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So, I’m a pop culture fanatic. Now, I say this with the defense I don’t buy every and anything that a celebrity puts on the market, but I’m open to trying new things. My favorite actress, Gabrielle Union recently launched her “Flawless Hair Care” line which she’s been promoting for a few months on Instagram. What attracted me to trying out the brand was Union’s all textures, all-inclusive mantra that caters to her diverse fan base.
Since it recently hit the Ulta shelves in April, I wanted to be the first to snag my hands on it here in Chicago. I used the online website to help guide my purchases since this line boasts ten different types of products for all hair care users. I used her “get the look” guide to make purchases that best suit my style needs which stated “bold, loose curls.” This was shot in the dark given I have 3B curls and I like my hair springy and kinked up, but I went for it anyway.
First and foremost, I needed shampoo for my curls, and the site recommends the Smoothing Shampoo, which is “safe for natural and relaxed hair of all textures,” can help prevent breakage, provide moisture, and shine. It’s beautiful in my palm to say the least. It’s got a creamy golden hue with some flakes of sparkle and smells like an earth mix of the Argan and Avocado oils within it. I didn’t have to pour a large amount, and the texture did build a rich lather into my hair. It had an even consistency which my curls seemed to appreciate.
When I moved onto the Smoothing Conditioner, I was surprised to find a very thick consistency that mirrored the shampoo with golden, sand tone hues. It promises to “fortify and tame” frizzy prone and damaged hair. It boasts the same combination of Argan, Avocado, and PeaProtein so the scent is almost identical and was consistent with the branding. I did feel it running through my curls more than I liked when washing it out, but waited to see the overall results. When I finished I was happy with the overall shine of my curls which I attributed to the mixture of oils in both the shampoo and conditioner. It’s probably one of the first conditioners I used from the natural hair care market that left my hair shiny without additional product, so I really appreciated that.
I finally finished off my look after letting it air dry with the Oil Treatment which “is a silicone-free 5-oil blend that nourishes, conditions and prevents breakage while delivering intense hydration.” This smelled like a tropical island in my palm and once again had the colored hues that made me feel like I had gold in my hand. I think this added touch courtesy of Gabrielle is eye-catching for any user and does differentiate from the standard whites/yellow we often see in products regardless of ingredients. Although I didn’t need additional shine, I used the oil’s on my ends and scrunched my curls to give it definition.
One of the side effects of the products was that my curls were much looser and not as defined as I’d like and I’m sure it was because the product was meant to tame/smooth frizzy hair versus being curls specific. The conditioner was not as strong in giving my curls bounce, definition or softness so I did have to recondition them with my regular products post-shower and allowing the product to dry in my hair.
Overall, for the price point which totaled to roughly $65 for three products, I wouldn’t invest again simply because it’s not a curl specific line that caters to my hair in the way that my curls respond to. At a whopping $20 per product it’s an investment and a risk that any haircare user takes in trying new product out on the market.
Have you tried Flawless by Gabrielle Union? If so, share your experience with us below.
What’s Next: Find Out My Checklist for Purchasing Natural Hair Products
A month before graduation, I was dead set on straightening my hair for my big day. Many of you curlies know what I’m talking about, the pressure to look “polished,” “sharp,” and “professional” for a big event. I think throughout the better part of my life, if there was an important occasion whether it was prom, homecoming, or graduation, I straightened my hair. People even voluntarily straightened it for me, viewing the transformative aspect as a fun hobby or helpful trick to maintain my usually curly tresses. Something changed though, the closer I got to graduation…I realized straightening wasn’t going to happen this time around.
The last time I graduated was in 2012, and this was before I had even sniffed at the idea of loving my natural hair. I’d spent a long part of undergrad flat ironing my hair to a crisp and walking the stage was no exception. My hair was colored, damaged, and I remember washing it knowing I had to commit to straightening it because it smelled burnt when it was wet and no longer had a curl. There were many things I was fortunate for during this era, but I had no pride or self-love in my hair, I just knew I’d accrued damage it felt like there was no going back from. I remember trying to compensate by curling my hair so it at least resembled a little bit of who I was, but flat ironed curls are nowhere near as awesome as the natural ones.
