Search Results: Desiree Johnson
We’re so excited to usher in another amazing season of fashion starting with AFROPUNK which made its return to Brooklyn since 2019. Headliners included talented musicians like The Roots, Burna Boy, Lucky Daye, Freddie Gibbs, and more who helped usher in the joy, spirit, and decadence that the Black community continues to embody in the face of resilience. This event was held on September 10th and 11th and served a celebration of life, music, food, and culture within the Black community. Afropunk champions all things Black by hosting markets full of businesses, food truck vendors, curators, and NYC chefs.
What is Afropunk?
Afropunk is all about encouraging Black people to break conventional stereotypes of identity, race, and gender. The creators of Afropunk define it as:
“Afro: as in, born of African spirit and heritage; see also black (not always”>, see also rhythm and color, see also other, see also underdog.”
“Punk: as in, rebel, opposing the simple route, imbued with a DIY ethic, looking forward with simplicity, rawness and open curiosity; see also other, see also underdog.”
Afropunk originated from the concept of unacknowledged Black people who were excluded from the white punk scene and European alternative lifestyles. The first festival started in 2005 and originally catered towards a punk audience, but has now evolved to encompass alternative R&B and soul. Over the years Afropunk has featured performers like Solange, Willow Smith, Algiers, and Princess Nokia. As a space that invites and celebrates artistic and creative expression, it can also serve to showcase innovative fashion, media, art, photography, and film. We’re very excited to see such a fantastic turnout for Afropunk’s return to the masses and have been dying over these jaw-dropping looks below!
The Best Looks from Afropunk 2022
Vivacious Accessories
We thrive on accessories whether it’s sunglasses, headscarves, or hats. Accessories have always been a mainstay of Afropunk because truly anything goes. Folks turn up in head turning ensembles where we see a blend of culture, innovation, and personal style that can be a play on BDSM styles or an ode to heritage with dashiki fabrics.The idea is to go big and loud with statement accessories that don’t have to compliment your look so much as showcase individuality and imagination. We loved that despite a less than sunny day, Afropunk attendees still brought the attitude with larger than life shades in bold shapes while keeping dry from the rain.
Read more: Why AfroPunk Is So Much More Than a Music Festival
Subtle Accents
Nothing adds flair to a look than face jewels and handy jewelry like statement necklaces and earrings to add just the right amount of pop to your wardrobe. In true Afropunk, adorning your face and body with decorative pieces and ornate objects is an ode to break conventional styles of dress. While clothes can be viewed as a way to dress your body, accents can be a way to showcase who you truly are from a mental, emotional, and spiritual perspective. These accents are used to compliment the natural hairstyle and bring attention to center facial features or body parts as an expression of one’s self.
Naturalistas on Parade
Bring on the hair. One thing about Afropunk, it’s going to serve looks on looks on looks when it comes to hair. We love to see natural hairstyles like locs, afros, braids, and gravity defying looks on full-display. Hair is such an intimate and personal experience for the Black community and there’s no better place to get creative and inventive with your natural hair than Afropunk. It’s not about aesthetics or conforming to societal standards of what’s “good hair” or “acceptable”, the hair should represent your own personal freedom. We see looks that are bold, braided, beaded, and giving inches on inches on inches.
Read next: Black and Disruptive: Afropunk is Changing the Festival Marketplace
All-Weather Accessories
The rain couldn’t stop Brooklyn’s most stylish festival-goers from showing up and showing out. Whether you’ve been to Afropunk or even just experienced it vicariously through social media, you know nothing else compares to the safe, inclusive atmosphere of Afropunk. This environment fosters unmatched creative freedom and self expression through the hairstyles and street style. And the rain just added an extra level of innovation – transparent trench coats, picnic blankets-turned-head coverings, and all the hats and accessories.
What are your favorite looks from Afropunk? Let us know below!
All photos by Karston Tannis / @skinnywashere for NaturallyCurly
BREAD is all about providing naturalistas with the essential products, ingredients, and maintenance that textured hair needs. As the founder of BREAD, Maeva Heim took the experiences she had in her mother’s braiding salon combined with a degree in business and law to create a brand that’s carving out space for multicultural hair care. As one of the first Australian brands selected for the Sephora Accelerate program, BREAD was immediately launched into the zeitgeist of high-end and coveted beauty products that are a staple for today’s customer. With sleek packaging, fresh ingredients, and branding focused on making haircare fun and attainable whether you have wavy, afro, curly, or coily textures. BREAD doesn’t complicate the haircare process, but seeks to simplify it with must-have products like a deep conditioner, hair-oil, hair-cream, and hair-mask. We sat down to speak with Maeva about her entrepreneurial journey, how Australia influenced the ingredients, and the brand’s mission to stay sustainable.
Tell us about your relationship with hair growing up?
The journey with my hair has been gradual. Straightening my hair with a relaxer was something I had done since I was 6 or 7 years old. And whilst I had protective styling over the years, my natural hair, when left out, was always straight. Growing up, I never had to deal with my natural texture or even understand what it was.
Because of this, I grew up using products that were designed for straight hair. When I was transitioning to wearing my 4C hair naturally, I knew those products were no longer going to cut it. The first thing I wanted to do was find hair care products that were specifically designed for my natural texture.
How did spending time in your mother’s beauty salon impact your perception of beauty?
My first introduction into beauty was back in the ‘90s at my mother’s African hair braiding salon. It was one of the very first African hair salons in the entire country and one of my very first experiences in the beauty industry. From the age of 10 I would spend my weekends there braiding customers’ hair, sweeping the floors, answering the phone and managing the booking diary. We would import a lot of hair-care products from the U.S. that were designed for textured hair and sell them in the salon. That’s how I initially became familiar with the category and what was available in the market for curly and textured hair.
My Mother has always been my number one fan, and there is no one I trust more with my hair than my Mom. Despite me wanting relaxed hair or weaves throughout childhood, she continually and gently encouraged me to wear my natural hair out. I was vehemently against it as a teen, but looking back now I am so appreciative that she was always down to let me do whatever I wanted with my hair.
What inspired the name “Bread”?
When I started the brand, it was actually called something completely different. But someone had trademarked that name so I had to go back to the drawing board which forced me to think about what I was creating. When I thought about what the staples were in other categories, my first thought was bread. BREAD BEAUTY SUPPLY is: here for the essentials. The must-haves. Like bread. That just stuck and I kept it.
I’m also really lazy when it comes to hair, which is part of the inspiration for Bread as well. I knew that I wanted Black women to feel like they could embrace “lazy girl hair,” something we haven’t always been allowed to embrace in the past.
,0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15″>; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% – 2px”>;” data-instgrm-permalink=”https://www.instagram.com/reel/ChSLTwRJA45/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading” data-instgrm-version=”14″>View this post on Instagram
What would you describe as the “essential” haircare products for natural and textured hair?
The first thing we set out to do was simplify wash day, which is why we designed our kit 1-wash. kit 1-wash includes all your full-size wash day essentials: 1 x hair-wash (8.4 fl. oz.”>, 1 x hair-mask (12 fl. oz.”>, 1 x hair-oil (3.3 fl. oz.”>, 1 x bread-puff (scrunchie”>. Then we have other hair care essentials to layer (and layover”> between wash-days, like our best-selling hair-cream (leave-in curl cream”>.
A hallmark of your products are clean ingredients, are these inspired or influenced by Australia?
One of the things I found when I was researching products and looking at different industry reports was that hair products marketed to Black women had been found to be more harmful than products in the general market. I wanted to make sure we were creating products that were safe and really showed that we care about the customer.
We infused our products with different Australian ingredients, in part because that’s my heritage, but also because I want to put those ingredients on the map. Coming from Australia, I really wanted to highlight and celebrate the incredible native ingredients that grow here that have been used a lot in skincare, but not as much in hair. Many of our native ingredients have properties that are incredible for textured hair.
Tell us more about the mud-mask, hair oil to-go and hair-cream and how they can be used for your curls
hair-oil: is a silicone free, multi-purpose oil that we describe as being like a lipgloss, but for your hair. It can be used in 3 different ways: before wash day as a pre-wash treatment, after-wash day to help lock in moisture, and in-between wash days to help add shine to your strands throughout the week. My favorite way to use it is as a pre-wash treatment (also known as slugging, which has become super popular recently”>. It’s infused with Kakadu Plum and safflower oil, and smells sweet like berries.
mud-mask: is a clay mask, but not for your face. It is a targeted pre-wash treatment that features a blend of Rhassoul, Bentonite, Kaolin, and Quartz to help reset your curls and gently detoxify your scalp so that you can go longer between wash days. It’s also just gone viral on TikTok!
hair-cream: is our 2-in-1 conditioning and repairing curl cream for all curl types. When creating hair-cream we wanted it to treat your hair while you wear it, so it’s designed to repair and soften your strands throughout the week. It’s infused with Hydrolyzed Quinoa Protein, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, and Mango Butter, leaving your curls softly defined and feeling lightweight. My favorite way to use it is for a wash and go. I like to use a brush to evenly distribute hair-cream through my damp hair (in sections”> from root to tip.
Why was creating a sustainable brand so essential for your business?
Our products are packaged in glass bottles to cut down on the use of plastic. The hair-oil glass vessel can be recycled or reused in a number of ways – i.e. as flower stem vase, or to decant other beauty or food oils. The landscape is changing constantly in terms of what’s actually moving the needle, so it’s super important to me to continue assessing at what stage of the product life cycle our sustainability efforts will make the most impact.
,0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15″>; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% – 2px”>;” data-instgrm-permalink=”https://www.instagram.com/reel/ChnpX0Ah-XO/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading” data-instgrm-version=”14″>View this post on Instagram
CURLS has been a staple of the natural hair community since its inception in 2002 and 20 years later it’s still a fan favorite. Founded by Mahisha Dellinger, CURLS was developed to celebrate and honor kinky, coily, curly, and textured hair during an era when the natural hair revolution had not bloomed yet. As an emerging leader in the natural hair space, CURLS has been at the forefront of innovation and originality in their unique formulas and diverse product collections. They have worked with iconic celebrities like Nia Long, Alicia Keys, and Ashanti, who have been champions of the quality, ingredients, and ethical business practices. As CURLS officially celebrates their 20th anniversary, we were excited to sit down for a desk side chat with Mahisha who discussed the journey CURLS has endeavored as a fan favorite and how the brand is carving out a future for naturalistas everywhere.
