Curl Crush Day
National Curl Crush Day celebrates natural curls in all their springy, spiraled, coiled, and wavy varieties, encouraging people to embrace and share their unique hair textures with pride. Created by Carol’s Daughter, a brand known for catering to curly, coily, and wavy hair, this day nudges everyone toward a simple...
Drive sales of curl-care products and celebrate natural texture diversity by encouraging customers to share their curl stories and product recommendations on social media.
- #CurlCrush selfie contest with product giveaways to boost UGC and brand loyalty
- Before-and-after curl transformations using your product line to demonstrate efficacy
- Influencer takeovers featuring diverse curl patterns and textures to normalize variety
- Email campaign promoting hydrating masks and deep conditioners as 'curl pampering essentials'
Notable campaigns3
- Carol's Daughter (2023 (3rd annual)): #CurlCrushChallenge—invite customers to post selfies of their curls (old or new) on social media, tag @carolsdaughter and use #NationalCurlCrushDay #CurlCrushChallenge for chances to win a year's supply of products and partner goodies (e.g., The Lip Bar products). Also promoted their expanded Goddess Strength Collection with new True Stretch Cream product launches aligned with the day.
- Carol's Daughter (founder) (2021): Founder Lisa Price created National Curl Crush Day in 2021 after a survey revealed 82% of Black women experience 'curl envy'—the day was built on the mission to shift messaging from 'curl envy' to self-love and empowerment.
- Hairlust (2024-2026): Launched a dedicated Curl Crush™ product line (shampoos, conditioners, co-washes, leave-in conditioners, curl creams, gels, mousse) marketed as sulfate-free and formulated to strengthen and define curly hair.
Campaign ideas7
- Launch a #CurlCrushChallenge contest where customers tag your brand and use branded hashtags for chances to win product bundles or year-long supplies — Carol's Daughter ran this successfully.
- Partner with curly-hair micro-influencers to create before/after transformation posts featuring your curl-care products. Focus on authentic, unpolished texture diversity.
- Create a limited-edition Curl Crush Day product drop or bundle launched March 14-16 with packaging that celebrates curl diversity and natural texture pride.
- Host a TikTok/Reel series: "Curl Care Confessions" where customers share their hair journey, texture struggles, and product wins to normalize curl variability.
- Sponsor a virtual or in-person curl styling workshop with curl specialists, teaching techniques like wash-and-go, twist-outs, and protective styling.
- Offer March 16 flash sales (15-25% off) on curl-care essentials like leave-in conditioners, gels, and deep conditioning masks with urgency messaging.
- Create shareable social graphics with affirmations like "Your curls are not a flaw—they're your superpower" and encourage UGC reposts.
Social angles6
- Stop crushing on someone else's curls. Start crushing on YOURS. 🌀 #CurlCrush #OwnYourTexture
- 82% of women experience curl envy. You don't have to. Celebrate YOUR unique texture TODAY. #NationalCurlCrushDay #CurlCrushChallenge
- Wavy? Coily? Kinky? Textured? All curls deserve their moment. Show us YOUR curl crush. #CurlCrushDay #TexturedHairProud
- From shrinkage to shine—your curl journey is beautiful. Share it and inspire others. #NationalCurlCrushDay #CurlStories
- Real curls, real texture, real YOU. This March 16, celebrate the spirals, coils, and waves that make you uniquely beautiful. #CurlCrush
- Humidity, frizz, tangles—we get it. But your curls? Worth celebrating anyway. #NationalCurlCrushDay #CurlCareJourney
Ad copy starters5
“Your curls aren't a problem to fix. They're a canvas to celebrate. Crush on YOU. —Carol's Daughter Curl Care”
“Tired of comparing? March 16 is about loving what you've got. Shop our Curl Crush collection and shine.”
“Curl envy ends here. Discover products that work WITH your texture, not against it. #NationalCurlCrushDay”
“From your first big chop to wash-and-go wins—every curl moment deserves celebration. Show us yours.”
“Real curls. Real care. Real you. Limited-edition Curl Crush bundles drop March 14. #NationalCurlCrushDay”
Tips3
- DO center authenticity: Feature real curls at all stages—good hair days, frizz days, shrinkage, all of it. Avoid overly polished or filtered content that hides texture diversity. DO partner with Black women-owned and Black-founded brands (Carol's Daughter is an example)—this day has deep roots in Black beauty empowerment.
