Search Results: Desiree Johnson
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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
When it comes to hair, Adwoa Beauty founder Julian Addo doesn’t see gender, she sees opportunity. At the tender age of 14 Julian was working as a hairstylist at Kamara’s unisex palace where she learned how to style all different types of textures and curls for her friends. This later led to a deep passion for beauty that would take her to cosmetology school and launch her first beauty salon in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. After different experiences at natural hair events, launching a beauty brand, and working in banking, she started Adwoa Beauty in 2017. As founder and CEO of Adwoa Beauty, Julian has sought to break the conventional molds of haircare with clean ingredients, gender neutral hair care, and a brand that pays homage to her culture and heritage. We sat down with Julian to discuss her entrepreneurial journey, product development, and her vision for her burgeoning beauty brand.
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You started doing your friend’s hair at the age of 14, what type of styles did you create?
I started off doing pin-ups or buns as we called it. that was the easiest thing for me to do and I just perfected it over time. I could do all types of different styles at the front like finger waves, shirley temple curls etc. and I would do the bun in the back. When I became really good at one style, I’d move onto something else.
How would you describe the relationship you had with your hair growing up?
I have always loved hair, even before I started doing it, I have always felt like hair was the most important accessory to an outfit. You can be wearing a tracksuit and if your hair is in a neat bun, ponytail or bob, you’d look completely put together. vs. the same outfit with messy hair and you’d look, well…not so put together *lol*.
Your entrepreneurial path featured administration and business before creating “bella kinks media llc”, tell us about your first natural hair business venture and what you learned from it.
I learned that with hard work and consistency, you will always end up right where you are supposed to be if you don’t give up.
Public perception of natural beauty was a challenge you sought to rectify with Adwoa Beauty, what were these misconceptions and how does your brand change them?
Somehow that textured hair was controversial, political, or unprofessional…Adwoa Beauty takes an editorial approach to textured hair. We showcase everything from highly defined wash n go’s to cornrows in a very high quality way. Our work can be a vogue cover or a window signage at sephora, and we’re still a small brand.
Natural haircare can feel like a series of trial and error before finding the right products, what were some pain points you experienced with other hair products?
I didn’t have any “pain points”, we use trial and error with everything! We “try on” people, food, places and things with little complaint that it’s expensive, and all of those things cost so much more. Folks have fifty leven skincare products, at $20+ for tiny packaging. I don’t understand why textured hair is so frowned upon when it comes to investing to learn how to care for your hair. Women buy all different types of wigs, weaves and braid hair to “try on” at first without complaint, I don’t get it.
Folks have fifty leven skincare products, at $20+ for tiny packaging. I don’t understand why textured hair is so frowned upon when it comes to investing to learn how to care for your hair.
I am educated on my hair enough to know a very thick butter or a very light gel won’t work for me. So I would pick up products that were in the middle, not too thick or greasy and not too light to leave me needing something else. most things work, I find it is mainly preference, user error, or trying to achieve a result seen on someone else, but if I didn’t care for the product for whatever reason, I would just finish it and not repurchase. I don’t find that painful because at least I tried it and got the experience for myself. I seldom regret buying a beauty or hair care product. It has to be really, really bad.
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What inspired you to market your products as gender neutral versus having a womens/mens line?
I didn’t have the passion to explain why one would work for a man and not a woman. Hair is hair, there’s no gender. In the beginning I promised myself I wouldn’t do any type of gimmicky marketing like dark packaging and masculine scents to sell products to men. I don’t want to create unnecessary products and personally I find things like that wasteful. Most men will use their girl’s hair products anyway lol.
Hair is hair, there’s no gender.
How do you select the type of ingredients used to create your hair products?
I select our key ingredients from a region in Africa (baobab is from Madagascar, blue tansy is from Morocco”> and I research the sourcing, quality, efficacy, hair and scalp benefits of the oil. I use the raw oil on my face and skin for a good while before using it in products. The ingredients are resources I love and would want for myself in my own routine, it’s all very personal. I also try to be unique in my ingredient story rather than what’s popular on the market.
What are the Adwoa Beauty essentials that first time users should add to their hair regimen?
Our treatment masks and leave-in conditioners are our top sellers. The blue tansy reparative mask is now leading that charge so I would say start there. We also have a trial kit of 3oz. products where you can test all 6 in our baomint collection.
Summer is upon us and many people will be traveling, what’s an Adwoa Beauty product(s”> that’s ideal for protective styling?
Our blue tansy leave in conditioning styler and baomint protect + shine oil blend. The leave-in is perfect to slather on prior to braids or a protective style, when you take the style down, your hair will look and feel moisturized. The oil is great on your scalp to avoid dryness and it also encourages hair growth.
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What’s next for Adwoa Beauty in 2022?
We’re going to continue to grow and expand our product offerings while testing out new markets and challenging the beauty industry norms. I am excited!