How does it feel to be celebrating 20 years in the natural hair space?
It feels phenomenal. I’ve experienced so much success, pitfalls and key learning lessons. To say that I’ve been in business for 2 decades when 80% of business fail by year 5 makes me so proud. I’m proud to be a pioneer in this space, grow my fanbase, the CURLS offerings, and to still be thriving in this community.
What do you remember about the natural hair category when you launched in 2002?
Target was the first creator of a natural hair category in retail which happened around 2007, but prior to that it was challenging. We launched in 2002 and we were a part of a handful of brands that were all e-commerce based along with Miss Jessie’s, Carol’s Daughter, Shea Moisture, and Heritage. In the stores you could only buy perms, jerry curl juice, hawaiian silky, and jam so it was grim for us because we had no options.
The reason I created the brand was because I was a new mother and didn’t want to use drying gels and jerry curl products so needless to say, before CURLS my hair was a hot mess. Me and my fellow sisters in this industry have created brands that back then were inspirational and now we’re on fire. Alot of retailers didn’t think this was going to last, for example: I pitched my products to Ulta and Sally Beauty and they rejected them because they thought natural hair was a fad that was going to go away. 20 years later we’re still here.
If you could recall one big milestone CURLS had in the past 20 years, what would it be and why?
Hands down without a doubt it’s being one of the four pioneering brands that created this brand in retail. When Target called, they only had old legacy brands at the time and relaxer sales were down. Linda Sullivan was the buyer and decided she was going to create a multicultural category that she tested in 105 stores with me, Shea Moisture, Miss Jessie’s and Jane Carter and we were on an endcap. They said if it does well, we’ll grow with you and if not then we’ll just end the relationship. We all did really well and then the other retailers saw the success and started using our products in their store. Because of her direction and Target’s category, it changed the direction of the CURLS brand in exposure, credibility, respect, and it took us from e-commerce to retail.
The climate in the early 00’s in terms of collaboration vs. competition was a different ecosystem than it is now, how do you think that has changed in 20 years?
In 2002, the space was too new to be hypercompetitive, but by 2006-2010 it was pretty crazy because they were pitting brands against each other. It was CURLS vs. Mixed Chicks, Kinky Curly vs. Miss Jessies, Carol’s Daughter vs. Shea Moisture, you couldn’t like more than one brand. It made it detrimental for our sisterhood. It wasn’t very healthy because even if it wasn’t directly us it was the buyers and the distributors also fueling that fire. When we finally got past that time period, we found a new respect for each other. Now I see more collaboration like Mixed Chicks creating an event we all participated in at Essence Fest or at the World Natural Hair Show where we’re all together instead of spread apart like at the white conferences.
We’re seeing new product brands pop up daily, how do you feel about the current climate of natural hair products entering the ecosphere?
We have to be mindful about how certain brands are being positioned in order to avoid any confusion between customers. The general market is not worried about shelf space, there are always a lot of products for women who are not of color. For us, it’s ensuring everyone has their unique branding and positioning clear versus copycatting what’s already on the shelf. For example, there was a big wave of people formulating their ingredients with coconut oil, shea butter, and argan oil and then everyone was burnt out.
CURLS has always taken the stance of creating products with unique ingredients that have never been used in our category before such as: blueberry extract, cashmere and caviar extract and most recently, sea moss. Originality matters because you want to deliver to a need and not just want what you think is popular for the shelf. We have to start listening to our consumer, more women are wearing more wigs and weaves, do those products exist for their hair? We try to find unique formulas and solve problems with solutions.
What can you tell us about the brand’s new category launch?
Our “Hair Under There” collection was created based on data I researched that 70% of women in 2020 had reported they had already worn or planned to wear a wig, weave, and extensions. I saw that data and thought about how you were going to grow the hair under the protective style. You want to avoid neglecting your scalp, breakdage, dry, and brittle hair that’s going to hinder your hair growth. We have a lot of products but this line is for a Black woman who wants to see their hair flourish and grow.
Sea Moss is a hot and trending super food ingredient and people are aware it’s good for your body, hair, and skin. It has 92 of the 110 nutrients your body needs and is vitamin packed to help keep your hair supple, it has a naturally conditioning agent that helps with shine, prevents breakage and promotes hair growth. We took that one superfood and created a whole collection that customers will love.
Our accessories “CURLS Ultimate Detangler Brush” which is similar to a denman brush, it has rows of bristles that you can pop in or out. If you have denser hair you can take out rows to give more room for your curls, if you’re straightening your hair it can be used as is, wavy hair you can remove 2-3 rows. The edge control brush has the brush to sculpt the edges and a fine tooth comb on one side and medium comb tooth on the other. The detangling comb has pliable bristles and teeth to detangle along the shape of your hair whether it’s wet or dry.
Headwraps have been all the rage this season because let’s face it, the sun has been coming for us left and right. But despite the hot weather, these stylish and ornate accessories are not only great for protecting your scalp or style, but have become a go-to staple for naturalistas everywhere. Headwraps are chic, feminine, and are adaptable to any wardrobe or style. We’ve seen them all over Instagram, TikTok, and more Black-owned brands like Constant Covering and Crownned debuting premium headwraps we can’t get enough of.
The benefits of headwraps
What makes headwraps such a vital accessory for traveling or daily use is that they are versatile, functional, and can be used in a variety of hair scenarios. Whether you’re rocking locs, braids, sporting a pineapple, or protecting your hair from climate weather, they are a staple piece to keep in your closet.
If you’ve never worn a headwrap before, it can feel slightly intimidating deciding how to wear it and make it blend with your natural style. You may be wondering if you have the right length of hair, is it tied securely, will it slip off, does it blend with your current style. The good thing is there is no wrong answer to this question! Headwraps can be worn with any texture of hair and can be styled simply by weaning your hair down, protecting your braids, or with an updo or bun. Many headwraps come in solid, print, and can even come pre-tied so half the work is done for you. We talked to four influencers who shared how they wear their favorite headwraps, get your pens out, it’s time to take some notes!
Pri Yunes
Photo: @curlygirlpri
“I tend to use headscarves to prolong wash day since it’s a protective style. I make sure to apply a leave-in so that my hair stays moisturized and I massage my scalp with hair oil to relieve tension and promote hair growth. When I wear a headscarf I make sure to put my hair up in a pineapple with a satin scrunchie to prevent breakage and I tie it no more than 1-2 times to prevent unnecessary tension which can cause breakage. A gel or pomade is a great hair product to slick your hair back and also clean up your baby hairs when you use a headscarf making the style look more polished.”
Kassandra Hazlehurst
Photo: @hazkas
“I find myself reaching for my head wraps most with a protective style in. Braids can be extremely heavy, so for this look I created the ponytail first with a strong hair tie. I then wrapped the fabric around, criss-crossing both sides to build height, and then tucked in the ends to secure the style in place. This look is also great when you’re coming to the end of your protective style and are looking for a way to disguise any new growth”
Faith Armstrong
Photo: @honoryourfaith
“Wearing a headscarf isn’t just for bad hair days – I love how it adds color or texture to my outfit. I have a few different ways that I like to tie them and depending on if I want to wear my hair down or all up will determine how I wrap it. The great thing is there’s no wrong way to wear a headscarf, as long as it’s secure and doesn’t unravel throughout the day it’s going to look good. To finish the look, I always use my Babytress edge styler and Prose custom styling gel to swoop my edges and keep them in place. I try to use natural products to style my hair to keep it from flaking or feeling itchy when it’s wrapped up.”
Abigail Hunter
Photo: @_theabnormallife
Best practices:
1: Use bobby pins for added security.
2: Don’t tie your scarves too tight.
3: Taking time to style your edges adds elevation to your scarf style
Jessica Morrobel
Photo: @travelingwithjessica
Some days my hair feels bouncy, fresh, and voluminous enough to wear it out. Other days, not so much — it gets frizzy or seems to have a mind of its own. Depending on the day, I’m looking to protect my hair, and a head wrap style is great. One of my go-to head wrap styles is the ‘Double Front Twist’ style, in which I use a long head wrap — at least 40” x 72”. Fanm Djanm has stretch-knit wrap with a flexible material that easily folds over the head, which I like to use to help hold the wrap in place. To style, I start by folding the wrap over my head. Then, I bring the two long ends towards the front of my head and cross them into a knot. Afterward, I take the two ends and cross them back down my head in a knot — tucking in the loose ends. To keep my curls defined for this style, I like to mix two or more products that hydrate my hair without leaving that crunchy feeling, like the AG Hair Recoil Curl Activator.
How do you wear your favorite headwraps? Let us know in the comments below.
Back in March 2022 I had the distinct pleasure of laying my eyes on the stunning journals, stationery, and writing tools from Be Rooted. The detailed images of beautiful black and brown women adorning sleek updos, laid baby hairs, headscarves, and free flowing curls were unlike anything I had seen before. Shortly after this I had the chance to meet Be Rooted founder, Jasmin Foster, who had shared her enthusiasm and excitement for having her products sold at Target.
As the creator of Be Rooted, Jasmin sought to create a business and products that would allow women of color to be seen, appreciated, valued, and uplifted. Be Rooted gives customers the freedom to live out their wildest dreams in the safe space of journals, notebooks, and planners. It encourages you to be introspective, thoughtful, and confident in the pursuit of your day to day activities whether you’re looking to travel, channel bravery or hustle harder. We’re so excited to chat with Jasmin and discuss her entrepreneurial journey, her inspiration for her designs, and what’s on the horizon for the brand.
Who were your hair influences growing up?
Growing up, I loved spending the day at the beauty shop. I was always excited to see what new hairstyle my stylist would have, see what celebrities were rocking in the latest beauty magazines, and listen to gossip that was way over my head. I learned a lot about beauty, style, and confidence in the beauty shop.