- DON'T gatekeep curls: Celebrate all hair types (2C-4Z, coils, waves, mixed textures). DON'T use language like 'fixing' or 'taming' curls—reframe as 'defining,' 'styling,' or 'caring for.' DON'T ignore sustainability—highlight responsible ingredients and packaging, as curl-care communities value clean, ingredient-conscious products.
- DO tie promotions to community impact: Donate a % of sales to hair-care education nonprofits or underserved communities. Frame the day as solidarity, not just a sales moment. DO leverage hashtags (#CurlCrush #NationalCurlCrushDay #CurlCrushChallenge #Own2026) to tap into growing conversations.
National Curl Crush Day began in 2021, and it was started by the haircare brand Carol’s Daughter. This celebration aimed to empower people with curly hair to embrace and celebrate their natural texture.
Carol’s Daughter launched the day to counter “curl envy,” where many people feel pressure to change or hide their natural curls. Through this day, the brand encouraged individuals to see their curls as beautiful, unique, and worth showing off. Carol’s Daughter prompted people to post pictures and stories celebrating their curls!
The phrase “curl crush” plays off the idea of admiring someone else’s hair, then flipping that admiration inward. Instead of wishing for another person’s curls, the goal is to treat one’s own pattern as worthy of the same excitement.
That might sound simple, but it lands in a world where textured hair has often been misunderstood, judged, or treated as unprofessional in certain settings. Curl Crush Day positions self-acceptance as something to practice publicly and joyfully.
The day also reflects a broader shift in beauty culture. For decades, many people with curls and coils were encouraged to rely on heat styling or chemical treatments to conform to straighter standards.
In contrast, modern textured-hair communities have shared techniques, ingredient knowledge, and styling routines that help people wear their natural hair with confidence. Curl Crush Day taps into that community energy by giving it a shared theme and a reason to celebrate.
Carol’s Daughter itself is known for focusing on textured hair needs, and the brand’s involvement gives the day a clear purpose: celebrating curls while making space for honest conversations about hair confidence.
The early messaging around Curl Crush Day highlighted how common hair envy can be and how frequently people compare their texture to someone else’s. Naming that feeling helps people recognize it, then move past it.
The day not only promotes self-love and acceptance but also highlights the importance of visibility and inclusivity in the beauty world. The holiday has since grown, inviting more people each year to join in, share their stories, and build a community that celebrates every curl and coil as it is.
Visibility matters because curls are not a niche. They show up across families, cultures, and generations, and they rarely behave in the same way twice.
Celebrating curls in a broad, inclusive way makes room for mixed textures, transitioning hair, shaved styles, protective styles, and people who are still figuring out what their natural hair wants.
This day is about self-acceptance and honoring natural beauty. National Curl Crush Day encourages people to move beyond narrow beauty standards and embrace the natural volume, texture, and style that curls bring.
It’s also a reminder that curl care is a form of personal care, not a test. People can love their curls and still have days when they feel frustrated by shrinkage, tangles, or a style that didn’t turn out. Embracing natural texture does not require constant enthusiasm. It simply asks for respect, patience, and the freedom to define beauty on one’s own terms.
Many celebrate by treating their curls to nourishing products, styling sessions, or simply by sharing stories of self-love and acceptance.
Those stories can be powerful because hair is often tied to identity and memory. Someone might remember their first big chop, their first time wearing a wash-and-go in public, or the first time a stylist taught them how to care for their curls without fighting them.
Sharing those moments helps others feel less alone, especially people who are newly natural, transitioning from chemical straightening, or learning curl care for the first time.
Through this uplifting celebration, curl enthusiasts everywhere come together to celebrate individuality and inspire others to appreciate their natural look.