Coloring your curls has always been a fun and playful way to get creative with your hair style. Whether you’re a color savant or a newbie with virgin hair, there are always best practices to remember before you grab a box of dye or go visit a stylist. That’s exactly why we turned to color expert Robin Groover to get us all the details on what hair color trends will be popular this year, how to avoid damaging our curls, and protein treatments. Robin is the owner of the Too Groovy Salon in Atlanta which focuses on health hair care practices for every client regardless of the type of service they are performing. Robin is here to give us the 411 on the benefits, pros, cons, and most importantly best practices for coloring our curls this season!
What inspired your passion to build your expertise as a colorist?
The Arts, Sciences & Commerce of Healthy Hair was my roadmap to beautiful hair color. Mastery evolves in incremental phases of expertise as a colorist. The desire to have predictable outcomes with color prayer and minimum strand damage encourages one to study the science and mathematics of hair color. My career spans over 3 decades, it took about 10 years before I became serious about hair color. There were serious hair challenges and damage because of the high lift color category that I would not compromise or risk.
Double-processed chemicals, natural textures and curly coils are not good at masking hair color vs mastering hair color. Time always tells the amount of nutrients, moisture and strength depleted. My passion to build an expertise is beautiful, healthy color-treated hair without compromising length, texture, type or condition. I wanted it all, shine, balanced hues and strands that could thrive not just survive hair color services.
Can you share your favorite celebrity looks that you colored and explain the coloring technique?
Photo Credit
The beige blonde highlights and with taupe and chocolate lowlights are neutral tones with classic drama vibes. The face framing placement with smudging techniques give a fresh blend that is seamless and natural looking. The key to natural looking hair color is complimenting the undertones of the skin. Utilizing steam therapy and 20 volume peroxide keeps the strands hydrated and lush.
Photo Credit
Ginger darling is the best of all color worlds. The deep copper tones are achieved with minimum resistance because the natural red melanin in darker hair provides a natural vibrancy and tonality. The secret to great coppers is a blend of permanent color for lightening and depositing color with a demi permanent glaze on top for extra sheen. The color category keeps the curly coils poppin because the cuticle layer isn’t compromised. Never bleach the hair to a light color and then make it darker, it alters the authentic health and beauty of the hair strand.
What is your approach to coloring hair and what are some lessons you’ve learned through that process?
My approach to hair color is rooted in a color evolution vs revolution. I prefer oh wow her hair is pretty vs Anne got her hair colored. Less is more when preventing long term results. Never compromise health for color. Try extensions for experimenting.
- Corrective color services are extreme, be confident when choosing your desired color.
- 40 volume peroxide + bleach + heat, can cause hair loss.
- Demi-permanent color to add depth and shine are a healthy choice.
- Blondes have more fun when the hair is hydrated.
- Dark hair color reflects light giving a shiny reflection, lighter hair color absorbs light with less shine reflection.
- Some powder color mixed with just water can dry the hair out because of the high pH, including henna.
Can you break down the most common coloring practices that are popular today and what effect they can have on your curl pattern/texture?
The popular colors today range from platinum blondes to onyx black. The key is how close you naturally are to your desired color. Curly girls have discovered safety in temporary color paste that rinses out. Curl patterns and textures are altered by formulas that are too strong, left on too long and /or done too frequently. The key is understanding that taking away natural color will take away strength and moisture. The lighter the hair is from its natural color the more permanent changes will happen. Curly coils will transform into waves. Leave the hairline as natural as possible because it’s fragile.
What hair color techniques or trends do you think will be popular in 2022?
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Pastels are back strong in 2022. The color of the year is lilac and it is popping up spring straight off the runway.
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Honey blondes and chocolate brunettes with pops of warm tones balanced on deep cool hues. Red Orange vibrant hues, intense and fiery.
What are your hair coloring prep tips for first time naturalistas looking to add some color to their curls?
My top 3 tips when naturalistas are looking to add color!!!!
1. Choose wisely by considering your hair goals. Length retention and lifting the hair 4 levels or more will stagnate adding inches by retaining the ends. Frequent trims are required.
2. Choose a colorist that specializes in healthy hair color, she or he is not afraid to tell you no or not right now. Get referrals and before and after shots as well as where are they now?
3. Always do a strand test with a consultation before booking the color service. Play with faux options if unsure about committing to a new hair color.
For naturalistas looking to go blonde, what are some considerations they should keep in mind before going lighter?
Naturalistas with medium to light brown hair will transform with less damage. The neutral and cooler undertones are less likely to pull red or brassy hues. Darker hair has a higher percentage of red, therefore creating an intense gold/orange before getting to yellow. Expert toning methods are necessary in this case. The longer color is left on the hair the weaker the strand becomes.
How do you differentiate between breakage and new growth if you have experienced hair damage as a result of excessive coloring?
Hair damage as a result of excessive coloring needs lots of moisture and a sealant like Olive Miracle 7-in-1 Leave In Moisture Restore Curl refresher and sealed with the Olive Miracle Anti-breakage Oil for an extra layer of protection. Trim frequently in small increments until the textures and health is balanced and easy to manage.
Should you use protein treatments to help restore your hair health and what is the frequency?