What was your favorite or signature natural hairstyle to rock when you were younger?
I spent a lot of my earlier years exploring what worked best for me between braids, sew-ins, straight styles, and learning my curl pattern. I don’t know that I had just one, but I love the versatility of our hair.
,0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15″>; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% – 2px”>;” data-instgrm-captioned=”” data-instgrm-permalink=”https://www.instagram.com/p/CcVRv1xuM_2/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading” data-instgrm-version=”14″>View this post on Instagram
How would you describe your entrepreneurial journey?
My entrepreneurial journey has been a lesson of learning myself. It has been an amazing exploration of testing my boundaries and pushing myself to design the life that I want to live. I love the freedom of waking up each day and knowing that the effort that I put into today directly impacts me seeing my vision come to life while also consistently getting direct feedback from the community on how it is having an impact in their life.
What inspired you to create “Be Rooted”?
As a little girl growing up in Indianapolis, I always loved stationery. With every new semester I would be excited to buy school supplies, and into adulthood, I’d buy a new planner to map out my work and life. Despite my enthusiasm, over the years I realized that I always felt disconnected from the category. I never really felt like journals and stationery were designed with women of color in mind. I wanted to change that.
After many years waiting for a brand to come in and to help me feel seen, I launched Be Rooted because I wanted to change the face of the stationery and gifting industry. For far too long and in too many spaces, Black and Brown women have been left unseen and unspoken to. Be Rooted was created to flip that narrative and center Black and Brown women by making them feel loved, celebrated, and uplifted.
What are the origins of the name?
I want my community to feel rooted in culture, rooted in representation, rooted in who they are.
Imagery is the heart of your products, how do you capture the range of texture in your graphics?
Our design process is multi-step. It first starts with brainstorming the theme and mood of what we want to evoke from the collection. From there, we are able to build out a more detailed mood board and color palette that is inclusive of inspiration from the real world. From there my designers move to sketching, and once we align, we illustrate.
Why was it important for you to use these images on journals and stationery?
The stationery industry is over $40B and there is not one major Black-owned national brand. Black and Brown women deserve to feel seen, heard, and loved across all industries.
You’re a champion for collaborating with independent artists for your products, how does this support the mission of “Be Rooted”?
I am a huge advocate for not just being a business that sells goods, but to really think about your impact on the whole ecosystem. With the community that we are building, I love being able to expose our audience to independent artists and using our platform to continue to widen their exposure.
How does stationery, journals, and writing accessories support BIPOC representation?
Be Rooted supports the representation of Black, Indigenous and People of Color in their prominence on the artwork on the journals and gifting items. Be Rooted is focused on amplifying a diverse range of BIPOC so that they too feel seen and heard.
What new products can we look forward to in 2022?
We have a very exciting Holiday collection launching at the end of October. We will be launching 20+ skus across 6 different stationery and gifting categories.
Simone Tetteh & Maude Okrah are the founders of Black Beauty Roster (BBR”> a diversity and inclusion platform that connects the media, fashion and beauty industry with diverse beauty talent for on and off set needs. “As businesswomen, beauty enthusiasts, and Black women, we saw an opportunity to close the beauty diversity gap in the industry by providing more opportunities for beauty professionals with diverse skill-sets and helping the media, fashion, and beauty industries truly understand how to become better allies and advocates for diverse talent and their beauty needs.”
We created BBR because we saw and heard the cries from talent of color in the industry about the struggles to find not just great but even adequate hair and makeup professionals who knew how to take care of and style their hair and work with their skin tones.
What were your individual relationships to your hair growing up?
Simone: Growing up, my hair served as a means of self-discovery. I saw my hair as an accessory that helped me try on different types of personas, and try to live out the ones that most fit. As a younger child I only wanted to look like the girls on the Just4Me relaxer boxes, all smoothed edges and bumped ends and as I grew into my adolescence I wanted to look like the girls I saw in music videos, with long straight weaves and highlights.
When I look back on what my “hair goals” were growing up, I can’t help but realize I was always trying to be and look like someone else. I was constantly rejecting the texture of hair that grew out of my own head in favor of what was deemed most palatable and trendy by others. It wasn’t until fairly recently that I was able to not just come to terms with my natural hair texture, but also show it off and honor it in ways that truly suit me and my own preferences as opposed to the dominant trends of the day.
Did you have any stylists or hair inspirations that influenced you?
Simone: I was always flipping through Hype Hair magazine back in the day and absorbing all the daring and cool styles rocked by my favorites like Kelis and Rihanna. I also paid close attention to the credits in the magazine where I learned about the stylists behind these incredible looks like Ursula Stephens and Maisha Oliver. I learned early that it was these stylists, often women of color, who were the masterminds and true trendsetters behind so many of our favorite celebrity looks.
What inspired the creation of the BBR?
Simone: We created BBR because we saw and heard the cries from talent of color in the industry about the struggles to find not just great but even adequate hair and makeup professionals who knew how to take care of and style their hair and work with their skin tones. This is an issue that is pervasive for both men and women and across ethnic backgrounds on film sets, photo shoots, and red-carpet/press opportunities. Models have shared stories of crying in their trailer or bathrooms because they were so overwhelmed with having to take on the task of being talent + hairstylist/makeup artist or even actors convincing directors that their character should have braids for a role, so the actor could avoid the uncertainty of the hair and makeup trailer.
We know there are a lot of amazingly talented beauty professionals with diverse skill-sets who can work on every hair texture and skin tone but for many reasons they are not getting the opportunities to show off their skills and get the jobs they deserve.
We know there are a lot of amazingly talented beauty professionals with diverse skill-sets who can work on every hair texture and skin tone but for many reasons they are not getting the opportunities to show off their skills and get the jobs they deserve. We also know that the beauty, fashion and media industry wants to become more diverse and inclusive and needs to understand not only where to find diverse talent but also how to truly engage in the conversation of allyship and diversity. BBR serves as a platform to be able to both engage the beauty community and the industry and finally bridge the beauty diversity gap.
How does BBR’s mission help to create a more inclusive environment for Black professionals in media?
Simone: At BBR we are constantly advocating for the presence and influence of diversity on set and we know oftentimes that can begin in the hair and makeup trailer. We understand and have seen firsthand what a positive influence having hair and makeup that understands how to work with all hair textures and skin tones can be for Black talent.
Not having to worry about if they know how to work with curls or kinky coily hair or if the makeup on your face matches the skin on your neck while standing under a stage light, helps talent to truly focus on what they are there to do, whether it’s delivering an award-winning stage or screen performance or showing off the season’s most coveted designs. This ability to focus solely on their craft allows Black talent to shine and live up to their greatest potential.
How would you describe the current evolution of natural hairstyles in Hollywood?
Maude: I think the showcasing of more natural hair across TV and movie screens is truly an evolution. It has been great to see more Black actresses wearing their natural hair on screen and writers and directors are embracing the importance of it in creating storylines. Representation matters, especially with natural hair – normalizing it in Hollywood is a major step.
What were your initial thoughts when you heard about the CROWN Act?
Simone: The Crown Act is such a monumental moment in helping to destigmatize Black hair in the workforce and beyond. It’s an incredible step in truly addressing the history of anti-Blackness in the professional world.
Editor’s note: The CROWN Act is a law that prohibits race-based discrimination, including the denial of employment and educational opportunities. CROWN stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair.”
Have you seen any immediate impact from the CROWN Act being passed by legislature in 2021?
Simone: The passing of the Crown Act across a handful of states has led to previously unheard of and unspoken conversations and curiosity about hair discrimination. Everyone from hair stylists to corporate executives are now speaking about and examining how they’ve previously thought of and approached the topic of hair in the workplace as well as removing rules and mandates that were previously harmful and exclusionary to people of color. These are great early steps, however we believe more tangible and lasting change can come once the law is passed nationwide.
The CROWN Act is currently a law in California, but is still pending legislation in 18 states, how can Hollywood help inspire change?
Simone: Hollywood sets the tone and is the driver of so much of culture. Hollywood can continue inspiring the embrace of change and diversity by continuing to show that in the content it produces. The more we see diverse faces, hairstyles, and even clothing in the media, the more people become accustomed to difference and don’t see it as a threat or something to be controlled or minimized. Creating more inclusive film and TV sets leads to more voices and appearances being heard, seen and uplifted.
What do you think is our biggest hurdle in overcoming hair discrimination in the workplace?
Simone: The biggest hurdle appears to be communication and education. In certain workplaces people are not educated not just on various ways of styling one’s hair but also how to engage and speak to folks who are different from themselves. It’s important for people to look inward and examine their biases, educate themselves and communicate with others before coming to conclusions on others’ appearances and what that says about their lifestyles or ability to thrive in certain work environments.
If you’re a beauty professional and you’d like to join the Black Beauty Roster to be considered for beauty jobs in TV&Film, Editorial and Commercial, sign up here.
Have you been searching for your next easy natural hairstyle? Curl expert, celebrity stylist Cataanda James, shares everything you need to know about trying crochet twists.
As the resident brand educator for The Mane Choice, Cataanda James is all about teaching naturalistas the latest trends, best products for hair care, and creating innovative styles for your hair. She’s been a stylist for over 20 years and worked with popular celebrities like the late Kobe Bryant, Terrance Howard, and America Ferrera. She’s a licensed cosmetologist, multicultural beauty educator, and has spent years working with different hair textures and types. As we’re easing into the last month of summer, she’s here to share all the details on one of the most popular styles, crochet twists. Read more for her tips on styling, maintenance, preparation, and the most popular ways to rock these gorgeous styles.
How do I choose the right crochet twists for my hair?
Choosing the right crochet twists for your hair partly depends on the end goal for your style, size of twists, and desired texture of the extension hair. Most importantly, you want to consider the texture, density, and condition of your natural hair. If you have fine, thin hair, you don’t want to install any style twists that are too weighted, causing excessive tension or friction on your natural strands which can ultimately result in hair loss. If your hair is thick, and dense, same precaution. You don’t want twists that are too small because you will end up with a massive amount of twists and more added hair causing strain on your neck. Sourcing the right style is necessary for the best style results and health of your hair.
