Manestays is where our editors gush about the hair products that they can’t live without. Whether you’re overwhelmed by the oversaturated haircare market, are a product junky, or somewhere in between, here, you’ll discover what’s worth trying.
No, this is not an intervention, but my name is Ayeshah Plummer, and I’m a lazy natural. Yes, I am a low-maintenance girl—wash, blow dry, and style. It’s been years, and I still have not successfully tackled the tediousness of a wash-and-go. I barely deep condition. I rock blow-dried styles. I am not a braider and was never taught the technique—unless it’s single plaits. My many failed attempts to install cornrows discouraged me, and I became jealous of my peers who could style their hair in straight-back braids.
Growing up, my single mother, who traveled for work, would install mini twists in my hair. Twisting my hair became our ritual to connect before her departure. I never realized my type 4 coils thrived from low-maintenance styles to maintain its shape, length, luster, volume, and, most importantly, moisture. Though my hair has gone through the wringer, I found a staple that kept my strands flourishing through my many hairstyles.
Since then, I’ve installed knotless twists every few months, reigning as the ultimate protective style. I’ve reimagined it by adding synthetic afro hair to mimic my texture. However, my high-porosity hair is constantly dehydrated until Innersense’s Sweet Spirit Leave-In Conditioner waltzed into my life.
The brand is built on creating sustainable living while packing nutrient-rich ingredients within its products. The owners, Greg and Joanne Starkman aim to prioritize a clean scalp and environment. After speaking with the couple and brand owners a few months ago, I felt compelled to try their organic products.
The leave-in is lightweight with an impeccable scent. Its aroma is an herbal commodity—filled with lavender, sage, and rosemary oils. Though my texture is coily, I’ve learned that lightweight products soothe and hydrate my ‘fro.
After I wash and condition my hair, I spray the leave-in generously to smooth my overgrown twists. Then, I lock in the product with their Innersense’s I Create Shine glossing serum combined with Jamaican black castor, peppermint, and jojoba oil to combat dryness. I tie my silk scarf to let my scalp soak in the essential oils, leaving my hair fresh, tame, and healthy.
This product has been in rotation when rehydrating my twists or adding moisture before my blowout. Safe to say, my thirsty strands sipped all of Innersense’s tea.
