The Cape Town Natural Hair Fest, organised by the Cape Town Naturally Collective, was at the newly opened section of the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC 2) on Sunday December 16. The festival, attended by about 2 000 “naturalistas”, offered an array of products, advice on how to keep hair growing and healthy as well as live entertainment from the Black Ties and Claire Phillips. Cape Town Naturally is made up of local natural hair enthusiasts Eleanor Barkes, Amanda Cooke, Chantal De Kock, Simone Thomas and Kasuba Stuurman.
Left: Garreth Le Roux, from Montrose Park, has been a natural for seven years, during which time he has had two big chops, when one cuts off chemically treated hair.
Natural couple Lloyd Leach, from Ravensmead and Rozanne Adams, from Elsies River, were at the festival. Lloyd embraced his natural hair three years ago and Rozanne has been rocking her hair for five years.
Lizette Witbooi, from Eerste Rivier, Lauren Minnaar, from Westridge, Kudakwashe Hunzwi, from Parow Valley, were volunteers at the festival.
Mecarla Van Der Westhuizen, Robyn Adonis, and Tarryn Jarvis, all from Eerste River, made sure they did not miss this years natural hair festival.
Natural hair bloggers Robyn Thomas, from Rondebosch; Amy Dove, from Johannesburg; Bronwyn Oliver-Eksteen, from Muizenberg; Chad Biegnaar, from Retreat; Genovese Julies, from Strand; and Charnelle Lakey, Blouberg.
Christelle Mwanza, from Kenilworth, has worn her hair natural for the past four months and Maelsand Aliwa, from Kenilworth, has never relaxed her hair.
Twenty-one-year-old natural twins Anelisa and Asanele Sobekwa from Bellville show off their outfits at the Cape Town Natural Hair Fest.
Above: The Cape Town Naturally team, who organised the festival, are Eleanor Barkes, Amanda Cooke, Chantal De Kock, Simone Thomas and Kasuba Stuurman.
Luche Jaftha, from Ravensmead, showed off her newly bought earrings, painted face and natural black hair.
Danielle Flynn, from Gardens, Mia and Lila Beukman, 6, from Steenberg and Colleen Smith, from Steenberg, were excited about all the freebies they received.
Amy Dove, from Johannesburg and Zoey Davids, from Atlantis, embraced their natural curls. Zoey said she went natural in 2016. When I did the big chop I wanted something new. My hair was damaged from all the chemicals I used for my hair. The experience was very spiritual for me. There is something about embracing who you are that brings out your confidence.