What are some trendy ways to rock crochet twists?
Jumbo marley twists, short kinky twists, and passion twists are just a few of the many trendy ways to rock crochet twists.
Which celebrities can we see wearing crochet twists often?
Keke Palmer, Brandy, and Kerry Washington have all been spotted on the scene rocking their crochet twists.
,0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15″>; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% – 2px”>;” data-instgrm-permalink=”https://www.instagram.com/p/CgdGpbQpUEf/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading” data-instgrm-version=”14″>View this post on Instagram
,0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15″>; margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% – 2px”>; width:calc(100% – 2px”>;”>
What tools do I need to create crochet twists at home?
To create crochet twists at home, the two specific items you will need are:
- A crochet hook, or you can improvise and reshape an open ended hair pin into a fish shaped loop
- The twisted extension hair for installation.
Some other basic necessities needed to create the look are a fine-tooth comb for precision parting, and clips to control section and keep the hair out of the way that you’re not working with.
How do I prep my hair for creating crochet twists?
Start with a fresh shampoo to ensure a clean scalp and clean head of hair free of any product build up or debris. If you have natural hair that is on the curlier spectrum (Type 3b-4c”>, thicker and denser, you may want to consider heat stretching or blowing out your hair prior to installation. This will allow for more control and manageability. If you are not one to apply direct heat on your hair and you have some extra time on your hands, sectioning your hair and braiding it up to air dry 100% is an alternative. This will also offer some stretch to your hair sans the heat.
What hair products should I keep on hand for creating my crochet twists?
When creating your twists, there are a few must-have The Mane Choice products that will make the styling process easier while offering some nourishment to your scalp and hair prior to the install, during, and after.
h2Oh! hydration therapy Scalp Toning Micellar Water
is a gentle scalp toner, providing an added boost for a clean, well-maintained scalp. It helps remove excess oil and product buildup from the scalp. Keeping a stash will come in clutch when your scalp starts to get itchy, flaky and the sebum tries to ruin the life of your protective style!h2Oh! hydration therapy Soothing Scalp Oil
is a silky and invigorating blend that nourishes and hydrates a dry scalp, helping in scalp comfort. This lightweight formula is a must-have to apply at the time of installation of your twists and throughout the duration of your protective style to relieve tension and provide hydration to the scalp. The icing on the cake is, it smells divine!h2Oh! hydration therapy Mineral Rich Hydration Spray
infuses hair with essential moisture and shine and helps to provide a protective shield against pollution. This is the answer to making sure your hair underneath is properly nourished and hydrated while rocking your twists.Hair Type 4 Leaf Clover Stubborn Edges Freezing Gel
is a powerful, nourishing edge gel that adds a firm, sleek hold, and amazing shine to stubborn, unruly edges that will super hold your crochet twists for a lasting, polished finish.
Read next:Product Review: How Hydrating Is The Mane Choice H2Oh! Hydration Therapy Collection
What type of accessories can I wear with crochet twists?
You can accessorize your crochet twists with charms, beads, hair jewels, metal cuffs, metallic cord, headbands, the options are endless.
How long do crochet twists last?
As for any twists and/or braided protective style, I suggest no longer than 4-6 weeks depending on how well you cared for your scalp and hair and how fast your hair grows. Although crochet style twists are a more forgiving technique, when the grow out is extended too far beyond the root, the tension can still become damaging to your strands. The purpose of a protective style is to protect your hair from over manipulation and excessive styling to encourage length retention.
What advice do you have for beginners new to wearing crochet twists?
If you are new to wearing crochet twists, I suggest doing your research to learn what type of twists are best for your hair type and your lifestyle.
We’re in an age where new ingredients are constantly being discovered and popping up in our products and being promoted by our favorite brands. A single ingredient has the potential to change the landscape of our hair texture, pattern, definition, hair type which is why we have to pay extra special attention to labels. Bhringraj is gaining increased traction in the beauty world for its ability to help with hair growth.
Let’s dive into the Bhringraj fundamentals for all your curly care.
What is Bhringraj?
Bhringraj is an herb that is grown all over the world but is most common in places like Brazil, Thailand, and India. The leaves of the plant are mixed and heated to create an oil which can be used in capsule or powder form. In 2008 a study was conducted to determine Bhringraj’s ability to aid in preventing hair loss and showed promise due to the Vitamin E properties that fight against the elements that prevent hair growth.
What are the hair benefits of Bhringraj?
Dr. Sasibhushan is the creator of Vatika Ayurveda hair products and states that “Bhringraj is called the ‘king of hair’ in Ayurveda with various benefits that include: hair growth, improved skin complexion, and digestive benefits”. This Ayurvedic herb is used in many hair treatments to help treat dry scalp, reduce graying, prevent hair loss, and treat dandruff. It’s a very nutrient rich substance with minerals like vitamin e, vitamin d, magnesium, calcium, and iron.
Reducing Dandruff
Bhringraj oil has anti-inflammatory properties which can help with conditions like psoriasis or other skin conditions that occur on the scalp.
Slowing Down Graying
While there is no foolproof way to prevent graying hair, Bhringraj does slow down the appearance of gray hair due to the darkening properties of the herb.
Hair Growth
When you massage the oil into your scalp you can help increase blood flow and circulation.
How to use Bhringraj on your hair
Bhringraj is best used when it’s applied onto the scalp and massaged into the roots so it can penetrate the hair follicles. If you’re looking for hair and scalp growth it can be applied as a hot oil treatment and used as a mask for an hour and then washed out. For gray hair prevention you can mix it with coconut oil and wash the scalp liberally for 2-3 times a week. We do recommend consulting a dermatologist or your physician before using it as a direct treatment for dandruff, hair loss, or graying hair in the event you have any scalp sensitivity to the ingredients.
Hair Products With Bhringraj
While there is still a growing market for including Bhringraj into hair products, the oil itself is very easy to obtain on Amazon and can be found in its purest forms at a variety of prices.
Brazil Kertain Ayurvedic Eclipta Alba Treatment ($11.17″>
Eclipta Alba is the herb that Bhringraj is derived from and this treatment can help reduce grays and strengthen hair follicles.
Vatika Ayurveda Strengthening Oil ($24.99″>
Nourish your hair and scalp with this strengthening oil that works to prevent breakage and provide a soothing experience to your scalp.
Mauli Rituals ($45″>
This “grow strong” hair oil helps to strengthen follicles and promote growth while minimizing split ends and dandruff.
As we’re becoming more in tune with self-care, that means looking deeper into the label and uncovering what the components are of the latest and greatest ingredients on the market to understand how they truly can benefit our hair.
Have you tried Bhringraj in your hair care routine?
Jesseca Dupart is a force to be reckoned with. In 2014, she re-launched her Atlanta Salon after experiencing a devastating fire and included her new product line Kaleidoscope Hair Products which were designed to help her clients who were experiencing hair loss due to weaves and color damage. Her four staple products, including her best-selling Miracle Drops grew her multi-million-dollar business to legendary proportions and the rest is history. The brand has received celebrity endorsements from Tina, Angela Yee, Monica, Christina Milian, and Blac Chyna to name a few. Kaleidoscope is one of the fastest growing brands in the haircare industry, slated to double in size and door count this year alone – with new retail partnerships (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and more”> and a new, highly-anticipated haircare collection launching in March. We sat down with Jesseca to talk about her entrepreneurial journey, hair growth tips, and her relationship with her faith.
Tell us about your relationship with your hair growing up?
From a young age, around 7, I remember cutting and styling my dolls’ hair. A fond childhood memory I have is sitting on my dad’s back with his head full of barrettes. He would let me play around with his hair all the time. After that while in middle school and high school, I started doing my friends’ hair along with my own.
How would you describe your entrepreneurial journey to creating Kaleidoscope?
Crazy! That’s the best way to describe the whirlwind now known as Kaleidoscope. What started as something I was offering to my clients (I was a hairstylist for over 20 years”> became something that retired me from behind the chair. Learning to leverage social media while offering products that work was perfect synergy for growth. Taking over social by storm over the years was FUN because it let me be creative in my own unapologetic way.
You reopened your business in 2014, what were some business strategies you applied to the new salon?
- Being fiscally responsible was paramount – finding a better option for some of the things I may have purchased prior.
- Marketing that is disruptive – instead of traditional marketing I opted into things like funny spoofs, remakes of music videos, driving an educational point of what our product does but in an entertaining way.
- Also letting go of any fear!
Ingredients are a staple of any haircare, what types of ingredients did you source for your products?
I sourced many natural ingredients that promote blood circulation in the scalp to help with hair growth and overall hair health, such as Coconut Milk, Aloe Vera, and Castor Oil.
Your best-product is the miracle drops which focus on hair growth. What was the inspiration for this line and production process like?
Because our customers love the Miracle Drops (Original, Extra Strength and Coconut”> and we already have the Miracle Drops in our edge pomade and leave in conditioner, it was a natural next step to extend the collection. I figured this was the best way to conquer two of the most common hair concerns – length retention and lack of moisture – all at once.
Hair growth is an essential focus for your brand and products, what has your experience been with hair growth?
Like many, I have colored my hair multiple times, and for the most part I am able to bounce back. It was the last time I colored my hair in particular that almost forced me to transition to be fully natural. It has been quite an exciting journey growing out my curls. During this time I did a lot of research to develop the perfect formulation for the Miracle Drops Collection.
What are three tips would you provide to women looking to grow their hair out this season?
- I am an advocate of hydration, so one drink A LOT of water while taking your KaleidoGrow Vitamins daily, and apply the Miracle Drops every other day.
- It is super important to remember to use low tension protective styles during the spring and summer.
- Whether relaxed or natural, remember to get your ends trimmed regularly.
What would be the holy grail products for first time customers to your brand and why?
The holy grail of Kaleidoscope Hair Products would be Miracle Drops (Original”>, Miracle Drops Edge Pomade (for a full and sleek hairline”>, and Miracle Drops Leave-In (perfect on all hair types and extensions”>.
