CurlyCon LA painted the city pink with its grand return to Downtown Los Angeles on Saturday. Following its inaugural launch in 2023, the community-driven event made a vibrant comeback, celebrating women of all hair textures and uniting them from different walks of life.
Founded by digital maven and entrepreneur Ava Pearl, CurlyCon LA was designed to explore the full spectrum of natural hair textures and create a safe, inclusive space for naturalistas to connect. Against a backdrop of blush pink carpets and a vendor-filled venue, attendees were transported to a floral oasis for a full day of shared experiences, including live styling demonstrations, dynamic expert panels, hair consultations, and more.
To get a closer look at CurlyCon LA’s impact, Girls United caught up with Ashley Everett as she soaked in the event’s offerings. As Beyoncé’s longtime dance captain, Everett has made her mark in the music world for nearly 20 years. While widely known for commanding the stage with her fierce dance moves, her signature 3B-3C afro is equally iconic. Though she now embraces her natural hair, Everett shared with GU that her journey to confidence took time.
“I’ve always tried to love my natural hair, and the stage has helped me love it even more,” Everett told GU. “Dyeing my hair red and making it a part of my brand and image with Beyoncé helped me embrace my curls. What also changed the game was when I started treating my hair with love, not as an inconvenience. Now, I tell myself, ‘We’re going to do the right thing today. You’re going to work with me.’ Treat it with love, and it’ll show.”
Scroll on as Everett discusses the importance of the natural hair community and shares her best-kept hair secrets.
Girls United: You participated in the inaugural CurlyCon LA in 2023 and are supporting the event again. What initially inspired you to get involved?
Everett: I’m friends with Ava Pearl—we go way back, about 15 years. When they were first building their audience, they had a podcast on YouTube called Between Us Curls and needed a host. I stepped in to help promote it, and that led to me hosting one of the panels at CurlyCon LA in 2023. Now, I’m just here supporting my friend.
GU: Why do you believe spaces like this are important?
Everett: Spaces like this didn’t exist for me as a little girl. My family and I didn’t know what to do with my hair—it was such a journey. We didn’t have this kind of accessibility, knowledge, or community. That’s what it’s about—community. It’s important to connect with people who understand your struggles, who you can learn from, and who truly relate to your experiences.
GU: Last month, you sat in the Cecred chair for a royal beauty treatment by Ms. Tina Knowles. What did you learn about your hair during that experience?
Everett: I used to straighten my hair often, but I hadn’t in three years—until I saw Ms. Tina again. Seeing her reminded me how much I love switching things up. I also learned there’s nothing wrong with pressing your hair out occasionally for a trim. The biggest takeaway? Regular presses and trims help with overall hair maintenance.
GU: Are there any hair tips Ms. Knowles recommended that you’ve added to your routine?
Everett: When my hair was straight, I used foam rollers for heatless curls. Ms. Tina reminded me of those old-school foam rollers I used as a kid. You can put them all over your head, and the results are amazing the next day.
GU: How do you keep your hair healthy while touring? What’s your hair care routine like?
Everett: Touring is one of the hardest times to maintain healthy hair. Honestly, my hair has been healthier since I haven’t been on tour. The key is making time for hair care—deep conditioning in my hotel room at night when everyone else is asleep or before or after a show. I’d wash my hair and put in a treatment before getting on the tour bus. You really have to put in the effort to keep your hair healthy.
GU: You also act and model. How do you handle being on set when there isn’t a Black hairstylist or someone experienced with textured hair?
Everett: Unfortunately, I usually show up with my hair already done. If they need to style it, I make it as easy as possible because I’ve had too many bad experiences with people who don’t know what they’re doing. I want to fight for all of us who have to prepare at home—which takes hours—to be properly compensated. These professionals are getting paid, but they don’t always know how to work with textured hair or darker skin tones.
GU: What do you do to boost your confidence on a bad hair day?
Everett: If I’m not feeling my hair, I throw on a hat, add some makeup or accessories, and call it a day. I try to embrace it because we can’t always have perfect hair days. I just go with the flow and stay ready to pivot—that’s one of my life mottos.
GU: What’s one best-kept hair secret from your journey that you don’t mind sharing?
Everett: Water is your best friend, especially when styling. Also, too much protein can be damaging. And clarifying shampoos make a big difference! I use a lot of products, so I get buildup, and scrubbing my scalp properly is essential.
GU: Where do you find hair inspiration when you want to try something new?
Everett: Pinterest and TikTok are my go-to platforms for hair inspiration.
GU: What’s your favorite alternative hairstyle when you’re not rocking your fro?
Everett: I love Bantu knots because they give me two styles in one—I can wear the knots, then twist them out for a fuller, more defined curl. I also love ponytails, pineapples with bangs, and double buns.
GU: What words of encouragement would you give to someone struggling to embrace their natural hair?
Everett: Find people who look like you and inspire you. I started following a lot of the women at CurlyCon LA. Also, take advantage of the resources available—there’s so much knowledge online and on social media.