That may be one of the biggest reasons, but not the only one
There could have been a shift in perception of acceptance and confidence due to The Obama's entering the White House! Obama's presidency (and a regal, athletically fit, African American FLOTUS) with two beautiful, natural haired African American daughters, had not only an impact on Americans, but around the world.
Obama's message of hope and his success of becoming the first African American (or person of color) to become President of a nation that only half a century ago did not even have the right to vote, gave more people of color hope that the possibility of being accepted for who we are (in every aspect) exists and that one day it can and will be abolished.
It is inspiring, to me at least, that Michelle Obama takes pride in showing off the versatility of her daughters natural hair to the world; having it braided, twisted, fluffed out and flat ironed, and also showing that it doesn't have to be relaxed to look properly groomed or professional. Michelle is also successful in her own right, and is leading by example that being 'natural', or true to yourself does not limit your achievement of success.
In a sense, I believe that more people are taking a look in the mirror and are facing the fact that they don't need to 'hide' or fit into a certain mold to be accepted in a white washed American society. If a person of color can overcome major obstacles and discrimination to rise and become leader with a proud African American woman at his side, then we shouldn't be so reluctant to accept ourselves for who we truly are - inside and out.
We can only look at the topics of TV shows, movies, and news broadcasts as of late to see that not only Obama's presidency, but his whole family is being scrutinized with a global microscope. Magazines critique Michelle Obama's fashion, hairstyles and fitness, Chris Rock makes a movie about 'Good Hair', Oprah and Tyra reveal their 'real' hair on national television, as if Whites or other people of color other than African Americans don't chemically alter their hair or wear wigs, weaves and extensions...the list goes on!
The world is now focused on the Black woman, for the simple fact that Michelle Obama is the first African American woman that holds the title of FLOTUS: A title that holds a sense of prestige, class, authority and in most cases a standard of beauty.
Michelle Obama is younger than most of the FLOTUS that we've had, so that places her in the category of Jackie Kennedy, which in the time of her husband's presidency also emanated class, prestige, and authority.
The big thing about Jackie Kennedy was that she was also seen as beautiful - a pedestal that no other FLOTUS was given, so I can understand why the comparison of Michelle Obama to Jackie Kennedy will cause White America to take interest in all that is considered to represent a Black woman. One of the major differences in most Black women to White America aesthetically is their hair.
Once you start placing focus on something (whether or not the focus is positive or negative) it forces you to take notice and be intrigued about it. Naturally curly, coily, kinky textured hair as a whole has been ignored in America, and often times has been shunned, looked down upon and belittled, not only by those who don't have it, but by the very people who have hair with these properties!
However, the more focus that has been around about curly, kinky, coily hair, the more knowledge is gained as to its proper maintenance, and the less fear to work with it in its natural state. knowledge is indeed power, so many around the globe have been 'awakened' to the fact that having curly, kinky, coily hair is nothing to be ashamed of and that with the right tools and products, can be as beautiful (if not moreso) than our straight haired ladies. I say, why not embrace what has been naturally given to you at birth?
I know I may have gone off on a tangent, but the overall consensus is that the internet is an information superhighway, and that primary information that people use comes from the media. American media is regulated by government and the government's figure head is now lead by an African American family, therefore the increase in Black awareness.
End of speech
(drops mic...steps off of soapbox)