Fast forward to the week of graduation 2017 when I was getting ready for my graduation shoot. I had prepped my hair for perfect straightening treatment starting with the Shea Moisture Raw Butter Deep Treatment Masque to give it good conditioning and adding Mielle Organics Mint Almond Oil to add some shine. I thought I’d have my hair curly for one set of photos and straight for the day of to set up two different looks for my big week. Most of us know straightening your hair feels like having an alter ego. You can style it differently, it hangs around your face differently, and people’s reactions to it also varies, I was prepared for all of this. However; I remember getting my pics back from my shoot and thinking…my hair looks awesome; do I really want to straighten it?
I thought about how far I’d come in self-love, care and embracing my natural beauty. That’s not to say I can’t have all of that and still straighten my hair, but the motivation for taking a hot iron to my head lies in some pre-disposed belief this is “professional” or my hair won’t have this “wild” look. I haven’t straightened my hair in over a year and minimize when I do because of the damage, but also because I love my curls. After my fiasco in undergrad, it took a long time to get my hair healthy and why wouldn’t I want to walk the stage with my curls out loud and proud? So, the day of graduation I compromised, because unfortunately the Chicago humidity wasn’t going to let me grad hat stay on with my curls, so I did a slicked down bun and let my hair out later.
At the end of the day, I felt like myself. I was happy with my hair and knowing it and all the blessings learning about natural hair care has given me is an aspect I carried across the stage with me. I didn’t let the pressure whether internal or external define my beauty on my biggest day. My beauty is mine to claim, mine to define, and mine to love.
Podcasts have become a growing trend that has hit our ear waves in the past few years. The glorious thing about Podcasts is that there is literally something for everyone. We all know what a drag Wash day can be, but we have found a way to make the time pass faster. Wash day can limit any activity and there is no need to be miserable as your go-to product works miracle on your hair. We have compiled a list of MUST LISTEN podcasts that will ease the strain of a wash day while uplifting, empowering, and provoking a few laughs from you.
My Taught You
Our Curlbox Founder Myleik Teele is back with her “My Taught You,” podcast. These honest, truthful chats led by Teele ventures from the personal, professional and everything in between. She discusses life, love, finances, and interviews women authors, entrepreneurs and artists killin’ the game.
2 Dope Queens
Two heads are better than one in this powerful podcast from comedians Phoebe Robinson and Jessica Williams. These fearless New Yorkers are unabashed and fearless in their discussions of sex, race, and hair journey’s that will keep you laughing from start to finish.
Other: Mixed Race in America
Exploring the melting pot that is multiracial America, Alex Laughlin interviews people about their experiences being Mixed today. It’s a short five-part miniseries, but don’t let that sway you from getting educated on the lives of men and women who are a part of the fastest growing demographic in the United States.
The Read
Kid Fury and Crissle are a duo that are literally bringing all those small thoughts, comments, and beliefs you may harbor to life. This charismatic couple discuss pop culture, hot topics of the week, and shade, shade, shade to the point of delight. It’s like E! News, unfiltered. Kid Fury also is just a force of spunk and wit, so he makes listening easy.
GirlBoss Radio
The founder of Nastygal, author of #GirlBoss, and inspiration for the latest Netflix sensation starring Brit Robertson is brought to life on her #GirlBoss radio podcast. This interview podcast is led by Sophia Amoruso who is chatting with upcoming girlbosses who are leading the pack through creative, cultural, and entrepreneurial aspirations. She even gives one-on-one advice to her listeners and problem solves to help them succeed.
Dreams in Drive
Rana Campbell keeps it real by fearlessly discussing what happens when your career plans go awry. She interviews young professionals who took their setbacks and made them fierce comebacks. It’s authentic, vulnerable, and she holds nothing back when interviewing her guests who provide honest stories of tribulation and triumph on their paths to greatness.
Call Your Girlfriend
For those long distance besties, this is literally up your avenue. BFFS Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman bring the sass, conversation, and chemistry that will have you grabbing the phone to chat up your best friend. From politics to pop culture, like any good friendship, nothing is off limits. That dynamic makes the listeners feel like they’re in on the conversation the whole time versus just listening in.
Another Round
Buzzfeed does dope podcasts…say what? Yes and yes. It’s HILARIOUS because hosts Heben and Tracy keep it real. I mean really real. Bad jokes, race, gender, pop culture, and random tidbits that will stop you dead in your tracks and press replay.
Friends Like Us
This is the group of women you want to be sitting with. As serious as “girl talk” can be, these women of color keep it fresh and funky when discussing hair, feminism, post-racialism, and treatment of Black women by law enforcement. There are plenty of laughs, which keeps the heavy subject matter from killing your daytime mood.