Flaunt Your Curls
A great way to celebrate is by showing off those gorgeous curls. Snap a selfie and share it, then connect with other curl enthusiasts, and let your curls make a splash on social media. For many people, “flaunting” is not about perfection. It’s about visibility. Curls can look dramatically different depending on humidity, styling choices, and even how much product is left in the hair from the last wash. Sharing a photo can be a small act of confidence, especially for anyone who grew up hearing that their hair needed to be “tamed,” “fixed,” or made to look like something else. This day also works well as a gentle invitation to celebrate curl variety. Wavy patterns that bend and flip, loose curls that form big spirals, tight coils that create dense texture, and mixed-pattern hair that does a little bit of everything can all be part of the same conversation. Posting a picture, a short video of a curl shake, or a before-and-after refresh can help normalize the reality that textured hair is dynamic and personal. If sharing publicly is not someone’s style, “flaunt” can be low-key. Wearing hair out at work, leaving the house without heat styling, or simply choosing not to apologize for frizz can be a meaningful version of participation.
Pamper Your Hair
Treat your curls to some extra love with a hydrating hair mask or deep conditioner. This day is perfect for indulging in products that bring out the best in your curls. Curly and coily hair often benefits from extra moisture because the shape of the strand can make it harder for natural oils to travel down the length. That can show up as dryness at the ends, tangling, breakage, or a general “crunchy” feeling that no one asked for. A deep conditioning session can help, especially when paired with patience and gentle detangling. A useful pamper routine can look like this: Cleanse in a way that fits the scalp. Some people prefer a traditional shampoo, others use a gentler cleanser, and some alternate between the two to manage buildup.Condition thoroughly, then detangle with fingers or a wide-tooth comb while hair is coated and slippery.Deep condition with a mask, focusing on mid-lengths and ends. Some people add a warm towel or shower cap to encourage the product to sit and soften.Rinse and seal with a leave-in or cream to help retain moisture. Try a leave-in treatment or curl enhancer to boost shine and definition. Definition is not the only goal, but if someone enjoys a more sculpted curl look, it often comes down to technique as much as product. Working in sections, applying product to soaking-wet hair, and using methods like “raking” or “praying hands” can help distribute product evenly. For extra definition, some people follow with gel, then let hair dry fully before gently scrunching out the cast. For a softer, fluffier style, a lighter cream and minimal manipulation may be the happier route.
Try a New Style
Experiment with a fresh, curl-friendly look. Try a new hairstyle, such as a twist-out, a defined wash-and-go, or even a funky updo. Have fun exploring different styles that uniquely highlight your curls. Curl-friendly styling can be creative because texture does a lot of the decorative work all on its own. A few options that fit different comfort levels and hair types include: Wash-and-go with a twist: Instead of aiming for perfect uniform curls, try a layered product approach for a soft, touchable finish, then shape the hair with clips while it dries.Twist-out or braid-out: Great for stretching curls, adding volume, and reducing shrinkage. The pattern can come out more defined if the twists are neat and fully dried before unraveling.Pineapple updo: A classic for longer curls and coils. It shows off texture while keeping hair up and out of the way.Half-up style: A middle ground that highlights curls while keeping the front tidy.Accessorized curls: Headbands, scarves, clips, and pins can elevate even a simple style and help manage flyaways without heavy product. This is also a good moment to explore protective or low-manipulation styles, especially for coils that tend to tangle easily. The goal is not to hide texture, but to work with it in a way that keeps hair comfortable and healthy.
Support Curl-Care Brands
Consider buying from curl-focused brands, especially those founded by individuals with curly hair. Supporting these companies promotes inclusivity and diversity in beauty. Many brands may offer special deals for the occasion. Textured hair care has grown into a full ecosystem of shampoos, conditioners, gels, creams, mousses, oils, scalp treatments, satin accessories, diffusers, and detangling tools. That’s helpful, but it can also be overwhelming. Supporting curl-care brands can be as simple as choosing products that respect natural texture rather than trying to erase it. It can also mean supporting businesses that invest in education. Some brands put real effort into teaching techniques, explaining ingredients, and showcasing multiple hair types, not just one idealized curl pattern. For consumers, that translates to fewer disappointing purchases and more informed routines. For anyone trying new products, the most practical approach is usually to buy with a purpose: If hair feels dry, prioritize moisture and slip.If curls look undefined, consider the hold and application technique.If hair feels coated or dull, think about clarifying and resetting buildup.If the scalp feels irritated, simplify the routine and focus on gentle care.
