The Curly Girl Collective, a NYC-based group of women working to promote the natural hair ‘movement’ and create connections between the sisters taking part, recently hosted Mane Attraction: Her Hair, His Voice, a day of discussion, art and fellowship at Brooklyn hot spot Free Candy.

Guests were able to tell their hair-raising tales in the “Curl Confessional” booth, contribute to an interactive mural, win and purchase great products from hair care and fashion vendors and mingle with the large crowd of beautiful Black folk (sisters and brothers) who came out for a good time. One of the highlights of the event was a spirited panel discussion about dating, mating and hair. Moderated by our News and Lifestyle Editor Jamilah Lemieux and comedian Dorien Brown, the panel included Jozen Cummings (Until I Get Married, NY Post), Cipriana Quann (Urban Bush Babes), Slim Jackson (Single Black Male) and Franchesca Ramsey (actress/comedian)

“Women around the globe are embracing their natural textures and corporate America is slowly opening up to kinks and curls in the boardroom. But what about the bedroom?” said Tracey Colemanm CGC co-founder and Director of Event Planning prior to the event. The panelists took on everything from the amount of input a man should have about his partner’s tresses (and vice versa), if hair has a big impact on the level of attraction one feels toward a woman and the aggravation that the constant ‘debate’ over Black women’s hair causes sisters who simply want to be free to style as they please.

Photos by Ajamu Myrie, Derrick Davis and Toya Menzie.

Check out these awesome images of the event and connect with the Curly Girl Collective via Facebook and on Twitter.