Beat Latino
Para mi gente! Beat Latino is going to introduce you to the extremely diverse world that is Latino music. This bi-lingual podcast will introduce you to new artists who perform traditional, roots music and give you new songs to add to your music library. The host and producer Catalina Maria Johnson collaborates with many journalism heavyweights like Wall Street International Magazine and WBEZ in Chicago to keep you informed while you jam.
Do you listen to podcasts? Share your favorites with us below.
As a lady living in Chicago, I get the opportunity to experience the cold, freezing air that comes off Lake Michigan for the better part of the year. When I go home to my native state of Texas, I usually switch up my hair regimen to accommodate the blistering heat and crazy humidity the sunshine throws my way. Traveling for anyone can be stressful, but even more when you have curly hair because you must pick and choose what makes the travel cut in the suitcase. We all know what makes the cut depends on where you’re going, so here are a few of my favorites I always take.
Like any Texan lady with curls, the heat not only dries my hair out, but makes my frizzies explode around my forehead. I love my baby hairs as much as the next person, but sweating out product is real in the Texan heat. One of the few products that I can once again scoop out and put in a Ziploc bag without having to compress it down into a bottle or bag is the CURLS Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Paste. This product was made to keep my hairs slick, sleek and not looking like I purposely rubbed my head on a balloon. What’s nice about this product is that it also works perfectly for slicking back a ponytail or making a chic bun. It has a wonderful texture that requires at best a fingertips worth of product that won’t make your hands feel like you dipped them in honey.
When I’m compiling my toiletries I’m always playing the game of what can go, what can stay, and what can I compact into these tiny airplane travel bottles so TSA doesn’t snatch it up? We’ve all had the tears of sadness flow when they take a coveted bottle or jar of your favorite product because it doesn’t meet regulation standards. Sigh. So, I improvise. I NEED nourishment in Texas, and hydration is key so I take a big scoop of the Shea Moisture 100% Extra Virgin Coconut Oil and scoop it into a giant Ziploc bag. I love that this product is not heavy, oily and can make even my driest curls come back to life. It smells great and unlike other liquid-based products; I can carry it void of a container or bottle. I usually place it in my carry-on so it doesn’t become sludge in my suitcase.
I’m very particular about my leave-in conditioner because as all curly girls know, this is the second-best thing we need at our bedside. What I like about Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-in Conditioner Spray smells like heaven and has a pretty good consistency that moisturizes my ends. It also has a dual action of giving me great shine which is a bonus so I don’t have to bring or pack an oil based product. We all know the less you carry the better. No one wants their entire bathroom taking up their suitcase space.
These are a few of the essentials I pack when going on vacation not only for their versatility, but because they do the job while I’m away from Chicago. While I do use these products in Chicago as well, I don’t use them as frequently because the colder climate requires me to take additional hair care steps to ensure my hair stays hydrated, moisturized and hoping the wind doesn’t tear it apart. A few of my favorites that I use in Chicago are:
- Camille Rose Naturals Coconut Water Leave-In Treatment
- SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Extra-Moisture Detangler
- SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque
Whether you’re in cold, windy and dry climates such as Chicago or hot and humid climates such as Texas, these hair products will keep your curls a live and flourishing.
What are your holy grails for every weather condition?
Creating on-the-go curly hairstyles is literally like painting a piece of art and hoping the result is a masterpiece. Curly haired women, men, and children deal with pattern, texture, weather, length, and moisture that all play a role in your hairstyle. Making it look easy and effortless is not a gift, it’s hard work that comes from labor in front of the mirror before the day starts. For me, it’s been a long result of trial and error figuring out how to style my hair and what is easy and convenient. I’m a lady who gets ready in 20 minutes or less and the last thing I want to do is wrestle with my hair. Here a few of my one-step hairstyles that get me out the door with a smile on my face.
1. The slicked back bun
I have been a woman who opposes the middle part, except for this hairstyle. Middle parts don’t do much for my face, but make all the difference when creating this slick bun. I part my hair down the middle and pull it tight behind my ears. I then place my index finger in the middle of my head and wrap the curls around my finger until I have a little ball. I use my left hand to hold the ball while my right hand wraps a hair band to keep it secure. If I have too many loose strands, I’ll start over or tuck them in with bobby pins. Afterwards, I use styling gel to slick down my baby hairs around my forehead and hairline leading towards my ears. It’s very quick, efficient and especially helpful between wash days when I don’t have the extra time to work through my curls.