Share Curl Care Tips
Curl care can sometimes feel tricky, so share your favorite tips! Whether it’s how you define curls or control frizz, post a tip to help others. These tips foster community and inspire others to embrace their natural hair. Sharing tips is especially valuable because curl care is not one-size-fits-all. Hair density, strand thickness, porosity, climate, and lifestyle can change what works. A tip that helps one person may not work for another, but swapping experiences helps everyone troubleshoot. Some evergreen tips that often help across curl types include: Prioritize gentle detangling. Detangle when hair is damp and conditioned to reduce breakage.Use friction-reducing accessories. Satin or silk pillowcases, bonnets, or scarves can help reduce frizz and tangles during sleep.Don’t rush drying. Touching and fluffing hair while it’s drying can increase frizz. Many curl routines improve simply by letting hair set.Refresh strategically. A little water and a small amount of product on the outer layer can revive a style without starting over.Trim with intention. Regular trims can help remove split ends and keep shape, especially for layered curly cuts. For anyone with kids, sharing gentle styling approaches and confidence-building language can be especially meaningful. The way people talk about curls around children can shape how they feel about their hair for years. Curl Crush Day Timeline1905Madam C. J. Walker’s Hair-Care Enterprise BeganMadam C. J. Walker started developing shampoos and pressing oils that made it easier to straighten tightly curled Black hair, reinforcing early 20th‑century pressure to smooth natural texture. [1]1966“Black Is Beautiful,” and the Afro Go MainstreamAs the Black Power and “Black Is Beautiful” movements gained momentum, activists and artists wore Afros as visible symbols of pride, political resistance, and a celebration of natural curls and coils. [1]1979Cornrows and Braids Entered Pop Culture SpotlightTraditional African braiding styles, including cornrows that highlight natural texture, gained wider visibility in popular culture, helping to broaden ideas about how curly and coily hair can be styled. [1]2001“Curly Girl: The Handbook” Popularized Curl-Friendly CareHairstylist Lorraine Massey publishes “Curly Girl: The Handbook,” outlining what became known as the Curly Girl Method and encouraging people to avoid harsh treatments and embrace their curls. [1]Late 2000sOnline Natural Hair Communities FlourishedBlogs, YouTube channels, and forums dedicated to natural and curly hair exploded in popularity, creating a global community that swaps product reviews, routines, and style ideas for textured hair. [1]2010sModern Natural Hair Movement SurgedA new wave of the natural hair movement saw more people transitioning away from relaxers to wear Afros, twist‑outs, wash‑and‑go styles, and other looks that highlight curls and coils. [1]2019CROWN Act Began Protecting Natural HairCalifornia passed the CROWN Act, the first U.S. state law to explicitly ban discrimination against natural hair textures and styles such as Afros, braids, and twists in workplaces and schools. [1]
Madam C. J. Walker’s Hair-Care Enterprise Began
Madam C. J. Walker started developing shampoos and pressing oils that made it easier to straighten tightly curled Black hair, reinforcing early 20th‑century pressure to smooth natural texture. [1]
“Black Is Beautiful,” and the Afro Go Mainstream
As the Black Power and “Black Is Beautiful” movements gained momentum, activists and artists wore Afros as visible symbols of pride, political resistance, and a celebration of natural curls and coils. [1]
Cornrows and Braids Entered Pop Culture Spotlight
Traditional African braiding styles, including cornrows that highlight natural texture, gained wider visibility in popular culture, helping to broaden ideas about how curly and coily hair can be styled. [1]
“Curly Girl: The Handbook” Popularized Curl-Friendly Care
Hairstylist Lorraine Massey publishes “Curly Girl: The Handbook,” outlining what became known as the Curly Girl Method and encouraging people to avoid harsh treatments and embrace their curls. [1]
Online Natural Hair Communities Flourished
Blogs, YouTube channels, and forums dedicated to natural and curly hair exploded in popularity, creating a global community that swaps product reviews, routines, and style ideas for textured hair. [1]
Modern Natural Hair Movement Surged
A new wave of the natural hair movement saw more people transitioning away from relaxers to wear Afros, twist‑outs, wash‑and‑go styles, and other looks that highlight curls and coils. [1]
CROWN Act Began Protecting Natural Hair
California passed the CROWN Act, the first U.S. state law to explicitly ban discrimination against natural hair textures and styles such as Afros, braids, and twists in workplaces and schools. [1]