Philanthropy and faith remain at the cornerstone of the brand and who you are as businesswoman, how has this impacted how you approach business?
My whole business is rooted in my faith, and I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by other believers as well. I will never take it lightly that God has blessed me to be in the position I am in, so in turn, I do my best to bless others in whatever capacity that may be. I approach many of my business and personal decisions in prayer first. When I created the #praythroughtheprocess movement it was not because I wanted a cute hashtag, but it was my way of encouraging myself and others to remember to keep their faith rooted in God, and to know your today does not have to be your tomorrow.
What can we look forward to from your brand in 2022?
You can look forward to major growth and visibility for Kaleidoscope in 2022! We have more than doubled our distribution in retail this year. In addition to our partnerships with Walmart, Target, and Sally Beauty, Kaleidoscope Hair Products is now in CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid (June 2022″>.
Juices & Botanics is a natural hair care company founded by celebrity natural hair growth and care expert, Whitney Eaddy (The Growth Guru”>. Whitney is known as the “Afro-Whisperer“ for her ability to grow natural hair to amazing lengths. With over 16 years of experience, Whitney used her unique understanding of caring for natural hair to create Juices & Botanics. This haircare brand celebrates self-love, self-care, and sisterhood through a blend of botanicals, roots, herbs, and nurturing ingredients that promote hair growth and optimal health. She is an HBCU alumni and used her degree in Public Relations and Marketing to build her brand. She used her experience with chemical relaxers to create a line of products that would empower and invigorate women of color to embrace and love their natural hair. Juices & Botanics offers a variety of products intended to nourish, cleanse, hydrate, and protect natural hair.
,0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15″>; margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% – 2px”>; width:calc(100% – 2px”>;”>
What I’m Looking to Achieve:
My curls are a blend of 3A-3C and have been on a long road to recovery from 3 years worth of color damage. I usually wear my hair down, in a ponytail, or bun so I try to look for products that will be hydrating, moisturizing, and help define my curls. I often experience dryness between wash days that is only heightened in the summertime so I need products with rich ingredients that will save me some time between wash days.
The Products (The Juice Box Lux“>:
- The Juice Detox Deep Cleanser – This shampoo helps to purify your hair without stripping it of its natural moisture. Its ingredients include charcoal, sage, rice water, and tea tree oil.
- The Juicy Smooth Conditioner – A hydrating conditioner to help detangle curls during wash day and provide essential nutrients and vitamins to the hair.
- The Juice Cleanse CoWash – A detangling co-wash that is formulated to help reduce tangles between wash days and can help alleviate dryness and provide hydration.
- The Juice Replenishing Leave-In Spray – An ultra-lightweight spray that helps to eliminate tangles, manageability, luster, and elasticity.
- The Quench Cream – A leave-in conditioner that can provide an added boost of frizz protection and restore natural moisture.
- The Drip – A healthy hair growth elixir to help seal in hydration, soften hair, and stimulate hair growth.
- The HydraCream Cream – A cream formulated with honey, aloe juice, and mango seed butter. The lightweight formula is supposed to help with dry hair issues.
- The Juicy Curl Cream – A curl defining cream formulated with grapefruit oil and mango seed butter to create soft, defined, and hydrated curls.
- Hair Growth Berries – A hair growth accelerator vita gummy you can take to help enhance your hair growth.
The Review
1. First step was to cleanse my hair with the Detoxifying Shampoo which had a very acidic smell and was cleansing to my scalp without stripping my hair. I’ve had some strong clarifying shampoos so I was very happy this cleansed without leaving my hair gasping for moisture.
2. Next I applied the Hydrating Hair Cream and left it on for about 10-15 minutes. This product had alot of slip, a minimal fragrance, and felt very buttery in my hair. It combed through well and washed out well leaving my hair detangled, hydrated, and moisturized.
3. After drying my hair I applied the “Drip” to enhance my hydration and used it liberally across my scalp. This felt like a good blend of oil and water without leaving my scalp with excess oil, it blended well with the existing products.
4. Next was the leave-in spray called “The Juice” which was very lightweight and helped to detangle my curls. I typically would want something a bit heavier in terms of product for a wash day but was happy it detangled my curls and was very hydrating.
5. Last but not least I applied the quench cream which raked well through my hair and added a bit of definition that was needed from the leave-in.
Final Thoughts
Overall this line has a lot of potential with rich ingredients that are natural and extremely beneficial to maintaining healthy curls. I will say since these products are so lightweight they didn’t hold up for my wash-day.
I think because they are mainly cream and water based it doesn’t provide a good hold to maintain definition and reduce frizz over time. I had to re-wash my hair later that week because my hair was soft and frizz versus maintaining a good hold with definition. The standout was the Hydracream which gave instant results after my wash that left my hair shiny, detangled, and ready for the next set of products.
Have you tried Juice and Botanics? Let us know what you thought in the comments!
Creme of Nature is popping into 2022 with a brand new collection called the Pure Honey Hair Food collection that is serving up 7 new products to get your hair flowing this summer. This collection is designed and formulated with honey to help improve hair and scalp help while focusing on moisture retention. Each set of products within the line aim to tackle a different hair issue and overall aim to soften, strengthen, and smooth any hair texture. They are formulated with unique blends of pure honey, natural coconut oil, and shea butter with natural ingredients like avocado oil, banana extract, and superfoods like acai berry. These products focus on using DIY ingredients that have been a hallmark of haircare to help correct and prevent hair problems. If you have damaged or weak hair this collection aims to assist with strength and length retention.
About My Hair:
This collection was very exciting for me because of all the natural and repairative ingredients used to help strengthen the hair. I’ve been honest about my damaged hair from 3 years of bleaching and 2022 has been the year of me looking to restore my curls. While my curls have repaired some, I could still use alot TLC on moisture, hydration, and definition. In addition I’m on a quest to grow it back out after chopping it off a year ago and haven’t broken the shoulder length barrier yet.
First Pairing: Strengthening Sulfate-Free Cleanser and Curl Creator Pudding
First up I tried the Pure Delight Sulfate-Free Cleanser (12 oz”> ($6.48“> and Curl Creator Pudding (11.5 oz”> ($7.48“> which smelled heavenly. The products are infused with banana extract and help to moisturize over processed and damaged hair. They work to provide moisture, shine, and smoothness that assists with breakage while helping improve the softness.
The sulfate-cleanser was pretty mild without much later and had the consistency of water so this was a bit hard to get really massaged into my hair. It honestly didn’t feel like much of a cleanser because it was so watery. Afterwards I applied the pudding which had a thick and creamy consistency and wasn’t heavy at all. Pudding doesn’t always work well with my hair because it’s so heavy so I was very happy this was light and moisturizing. I surprisingly thought I would be smelling like a banana after these products but overall it was a light fragrance that wasn’t overwhelming.
The final result was a soft and loose curl that was able to withstand the Texas heat. I would have preferred more definition and less softness, but overall this wasn’t a bad combo. They weren’t my favorites from the bunch and I would probably use these more for prep for a protective style versus a wash and go.
Second Pairing: The Acai Berry Damage Prevention
The next treatment was the Damage Prevention Hair Mask (1.7 oz”> ($2.98″> 24-Hour Nourishing Cream Oil (4.7 oz”> ($6.98″> and Damage Prevention Leave In-Treatment (8 oz”> ($6.98“>. These products are infused with natural acai berry extract and are meant to target damage and breakage-prone strands. It prevents breakage for healthy-looking hair.
I used these after my wash and was pretty surprised at the consistency of the leave-in treatment. It’s not often I’m spraying purple product into my hair, but it was blended into my curls relatively easy. I think this works better as a treatment and not used for wash and gos because I didn’t get really good results from the leave-in itself. My hair was soft and I had to apply other products to reduce the frizz. I’d be more interested to use this product over a longer period of time and evaluate how my curls improve. The nourishing cream oil was very moisturizing and I saw the most immediate results from using it in the morning.
Third Pairing: Honey Avocado Smooth and Frizz Control
These products come with a Smoothing and Frizz Control Styling Mousse (7 oz”> ($6.72″> and Smoothing and Frizz Control Curl Defining Cream (11.5 oz”> ($7.48″> that are infused with avocado extract. These products have a hydrating formula that targets dry, rough and frizz-prone hair by providing nourishing moisture, shine, and smoothness.
These were my favorites of the entire line because they smelled amazing and added alot of nourishment to my hair. The mousse was a creamy consistency and was a lifesaver during a hot day out in Austin. My curls were frizz-free, defined, and almost back to full wash day bounce! The cream was lightweight and hydrating without being overly greasy and complemented the mousse in a great way.
Which products do you plan to try from this line? Let us know in the comments below!
Gina is synonymous in pop culture for her association with the TV show Martin, but for Sumana Jayanth, the name serves as inspiration for her hair care business. Damn Gina brings the sass, trends, and luxury of silk-lined hair products to consumers with an array of stylish accessories that will put the bounce back in your hair. Sumana chose to build her business around silk products because of their ability to help with split ends, frizz, and alleviating the dreaded “bed head” that comes post-wash day. Each product is designed with 100% mulberry silk fabric and are made in India where they are manually woven by silk weavers. Damn Gina upgrades the modern accessory from the standard pillowcases to turbans, scrunchies, and most recently bucket hats to help their customers stay trendy and stylish. We’re so excited to talk with Damn Gina founder Sumana Jayanth who shared her love of silk products, how the brand reflects her culture and more!
Who were some of your hair inspiration icons growing up?
I grew up in rural India watching mostly Bollywood films and most Bollywood actors have such beautiful hair! I will have to say my favorite hair icon is Priyanka Chopra Jonas because I have watched her from the time she became Miss World to now and her hair is just beautiful!
You mention getting a perm in your 20s, how did that change your hair type?
I have played around with my hair more than I would like to mention. Apart from years of consistently straightening my hair with chemicals, I also tried perming it because I had no idea how to care for my natural curls! Perming my hair only made it drier, frizzier, and also weaker.
When did you discover silk products and decide to create a business around them?