2. Messy up-do
Creating an up-do is especially hard for me because I cannot braid my hair to save my life. I’ve had to figure out alternate ways to make a cute topknot or bun with hairbands that won’t tear my hair out or cost me time. Remember, I’m all about saving time and I’ve been rocking variations of this hairstyle since high school. What I like about it is that regardless of how textured or loose my curls are, I still get a unique look. I pull my hair up like I would a high ponytail while using coconut oil, gel, or crème to hold it together. I then use a hair band to trick my hair into thinking I’m making a ponytail, but instead of the ponytail, I tuck the hair into the band. You can make the bun as big or small as you want by pulling the ends of your bun. I like to leave my baby hairs out around my forehead, neck, and hairline because it adds some flair to the style instead of me slicking them into my curls.
3. Letting it loose
Wearing my curls down like any other women takes time depending on wash day, weather, curl pattern etc. Like most of you know nothing says va-va-voom with your hair like wearing it down after a wash day and getting the volume and curls you prefer. I have grown to love letting my hair down and fly in the wind and sometimes it comes out exactly how I’d like it to, and other days I flip it and scrunch it up to bring it back to life. I think the biggest key to wearing it down is making sure it’s moisturized and nourished so my curls look the best. We all know that water can give life back to flat, dull, curls so I also will run them through the sink on a bad hair day.
Overall creating the perfect look that’s manageable and easy takes a lot of practice and it’s a series of trial and error. I gain my inspiration from Instagram accounts that are centered on curly hair or news articles with celebrities like Zendaya who proudly rock their curls. Curls are beautiful no matter how you dress them up or dress them down, just be confident in how you wear them.
What is your favorite one and done hairstyle? Share with us the comments below.
1. Gabrielle Douglas
This Olympic gold medalist made history in 2012 when she became the first Black female athlete to win the individual all-around event. Since then, she not only competed in the 2016 Olympic, but has added New York Times bestselling author and beauty collaborator to her resume. When reflecting on the social media hate and scrutiny she recently told Teen Vogue: “I felt like the world was against me, but it’s not,” she said. “There’s people out there that love you guys and your life is very important and very valuable. Always be strong, and you can overcome it, you really can.”2. Simone Manuel
At the 2016 Olympics in Rio, Manuel made history as the first African-American woman to win gold in an individual swimming event. She broke the stigma around Black women and swimming by proudly accepting her medal with her natural hair. “I’ve always felt like, it’s hair. It will grow back,” she said in a recent interview with The Huffington Post. “I just wash it and condition it as best as I can. Swimming tops hair in my case.”3. Abi Oyeptian
This former UK Olympian is one-half of the British duo Liha Beauty which burst onto the scene in 2012 when Oyeptian retired. Her inspiration for the brand came from wanting to give all-natural, quality products with Shea butter than represented her African roots. In an interview with NoGraceKelly she states: “It would be great if all women could work together this way, seeing it less as a competition. I want to be that woman. I want our business to show people that it’s not a competition; it’s about building something and bringing people up.”4. Serena Williams
The best to ever do it! This tennis goddess has been knocking out her competition in and outside of the court for years. As bonafide athletic royalty, she has broken many barriers in celebrating beauty and body positivity for Black women. In Vogue she states: “I feel like I have a desire to be better than ever. I am never, ever, satisfied. I always want to do more, be more, reach a new level. Not just in tennis but in everything I do.”5. Carmelita Jeter
Three-time Olympic Champ Carmelita Jeter became the fastest woman in the world at the 2012 Olympics. Her intense focus and determination when training has made her a powerful contender in sprinting, and she applies her competitive edge to everything she does in life. “I don’t care how tired you are — if you don’t put the work in, the person who has no business beating you, so you think, will be the same person who will beat you.”- Rolling Out6. Sanya Richard-Ross
This Olympic athlete achieved her greatest dreams in 2012 when she won gold during the 400. The now retired athletefocuses on her faith, family and education as she builds her organization Sanya Richards’ Fast Track Program in Jamaica. She attributes her success to her faith in giving her the ability to overcome her Olympic loss in 2008 to triumph in 2012. “I’ve been knocked down quite a few times and people are like, how do you bounce back and I think I’m resilient because of my tremendous faith in God and his perfect timing.”- Essence7. Mo’ne Davis
