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