Silk is a very integral part of my culture, I grew up around the fabric my entire life. Silk saris are an “every occasion” attire for women in India. I knew it was a natural fiber and cooling to wear in the tropical Indian climate, but it wasn’t until later in my life that I discovered its benefits on hair and skin. Before launching Damn Gina, I had an opportunity at work to meet the manufacturer and learn about the production of mulberry silk, its composition, different types of weaves, and its benefits in regard to hair care. In my late 20s, when I began to embrace my natural curls and embarked on my hair care journey, I quickly realized there was a lack of quality, real silk hair care products and tools in the market. As someone who loves to design and create, I came up with the idea for our signature Silk Turban and began sampling prototypes to launch Damn Gina.
What inspired the name of your brand?
Damn Gina is a catchphrase from the 90s sitcom Martin, but believe it or not, I had not watched the show when I came up with the brand name. When I was first conceptualizing the brand identity, I wanted to create a fun, sassy, young brand around hair accessories and tools with a fitting name. “Damn Gurl!” was something that was initially suggested by a friend. When our brand designer and myself were trying to figure out if “Damn Gurl” was available, we came across Damn Gina and also the Martin reference. I watched Gina (Tisha Campbell”> and instantly knew this was our brand name!
How does silk benefit natural hair?
Natural/textured hair is more prone to breakage than straight hair so the less friction, the better. Our hair can get easily tangled, especially while we sleep which is what can cause it to break. Silk is a natural fiber and apart from its smooth surface, it is also made up of amino acids and keratin that can help with your hair’s health. The smooth surface makes sure that there is no friction while we get our beauty sleep!
Where do you stand on the silk vs. satin debate and why?
I am 100% team silk for numerous reasons. Satin is nothing but glorified plastic. Silk fiber is completely made of amino acids and keratin, two elements that are essential for hair health. This benefit cannot be replicated with satin. Silk is biodegradable, whereas satin is not great for the environment. Silk is also hypoallergenic, making it a must-have for skin health–especially for those who have acne-prone skin.
What would be the ideal products for first-time users looking to use silk?
For a first-time user, I would suggest trying out a silk pillowcase. You will notice that it not only helps with your hair’s health but also your skin! Its smooth surface makes sleep feel extra luxurious and enjoyable.
You just released silk-lined bucket hats, what was the inspiration behind them?
The inspiration came from both the Australian sun and our customers. The sun is particularly harsh down under and wearing sunscreen is a must 365 days a year! A silk-lined bucket hat provides added protection from the harmful UV rays and the silk lining makes sure that you don’t end up with hat hair! Aussies love the outdoors and when we asked our customers what our next product should be, the overwhelming majority asked for silk-lined bucket hats!
,0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15″>; margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% – 2px”>; width:calc(100% – 2px”>;”>
Did you have any mentors that helped during your business journey?
A lot of my learnings about curly hair and curly hair brands, before the conception of Damn Gina, and even now, come from places like Naturally Curly! It feels surreal writing this interview for Naturally Curly because your website is bookmarked on my desktop. In addition to this, most of my friends are small business owners and we share our lessons and learnings along this journey and that helps a lot. Podcasts like Female Startup Club and My First Million are some of my favorite ways to learn and grow.
What can we look forward to from Damn Gina this year?
We’re excited to be announcing a new haircare product designed specifically for textured hair. It features some really incredible ingredients like Prickly Pear Oil, a sustainable alternative to Argan Oil, and Moringa Oil, a staple in my South Asian culture. We will also be launching a collection for babies above the age of 8 months!
Photo Credit
The newest line by The Mane Choice is here to bring the hydration back to your hair with 7 products that can help improve your scalp and hair. The line, H20h! Hydration Therapy Collection is backed by celebrity stylist, Ursula Stephens who is a huge fan of its hydrating and clarifying formula and is inspired by the diversity of marine life. The ingredients include red and brown seaweed, algae, and kelp, known for their detoxifying properties and mineral content with sarcosine, a naturally occurring amino acid. This collection works to improve the appearance of healthy hair and scalp and is made for all hair types. A few key features of the collection include benefits like infused with biotin, Vitamins A, B & C with sea minerals, Contains Sea Soothing Complex, and Sarcosine. Read more below for a breakdown of the products and my review.
My Hair:
It’s no secret that I’m still trying to get my hair back to full restoration in a post-bleaching world. My hair ranges from 3A-3C depending on the season, and right now it’s in need of products that will keep my curls happy, healthy, and hydrated between wash days. I can have the best wash day and usually around day 3-4 I’m in need of a big refresh because of the high heat here in Texas. Between workouts, dog walks, and just general sweating, my hair goes through it on a daily basis, so maintaining and keeping hydration is my top priority.
The Products:
Before we can discuss how the products performed, let’s breakdown each of the products available in the line and how they benefit your curls.
H2Oh! Hydration Therapy Scalp Toning Micellar Water
This a gentle scalp toner, providing an added boost for a clean, well-maintained scalp. It can help remove excess oil and prevent scalp buildup and pollution.
H2Oh! Hydration Therapy Deep Cleansing Shampoo
This shampoo provides a deep, yet gentle cleanse to remove excess oil, dirt, and pollution. It helps remove product buildup, enhances shine, and improves manageability.
H2Oh! Hydration Therapy Moisturizing Conditioner
This soothing conditioner helps detangle, nourish, and moisturize hair while increasing overall shine. It is ultra-hydrating and can be used to touch up curls to prevent frizz and enhance shine.
H2Oh! Hydration Therapy Soothing Scalp Oil
Silky oil is an invigorating and revitalizing blend that nourishes and hydrates a dry scalp. It can provide scalp comfort and is mild enough for daily use.
H2Oh! Hydration Therapy Intense Nourishing Leave-In Conditioner
An essential step in the wash day process, this ultra-hydrating leave-in conditioner penetrates the hair shaft to provide lasting moisture and vitality.
H2Oh! Hydration Therapy Mineral Rich Hydration Spray
This unique hydration spray helps to provide a protective shield against pollution. It can be used to refresh the hair or layered with other products in the collection.
The Review:
Step 1: Apply the Scalp Toning Micellar Water
My first step was to apply the Scalp Toning Micellar Water which I applied directly to my scalp and combed through from root to tip with special emphasis on my ends. This felt like a great step to prepare my hair for shampooing and was definitely invigorating to my scalp. I’d never used micellar water for anything other than cleaning my face so using it on my scalp was a new experience.
Step 2: Use The Deep Cleansing Shampoo and Moisturizing Conditioner
Next it was time to start cleaning my hair with the shampoo which was very creamy and had a sweet fragrance. It lathered relatively well and my curls felt clean once it was rinsed out.
I then applied the Moisturizing Conditioner which had alot of slip and combed through with a wide-tooth comb. I let it sit for 3-5 minutes and rinsed out before hopping out of the shower.
Step 3: Hydrate The Scalp With Oil
I was so happy with the shine and instant results. My hair felt clean, was easy to comb through, and was starting to define itself. Next I applied the soothing scalp oil and massaged it directly onto my scalp. This had a good balance of oil and water so I didn’t feel like I was oversaturating my scalp with oil. It wasn’t runny and absorbed well into my scalp.
Step 4: Apply The Nourishing Leave-In Conditioner
The next step was to complete the wash and go with the nourishing leave-in conditioner which applied easily and smoothly into my curls. The scent was cohesive with the rest of the collection and wasn’t overpowering. It definitely had a nautical/beachy scent that was light enough that I wasn’t overwhelmed, but it was still fragrant.
Step 5: Refresh With The Mineral Rich Hydration Spray
This was definitely one of my favorites from the collection and a product I would keep on hand any day. It was light and put just enough bounce back in my curls between wash days that I didn’t have to reapply additional products. I would just lightly spray this product then be on my way.
Final Thoughts:
This is a great and cohesive collection with products that work together well to achieve the overall goal, which is hydration. I loved all the products and was very impressed with how they performed after wash day. I would definitely recommend the collection or individual products to curlies looking for long lasting hydration this summer.
What do you get when you combine cayenne pepper with hair products? A recipe for success brought to you by CEO Stormi Steele. Stormi hails from Alabama and began pursuing her license in cosmetology where she later became a successful hair stylist and salon owner. She began to grow her talents by building her E-commerce business and starting her own hair care line, Canvas Beauty. Canvas Beauty focuses on helping customers build stronger and healthier hair with an array of products ranging from serums, shamoos, conditioners, and more. The hallmark ingredient of the line is cayenne pepper which came to Stormi in a dream. She has used the ingredient to trigger dormant hair follicles, heal scalp ailments and even treat alopecia! Read more about Stormi’s unique entrepreneurial journey and her blossoming product line below!
Tell us about your hair journey growing up?
Growing up my hair was short. I struggled a lot with my hair and not feeling comfortable in my own skin. It wasn’t the length I wanted, and it wasn’t as healthy as it could have been. Even as a stylist I found it hard to be confident with my own hair. This is when I really became fascinated with hair growth products and how I could help to make my hair grow. Once I discovered what worked for my hair I wanted to share the wealth and offer my products to my customers at the salon who were also dealing with hair growth issues.
What is the meaning of your brand name Canvas Beauty?
In the late 2000’s I attended Mississippi State University where I studied art. I experienced a lot of academic stress and ended up dropping out with less than a year to go to pursue getting my licenses in cosmetology. I still wanted to incorporate what I learned in college and really connect that to the name of my business. I landed on Canvas Beauty because it allowed me to connect with my customers as a way to really let your hair growth journey be what you want it to be.
Describe your early years of entrepreneurship.
When I decided to leave Mississippi State, I went on to pursue a license in cosmetology. My family really wanted me to stay in school because they believed this was the best route for success. But with my mental health in mind, I knew that finishing college would not be for me. I moved to Huntsville, Alabama with $800 in my pocket to start something new. Within a week, I was able to get a job at a salon and started promoting my brand to everyone who came in. Since I was not running my own salon, I still had to give 40% of my earnings to the owner. I was able to save and understand the meaning of what it takes to be a success. In 2014 I decided to sell my own products and 4 years later I was making 1 million dollars in sales.
You’re one of the first brands to use “cayenne pepper” in your products, what are the benefits of this “secret ingredient?