The Philadelphia native made history in 2014 after she became the first girl to throw two shut-out games in the Little League World Series, leading her team to victory. Since then, the 16-year-old became the first Little Leaguer to land a Sports Illustrated cover, has written a book about her journey to athletic stardom and played with the Harlem Globetrotters. She is now playing varsity basketball and dominating the court getting attention from Division 1 colleges. She has been outspoken about the importance of women’s sports, encouraging more young girls to break into the athletic world. “Now people can see — give girls a chance, and we’ll show you why we should have some more TV coverage. A lot of women are just proving it right now.” –ESPN
8. Misty Copeland
Ballerina extraordinaire, has pushed all the limits in ballet to bring diversity to the forefront of the world’s most graceful sport. Misty not only celebrates being a minority, but doesn’t shy away from conversations regarding lack of representation and beauty in the highbrow community. “The conversation of diversity in dance is always going to be an issue and I just hope for as long as I’m alive, that I’m continuing to keep that conversation open and to push the boundaries.”- The Undefeated9. Claressa Shields
This confident boxer has made headlines before she even turned 21 after becoming a two-time Olympic gold medalist. The Flint native will be the first woman to headline a premium cable boxing fight on Showtime. Her charisma and personality could make her the face women’s boxing for years to come. “I’m definitely carrying women’s boxing right now. I’m the one with the torch,” she said recently. “I’m the one that – whenever I say something, everybody respects it, and it’s the truth.”- KWWL10. Michelle Carter
Shotput competitor and two-time Olympic athlete Michelle Carter embraces her body image and Black Girl Magic as she looks to Michelle Obama and Serena Williams as role models. The Texas native has competed in the past three Olympics (’08, ’12, ’16″> and shows no signs of stopping her magic for anyone. “In life and in sport, just being able to adapt and keep pressing forward no matter what is going on around me is magic. It’s being unapologetically you and being the best you- you can be.”- The RootWhich female athletes inspire you? Share with us in the comments below.
Girl bosses have ushered in a new wave of empowerment, feminism, gender equality, and freedom. As we develop the next wave of boss ladies we can be happy that we have a plethora of amazing women to guide our path. Social media has helped the following women not only strengthen their brand, but engage with users to continue to build for their future. Here are 8 strong women who are taking the industry by storm through business, fashion, publishing, and hair care.
Sophia Amoruso
We can’t talk about #girlbosses without paying homage to one of the original women who coined the term for our generation, Sophia Amoruso. This New York Times Bestselling author of GirlBoss, sparked the movement in 2014 which enables women to connect across digital, social and experiential platforms. Sophia encourages women to share knowledge about career, entrepreneurship and personal finance by using her social media platforms to promote conversation – even at her own expense. Her innate honesty about her trials and tribulations, even in the face of criticism from the industry, makes her the ultimate girl boss. Learning to embrace your failures is one thing, but sharing them with your network to help teach how to overcome those uncomfortable spaces, paves a realistic journey towards success.
Karen Civil
How does one make themselves into a brand? Look no further than #girlboss Karen Civil. This media maven, author, and brand curator used the internet to create the career she wanted. The former Diplomat Records employee started KarenCivil.com in 2008 where she interviewed artists like Nicki Minaj and Drake before they got their big break. Civil broke the male-dominated arena of Hip-Hop when she became the social media manager for Beats by Dre in Los Angeles. She used that platform to build her lifestyle website LivingCivil.com and partner with major companies like Carol’s Daughter and Covergirl. As a girlboss she’s made a household name for herself on social media through speaking engagements, philanthropy, and her upcoming conference-cruise this October.
Yael Aflalo
Yael Aflalo wants you to #jointhereformation. Created in 2009, Reformation uses sustainable fabrics and vintage garments to make conventional fashion. The brand was formed after Aflalo was challenged about fashion’s impact on the environment and re-launched Reformation as an e-commerce business in 2012. Aflalo’s advocates to be socially responsible in all aspects of her business from her staff to social media where she showcases a blend of professionalism, feminism and social justice. As a young entrepreneur, she combines her eco-friendly business with the message she is literally saving the world through fashion. Creating a business that reflects your personal interest and passion while still challenging you is vital to the growth of your brand and Aflalo is an excellent example you don’t have to compromise any of those attributes to be successful.
Karrueche Tran
Model and actress Karrueche Tran has taken her #girlboss status to the next level since breaking away from her infamous ex. Tran popped onto the scene back in 2012 where she started as a personal stylist at Nordstrom and then transitioned into magazines for her high-profile fashion. In the five years she’s been in the spotlight, she’s shown the power of turning a negative situation truly positive by using her platform to build her career. This #girlboss won an Emmy award for her digital series The Bay, collaborated with ColourPoP for her Kaepop collection, and just landed a role in the TNT series Claws. What makes Tran a #girlboss is her perseverance to bettering herself and being diligent in her career pursuits outside of social media hate, intense media scrutiny, and public perception that still attempts to link her to the past. Rising above and balancing your path is key for all girlbosses in their career pursuits.
Myleik Teele
Myleik Teele changed the hair game as the founder of curlBOX. The monthly subscription service has partnerships with brands like Carol’s Daughter and Shea Moisture in addition to major companies like Target and Walmart. The San Francisco alum used her talent for building brands like Calvin Klein cosmetics, American Idol, and Nike to create a hair sampling box that has garnered a following of over 300k on Instagram. Myleik showcases strength and empowers her followers through encouraging Instagram posts and interviewing fellow boss women on her podcast #mytaughtyou series. Her latest venture curlBOX:body expands her business to promoting self-love and fitness. Myleik exemplifies how using your experience working for other people can truly help mold and influence how you develop and create your own brand. Learning from others is the best way to figure out the tips, tricks and best ways to make your ventures work.
These girlbosses used innovative and tactical methods to not only build successful brands, but build brands that resonated with millions of women all over the world. Their dedication to engaging with their customers through social media has given them an alternative way to promoting, building, and changing their brands which is continuously changing the way these entrepreneurs do business. Real girlbosses thrive and survive and use their boss savvy skills to continue to change the game and make it work no matter the struggles or endeavors. We salute you!
The month of March is all about women. The pioneers, leaders and trailblazers who deserve to be celebrated for their past and continuing contributions for women today. For all my ladies rocking their natural curls, we have many wonderful women to thank for their innovation, dedication and hustle to perfect the art of natural hair. Natural hair is a revolution and has secured its place on the shelves of Sally Beauty, Target, Wal-Mart and Sephora alike as more people find new ways to make embracing the natural, more easily. When you’re running those creams, serums, oils and gels through your crown and making your way out the door this month, there’s a few boss women I want you to keep in mind.
Monique Rodriguez, Mielle Organics
In 2014, Monique Rodriguez brought Mielle Organics onto the scene which now has reached 87 countries around the world and has expanded to hair oils, shampoos, conditioners and vitamins. Rodriguez first love was helping people as a registered nurse by day, but by night she was creating hair products in her kitchen which she would share with friends, family and post online via YouTube. Her hair struggle, like so many of us came from the lack of available products on the market for restoring her healthy curls after heat damage from straightening. As she grew in popularity, Rodriguez hit gold with her first mass distributed product, an Advanced Hair Formula used to support healthy hair, skin, nails and immune system. One of the largest factors to Rodriguez’s brand growth was her desire to be authentic with her social media audience and be open to feedback which she attributes to the upward success.
Miko and Titi Branch, Miss Jessie’s
Double the women, double the power. Siblings Miko Branch and the late Titi Branch are co-founders of Miss Jessie’s products for curly hair. Originally named after their grandmother, Miss Jessie’s came onto the market in 2004 in Brooklyn when the sisters took their hair salon, Curve, and used the experience to create hair products. Their Curly Pudding that customer’s deemed “curl magic” expanded to their Curly Meringue and Pillow Soft Curls products that were distributed at Ricky’s, a New York beauty emporium. The sisters took pride in building their business from the ground up without investors, loans or degrees, Miko wrote in her memoir that “What we had was a seed of an idea and a solid foundation of family and influences to learn from and observe.” As Miss Jessie’s grew and expanded the sisters were forced to deal with the hardships including overworking and Titi’s passing from depression in 2014. Miko Branch carries on the family company and advocates for self-love and self-care when mentoring young entrepreneurs.