Using cayenne pepper came to me in the same dream I had about officially creating my business. I wanted to create a serum that transformed hair growth. I wanted to be able to help everyone with their hair growth journey – from someone dealing with alopecia or hormonal imbalance, to someone combatting stress and hair thinning due to age. After researching a variety of ingredients, I landed on cayenne pepper. Cayenne pepper is such an effective ingredient because it offers so many benefits which include scalp hydration and stimulating blood flow which leads to hair growth.
If you can give aspiring entrepreneurs 5 tips for business, what would they be?
1. Always follow your dreams, even if your family and friends might not think you can make it. Listening to myself and my own aspirations helped me to get to where I am today.
2. Learn the importance of saving – during my time at the salon I really learned the value of the dollar and how to best take the money I was making and turn it into millions.
3. Connect with your manufacturers and make sure to get an NDA signed. I wanted to be really open about the ideas that I had and I wanted to be able to do that in a safe environment without having to worry about someone stealing an idea of mine.
4. Always make sure to listen to your customer. They are the ones who will be testing your products and sharing their reviews. I always make sure to read reviews and make note of things that are doing well and things that might need to be reworked.
5. Invest in social media advertising to help increase brand awareness. I spent $100 on my first targeted ad and shared across my social sites (Instagram and Facebook”>. This led to nearly $15,000 in sales within a few days. In two weeks, I sold $450K worth of products.
The Doux creator Maya Smith is back with the sweetest line ever, The Bee Girl Collection. This super-charged collection is infused with natural honey that can help boost shine, seal in moisture, and fight frizz. Each product also features aloe and vitamins B, C & E for strength, retention, and protection. Plus Keratin & Silk Amino Acids to keep curls poppin’. Maya is bringing the science of honey right to our doorstep with 8 products to keep our hair poppin’ and pristine for the summer weather. We got the chance to try a few products from this newest collection which is selling like hot cakes.
My Hair Type
My curls are a blend of type 3 and type 4 and have been in recovery since my infamous bleach blonde hair during the pandemic. I haven’t tried any products to date with honey so I’m interested to see how they will hold up in this blistering heat and if the use of honey based products will enhance my texture. This line is massive so I’m trying out the products in increments so I can measure all of the results in segments instead of trying to use them all at once.
First Step: Wash and Go
For my wash and go I wanted to start with the classics, the Super Sonic Honey Shampoo and Conditioner. The shampoo works to clean your hair/scalp and smooth cuticles to boost shine, seal in moisture, and fight frizz. The Honey Conditioner has three uses, it can be a pre-poo, leave-in, and rinse-out conditioner based on your hair needs. It can detangle the curls and penetrate the cuticle to help protect, soothe, and strengthen your hair.
This was by far an astounding combination that left my hair looking flawless. The shampoo has a very light consistency that lathers up well and applies smoothly through the hair. The honey scent is light and not overwhelming so I don’t smell like a piece of candy. I chose to use it a leave-in conditioner instead of a rinse out in order to see how it complimented the shampoo for my wash…and it didn’t disappoint. Before I left I added the Honey Hair and Scalp Serum which aims to soothe and refresh the scalp. It applied easily from a tea dropper and felt hydrating and nourishing in my scalp. After I was done I had beautifully defined and frizz free curls that didn’t have a cast or film and a ton of bounce.
Second Step: Refreshing Between Wash Days
We can always use a little touch-up between washes. Between my workouts, sweating, and just day-to-day maintenance I always need to add a mousse or refresher to my curls around mid-week since I do wash days on Sunday. I use the CrazySexyCurl Honey Setting Foam and was very happy with the results. The consistency has a medium texture of watery and foam with a strong scent of honey. It’s not as fluffy as a mousse but applies very easily into the curls. It can be used to detangle, define, set wash and go, or used for protective styles. This held up very well and made my curls defined and revived like I had never missed a wash day. No flaking, frizz, or build-up on my scalp made this foam an easy stand out in the collection.
Step 3: Co-washing and Custard
While co-washing can be a hit or miss for some people, I decided to use it to prep my hair for my weekend curls. I used The Doux’s One Love Co-Wash to help cleanse and detangle my hair and remove any build-up from the week. Afterward I applied the Honey Curl Custard to help hydrate, protect, and define my curls. The consistency of this product felt like a creamy gel that was very sticky and applied easily through my hair.
My curls started responding immediately and after some air drying were defined, fluffy, and voluminous. I will say I had some unexpected crunch and hardening in some parts of my curls so I recommend applying this with water to help the absorption. Overall I loved this collection and found it very satisfying for my curls.
What products are you interested in trying from this collection? Let us know in the comments below.
When it comes to natural hair care products, sometimes you need a little bit more pizazz to liven up your curls. Miche Beauty (pronounced “mee-sh””> was founded in 2016 by a married couple named Michelle and Jonathan Ballard who were passionate about creating products for all textures. Their philosophy lies in creating a simple handcrafted collection that uses nutrient rich and natural ingredients like rosemary, lemongrass, and ginger to tackle the most common natural hair issues. Since their 2016 debut they have grown their business to feature an array of stylers, conditioners, full collections, and accessories to help naturalistas every step of the way in their journey. They pride themselves on being a clean, simple, and non-toxic hair product solution for various hair types and textures. Customers can take a customer hair quiz to help determine the best Miche products for their hair and build out their ideal hair regime.
The Problem
Summer is here and to say my curls need hydration is an understatement. I’m experiencing most of my curls problems finding a good cocktail to get my curls defined and hold up in the heat. Between working out, sweating, and color damage, having products that can help me maintain longevity with my wash and go is my ultimate dream. Miche Beauty’s collection offers a variety of options to help detox my scalp and provide hydration with very simple ingredients.
I had the pleasure to try out a few of their products primarily from their “Style and Define Collection” which aims to help with definition and moisture.
The Products
- Detox Clarifying & Detoxifying Shampoo
- Sculpt Curl Defining Gel
- Set Curl Defining Mousse
- Bounce Curl Defining Cream
- Boost Hydrating Leave-in & Refresher Spray
The Review
First I started with the Detox Clarifying and Detoxifying Shampoo that helps to remove buildup, residue and features ingredients like apple cider vinegar and peppermint oil. I liked the applicator tip that made it easy to apply onto my scalp. It had a very light fragrance and there wasn’t a distinct smell that stood out. While it had a great lather, I can’t say it felt extremely cleansing or clarifying on my scalp, but it did easily wash out void of stripping my hair.
Next was the Lavish Leave-in Conditioner which was amazing. It felt nourishing, hydrating, and worked very easily into my curls. I liked the creamy texture and light fragrance that complemented the cleanser well. I could instantly see my curl definition enhancing and forming as I brushed the product through my hair. It did a great job of eliminating any knots and tangles and left my hair very soft. The ingredients include lavender flower extract, avocado oil, castor oil, and chamomile.
Last but not least I finished my wash and go with the Sculpt Curl Defining Gel. This gel stood out in texture, consistency, and smell because it wasn’t sticky and provided a lot of shine.It is very thick but applied smoothly and didn’t weigh down my curls. Consistency wise it had a good balance of hold and slip so I could tell it was going to be hydrating to my curls and not drying. In the morning I was very happy with my overall definition and that there wasn’t any crunch with the gel.
After a few days I tried the Boost Hydrating Curl Refresher and Leave- In Spray to revive my curls and finish with the Set Curl Defining Mousse. Both were amazing products that were able to give me additional curl, definition, and provide some extra shelf life for my wash and go to get me through the week. The spray was lightweight and made my hair easy to style and comb since it had been a little dry. The mousse was excellent for providing additional definition and making my curls define without feeling weighed down.
Final Thoughts
While the cleanser wasn’t my favorite, these products were excellent and a standout for my wash and go routine. I love their lightweight formula, minimal scent, and big results that didn’t leave my hair sticky, crunchy, or weighed down. Each product built into the other seamlessly and really complimented each other. For the summer I would definitely recommend the Mousse since it provides a great blend of volume and hydration.
Have you tried any products by Miche Beauty? Let us know in the comments!
In the age of influence and opulence, creating a business from your online brand is a feat that not everyone can conquer. Meet Romance Cox who you may be more familiar with as “Hey Curlie” on social media. As a natural hair blogger and content creator hailing from Cleveland Ohio, Romance has grown to amass over 100k followers since she debuted on social media in 2014 where she aimed to change the conversation around natural hair care. She grew her platform into a space where curlies could feel motivated, inspired, and receive helpful hints to help improve their daily hair care. HeyCurlie became a brand that was synonymous with natural hair and healthy beauty regimens which Romance used to create her business, HeyCurlie hair care. She launched her first product during the height of the pandemic in 2021 and has been growing her business ever since.
,0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15″>; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% – 2px”>;” data-instgrm-permalink=”https://www.instagram.com/p/CO-ogwUB3H6/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading” data-instgrm-version=”14″>View this post on Instagram
I had the chance to meet her at a natural hair event here in Austin,Texas where she was sharing her entrepreneurial journey with attendees and was very inspired by the passion she has for her brand hair care. Read more about her story below!
How would you describe your natural hair experience growing up?
I had a good experience with natural hair. My hair style was limited back then but overall a good experience. I was natural until the age of 14 when I received my first relaxer.
What was your career path or aspirations before becoming an influencer?
I worked as an executive assistant to a municipal court judge for 3 years. I really enjoyed the positive side of the judicial system and making a difference.
You’ve started your influencer career in 2014, what was the social media landscape like then vs. now?
Social media is totally different. It has truly evolved. In 2014 I started sharing my hair because I wanted to show women how to accomplish different looks while still being natural. It was a passion of mine and a great way to share my knowledge with the world. Now social media has become a business which has its pros and cons. But if used correctly can turn out to be a beautiful place to network.
What inspired you to start influencing and what channels did you use?
I actually wanted to do natural hair events in my community. What’s a better way to connect with people than on social media. I’ve had 3 successful Curl Power brunches. I use Instagram, Facebook and YouTube .
,0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15″>; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% – 2px”>;” data-instgrm-permalink=”https://www.instagram.com/p/CP52xkHhyoR/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading” data-instgrm-version=”14″>View this post on Instagram
How did your influencer experience impact your desire to become a businesswoman?
Being an influencer I’ve tried so many products. Some worked and some didn’t. With the amount of products that didn’t, I wanted to truly create a product that works. That’s how the Hey Curlie Revitalizer came to be.
Tell us about HeyCurlie haircare
Heycurlie haircare is formulated with love from high quality ingredients for the everyday curlie on the go. Our vision is to inspire and motivate Curlies to love and embrace their natural beauty and hair texture.
What challenges did you experience going from influencer to entrepreneur?
I had a smooth journey so far. The only challenge now is keeping the oil in stock. I’m so thankful to our clients, new and old.
Why did you decide to launch a revitalizer oil as your first product?
I love a good oil. I think it’s the perfect styling finisher plus it helps with scalp care. So I created a 2 in 1. The results I received from using the revitalizer oil blend was amazing and I couldn’t wait to share.
What are the benefits of the revitalizer oil blend?
Our Revitalizer Oil Blend is made with a blend of essential, nutrient-rich, intensive oil to stimulate hair growth, fights frizz, and adds shine to all hair types.
What new products can we look forward to in 2022?
I’m looking to launch a deep conditioner late 2022.
Maintaining a balanced diet and lifestyle is so integral to keeping your natural hair healthy and happy. As we are continuing to learn how to nourish and moisturize our curls whether that’s through the seasons, hormonal changes, or building our routine…this has never been more essential than for those who are working out. No matter what type of physical activity you are doing, working out can be stressful on your hair if you don’t take the time to prepare it with a protective style or moisturizing products to protect you from the elements. We talked to 10 influencers who gave us their style, product, and preparation tips for maintaining healthy hair before you even break a sweat!
1. Michelle Jenkins
Image: @tenpowfitness
“When prepping my hair for a workout, my go-to style is comfortably pulled back and away from my face! To protect the most vulnerable parts of my hair — my ends and edges— I wear my hair in protective styles 90% of the time with my ends tucked. In the same way, I warm up my body before a workout, I do the same with my hair. I lightly spray or rub leave-in conditioner onto my hair to infuse it with good moisture before an intense sweat session! My hair has never been healthier or happier!”
2. Whitney Dosty
Image: @whitneydosty
“What I have found to be the most important part of prepping my curls for working out actually starts the night before. My hair can get incredibly dry and the hot Arizona climate doesn’t help. I prep my curls the night before with an all over spray of Camille Rose Lavender Shaken Hair Spritzer and then use a dime size amount of the Camille RoseNaturals Honey Hydrate. This combo for me is super hydrating and keeps my curls flexible. I then put my hair on top of my head in a pineapple and sleep with a bonnet.
My go to products right now are Sunday to Sunday Revive Me moisturizing spray. I use it in the morning before a workout and just a good all over refresher, then I shake my curls out and let them rest a little before then putting my hair up; get dressed and make coffee during this time. The second go to as I mentioned before I love the Camille Rose Lavender Shaken Hair Spritzer and I use that at night to prep for the morning.”
3. Jasmine Nesi
Image: @rungrlco
“My go-to workout styles are a high puff, feed-in braids or knotless box braids. The biggest thing for me is to keep my hair secure so I can focus all my attention on the workout. My current workout route is 3-4 days a week. With this, I co-wash once/week, and deep condition twice/month. In between washes/after workouts, I use Sea Breeze and/or with hazel to cleanse my scalp.
I’ll admit, I’m a product junkie. My tried-and-true products are As I Am Leave In Conditioner, EDEN BodyWorks Peppermint Tea Tree Shampoo, Shea Moisture Manuka Honey + Yogurt Treatment, and the entire Girl + Hair product line for protective styles. I also recently found the Cantu Hook Elastic Hairbands and it’s been much nicer on my curls when doing a high puff.”
4. Ashley Joi
Image: @ashleyjoi
“My favorite hair tie I’ve been using for about a year now is:Goody ouchless. I use silk pillow cases and wear my hair in a high bun or 2 french braids sometimes with a scarf if i have a deep conditioner in overnight. I will also wear 2 french braids when I do not need my hair fully out for pictures or to be fully done up for anything. I love my curls so my curls are more out than braided. Due to COVID-19 and quarantining at home I’ve worn more braids than usual.
I am the full shower type when washing my hair. I will rinse my hair about 1-2 times a week and do an actual shampoo clean 1-2x a month depending on my outdoor activity level ( when training outside I fear things getting caught in my curls ( bugs, leaves, sand etc.”> I have been using cooler water to wash out products in my hair to protect my hair and only do warm water if need be. No more HOT water. I never fully have hair without any conditioner in it. I’ll half rinse out the conditioner and add leave in on top of the conditioner. When I am filming workouts on camera I try to do some different hair styles, I love 2 puffs, A mohawk, Tight Top Bun, curls full out, Half up and half down.”
5. Rae Amore
Image: @rae.amore.fit
“When preparing my hair for a workout I prefer the pineapple style (hair piled at top of head with a hair-tie”> on my dry curls in order to preserve my curls post workout. I generally wear my pony to the side because I think it looks cute and my hair stays out of my face/eyes. My current products of choice are from “Sunday II Sunday” which is self proclaimed as “the athleisure of haircare” and I believe they are! Post workout I use REVIVE ME Daily Moisturizing Spray along with ROOT REFRESH applied directly to my scalp as a detoxer. I wash my hair once a week, co-wash (conditioner only”> once or twice a week depending on the amount of product I have used that week, and deep condition once a month. Climate has definitely played a part in my haircare since moving to a drier climate, I put more effort into maintaining my hair’s daily moisture.”
6. Danissa Morris
Image: @bodybynissa
“When it comes to working out, I keep my hair in a protective style at least 85% of the time. This way I do not encounter a bunch of heat damage and breakage. I usually get a sew-in, or I get feeder braids. I will wear my natural hair in a bun if I want to give the weave a break. I am always sure that my ends are clipped and my natural hair is in a healthy state before any protective style.
Before a workout I usually put on a headband so my edges don’t get out of control lol!
I usually exercise with my hair in a protective style, due to the amount my scalp sweats. The climate destroys my hair which is another reason why I usually wear a protective style. If I get a silk press, it’s beautiful for a few hours before the heat destroys it. My go-to style is usually feeder braids.They are cheap, quick, and do not pull my edges at ALL! I love my natural hair, but it is definitely a task to keep up with.”
7. Shevanne Robinson
Image: @itsshevybaby
“As of lately, I’ve been wearing my hair in a protective style, knotless braids to be specific, so my prep before workouts is pretty easy. I have been incorporating SUNDAY||SUNDAY products into my pre and post-workout routine. I often use the Daily Scalp Serum and Daily Moisturizing Spray if my scalp is feeling dry prior to my workout to remove the itch. I then pull it up into a high topknot, I rock the longest braids so this is key, and secure it with two hair bands. This keeps the hair out of my face and allows me to move freely throughout my workout.”
8. Ingrid Clay
Image: @ingridsclay
“I work out every single day! Now that we are on ZOOM I am doing the workouts instead of just demoing; and then I usually spend the rest of the day training clients and on meetings (back to ZOOM lol”>. So when it comes to my hair I think moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! I love supporting Black Owned Hair Brands and my favorite is Briogeo Charcoal and coconut oil exfoliating shampoo. I never heard of an exfoliating shampoo before but it’s absolutely amazing! It really cleanses my hair but more importantly my scalp! My scalp feels clean and like it can breathe! I follow that up with their deep condition mask! My curls are instantly moisturized and they bounce back!!!
After washing my hair at night I use my own oil blend. I blend peppermint essential oil, pumpkin seed oil, jojoba Oil ,and honey together and I use all over the scalp, I’ll make two to three braids and I’ll satin wrap my hair at night. In the morning before class I use Sunday || Sunday Rehydrating Spray to bring my curls back to Life! I unbraid and add a little more of my oil mixed with TGIN Butter Cream before making a high bun or letting the natural curls go wild. If I’m working out though high bun it is! I like to use a band that’s coated or honestly a satin scrunchie. The hair ties were still pulling on my hair. The satin scrunchie protects it much better! I also like to use a cloth headband too, to lay down the edges, but also to prevent my skin from breaking from sweat. When I do this after a class I can take my hair down, give it a shake and it falls perfectly! Ready for my ZOOM meeting!”
9. Ashley Fagan
Image: @xoashlayy
“Before a workout: I’m typically rushing out the door early before work to workout so depending on my hairstyle, I’m taking off my bonnet or head scarf and going straight to workout. If my hair is straight, I leave it wrapped in my sleep scarf and sometimes will put a decorative/more presentable head wrap over it. Throughout the week, I’ll typically have my natural hair in a “slick” back low pony or flat twists or two big braids, depending what style I want for the weekend. Right now, I’m not really doing high buns during the week because I can’t fit my scrub cap over that at work but before COVID, that was another go-to style.I exercise mostly with dry curls. If I ended up co washing my hair the day before, it may damp. The climate determines if I’m working out indoors or outdoors but I try to stay consistent with morning workouts. Every now and then, if I overslept or was out too late the night before, I’ll do an evening workout.”
10. Alexandra Wilson
Image: @queensconquer
“I live a pretty active lifestyle and usually workout 3-4 times a week. I strive to keep a low maintenance hair regimen and when I work out I usually wear my hair pulled back and out of my face so I can focus and have no distractions. My go-to hairstyle is a ponytail with a satin-lined hat. Afterwards, I shower and then refresh my hair by spraying my hair with water and rake in one of my favorite leave-in conditioners, Mielle Organics Moisture RX Hawaain Ginger Moisturizing Leave-in Conditioner. What I love about this leave-in conditioner is that it’s creamy and hydrating so it acts as a styler as well. Then, I detangle and define my curls with the Curl Keeper Flexy Brush , let my hair air dry and then I apply an oil to seal in the moisture.”
What are your top tips for working out with with curly hair? Share your advice in the comments below.