Shelley Davis, Kinky-Curly
Kinky-Curly founder Shelley Davis is one of the original natural hair care pioneers who brought her astounding brand to shelves in 2003. Creating Kinky-Curly happened by chance after misplaced luggage inspired a family member to create a homemade brew of herbs and plants that left Davis’ hair better and healthier than it had ever been. Her job at a major television network allowed her the free time to research ingredients and enroll in an online cosmetic chemistry course to bring Kinky-Curly to life. The brand emerged as a leading provider for natural hair care and flew off the shelves due to word of mouth advertising. Davis told The Network Journal that when the company’s growth required better organization to balance consumer needs, they “solved this problem by utilizing the many online apps available for small businesses – apps such as Mad Mimi to handle our email newsletters and Evernote and Basecamp to manage and organize information.” Kinky-Curly’s cult following inspired expansion to custards, hair spritz, brushes, and a children’s line.
As the natural hair game evolves and transforms in the coming generation, we can always look to the women who paved the way to embrace our natural beauty and build a legacy worth remembering. Trailblazing does not come from shortcuts and easy roads, it is built as these four women show by using your passion, culture and knowledge to forge your own path. Real women just like you and me revolutionized the beauty game for the better.
Who else do you feel helped change the natural hair game?
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Mayonnaise, honey, rubber cement, chewing gum, candle wax, and even toothpaste–all of these things have been rumored to help start locs. One of the top choices is actually a product that was intended for use on hair: hair gel. Hair gel is often used to begin the locking process and then maintain them throughout the journey. This is, however, a risk in striving for your healthiest locs possible.
Dreadlocks.com says “Many products on the market that mention they work for dreadlocks are actually intended to add shine and fragrance and to make [locs] look neater but don’t acually help the dreading process at all. The majority of these shine waxes are made with petroleum as the primary ingredient.” While petroleum-based products are OK for re-twisting every 4 to 6 weeks, it is not recommended using one in the beginning of the locking phase.
Most hair gels contain ingredients that tend to work against a healthy locking journey
According to Curl Chemist Tonya, most hair gels work by containing these holding agents:
- PVP (poly N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone”> forms clear films and is water soluble. It absorbs water readily, which in humid weather makes it sticky or tacky to the touch, can cause frizz, and give a dull appearance to the hair. In dry weather, it can become brittle and flaky.
- PVA (polyvinyl acetate”> resists absorption of water in high humidity but is not substantive to hair.
- Polyquaternium-4: is a film-former on the hair and has been found to be substantive to hair. It is very stiff due to its molecular structure and causes flaky build-up.
- Polyquaternium-11: is copolymer of VP/DMAEMA is less susceptible to humidity. It is not water soluble–this can lead to some build-up over time that resists washes.
5 reasons NOT to use gel on locs
Dryness
They are drying to your scalp and prevent your hair from growing. Hair gel is typically made with the kind of alcohols and other synthetic ingredients that not only clog pores, but dry your scalp. Look into shampoos made with peppermint, eucalyptus, or tea tree extracts if you notice your scalp feeling itchier after starting the locking process. These ingredients in shampoos will also blast out the dirt from your pores, encouraging growth at a faster rate.
Buildup
All of the product and elemental build-up (that gel draws to your scalp”> causes you to have to wash your locs more frequently. Depending on the individual, this may or may not negatively impact the form and hold of what you’ve taken so long to create.
Flaking
Hair gel causes small white flakes, especially when used frequently for hair styling purposes. In locs, the flakes are tough to wash completely out and can be a painstakingly long process, according to Lockology.
Stiffness
If you want locs that actually move, don’t use a gel. When used for twisting, the hair becomes unnaturally hard and stiff. Over time, hair gel dries out the hair. Most people use gel to make the outer layer of their locs appear smoother, but using a butter or cream is the gentlest option for healthy locs.
Breakage
Breakage happens when using a drying hair gel on a regular basis. As mentioned previously, do research and invest in a good quality loc butter for re-twisting and maintaining smooth, fuzz-free locs that don’t have randoms sticking out all over the place (AKA breaking strands”>.
Try one of these safer alternatives for re-twisting:
- Darcy’s Botanicals Avocado & Wild Plum Twisting Cream (Glycerin Free”> contains soothing organic aloe juice, invigorating nettle leaf, wild plum, and lemon peel for amazing nutrition to the hair and scalp.
- MyHoneyChild Honey Love Loc is made with natural holding agent raw honey, moisturizing coconut butter, and aloe vera jelly for smoothness.
- Original Moxie Lux Locks Styling Pomade includes Ucuuba butter, high in the necessary fatty acids and vitamins for a healthy scalp, along with castor and olive oils to seal in moisture and promote hair growth.
Which product do you use on your locs to re-twist?