The fortification process of weak strands compromised by hair color must be strengthened with protein treatments like Olive Miracle nAnti-Breakage Creme and Olive Miracle Leave In. It strengthens the strand and evens the porosity ensuring the elasticity doesn’t cause excessive breakage.
What is one hair coloring myth for natural hair that you can debunk?
The myth that natural hair is healthy and can take any type of color treatment. It is a long road to repair natural hair and a fast highway to damaging natural hair. Safety first.
Spring is here and there’s nothing like restarting your hair regime with a much needed detox. If you’re like me, you’ve heard of deep conditioning and scalp cleansers from brands like Girl + Hair and Sunday ll Sunday, but a detox was a new concept to me. Bounce Curl is here to help alleviate your dry and itchy scalp with their Bounce Curl Scalp Renew and Hair Scalp Kit that’s designed to help alleviate buildup, infuse moisture, and help establish a foundation for healthy hair. This collection features three products that are designed to help create a clean and healthy scalp with a Gentle Clarifying Shampoo, Turmeric Hair Detox, and Ayurvedic Deep Conditioner. Scalp care has been all the rage this past year with different brands releasing scalp care products and tools to help naturalistas dig in deep and give one of the most overlooked parts of our hair regime some love.
The Products in the Kit
This was my first time doing a hair detox and trying Bounce Curl’s products so I was very excited and interested to see how these products would perform with my curls.
The kit consist of three products:
Gentle Clarifying Shampoo
Thoroughly cleanses your hair without drying it and balances moisture while adding volume.
Turmeric Hair Detox
A jelly-like consistency mask formulated with antioxidant ingredients such as organic apple cider vinegar, charcoal, turmeric, and green tea to help remove any buildup in the hair.
Ayurvedic Deep Conditioner
Works to hydrate and soften the hair, providing high-level hair detangling.
My Bounce Curl Scalp Renew and Hair Spa Review
Gentle Clarifying Shampoo
I started with the Gentle Clarifying Shampoo which had a good lather and a very mild scent. Because it was so light it was hard to capture on camera, but it was a good start to my wash routine for the day. As it promises, it had light moisture and didn’t overly dry my hair which was great because the next step required some work. Forewarning, you definitely need to set aside time for all three products in this process, between showering, letting the detox sit, and then the deep conditioner, it took me roughly 35-40 minutes.
Turmeric Hair Detox
The Tumeric Hair Detox Mask was very memorable in texture and color. It came out like a gel and had a black jelly-like consistency that made it easy to apply onto my scalp and massage into my hair. This didn’t smell so much like turmeric as it did apple cider vinegar which was the strongest scent I picked up while using it. Initially it was a very mild sensation, but once I put my cap on and let my timer run for 15-20 minutes I could feel the product working into my scalp with a tingly sensation. Once I washed it my scalp felt refreshed, but my curls were stripped of moisture, so I knew it was time to apply the deep conditioner.
Ayurvedic Deep Conditioner
The Ayurvedic Deep Conditioner was the highlight of this process because it was the perfect finisher that revived my curls to life. It softened and detangled my hair with little to no effort on my part at all and had an alluring aroma of peaches. When I washed my hair out, my curls were visibly hydrated and immediately started forming my curls.
I didn’t want to add any additional products because of how much I loved the results, but I was headed to Houston and didn’t want the chance of the city’s infamous humidity to mess up my hair. I finished my regime with the Bounce Curl’s Light Hold Creme Gel which didn’t crunch or flake and left me with amazing results that lasted for days without reapplication!
What The Hair Community Is Saying…
Daniela Fagon
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This kit is perfect for when your hair and scalp needs to be revived. This gentle clarifying shampoo always knocks the product buildup away without leaving my hair stripped. The last time I had dry scalp I tried the detox mask and it got rid of all the flaking plus I love the cooling feeling on the scalp. The deep conditioner in all its thickness melted right into my hair and brought back the moisture. My favorite product from the kit has to be the detox mask, so soothing!
Lorraine Diaz
Photo Credit
Whenever my curls look dull or are lacking shine and bounce, I instantly know I need to hit the reset button using the BounceCurl Scalp Renew & Hair Spa Kit. The clarifying shampoo gives me a deep cleanse while still moisturizing my hair. Once or twice a month I’ll use the turmeric hair detox mask to get rid of buildup & remove flakes from the crazy dandruff I get in the colder seasons. My absolute favorite product in this kit has to be the Ayurvedic Deep Conditioner, it is so moisturizing that a little goes a long way.
Nicole Folkes
Photo Credit
Prior to trying Bounce Curl products for myself, I had only seen them used on much looser curl patterns than mine. I wasn’t sure what to expect but ended up being very pleasantly surprised! I love shampoos that lather well but don’t leave my hair feeling stripped and the Gentle Clarifying Shampoo did exactly that while thoroughly cleansing my scalp. The Ayurvedic Deep Conditioner smells amazing and leaves my hair feeling super soft and hydrated. I like that it comes in a tube instead of a jar so water doesn’t get into it in the shower and it’s protein-free which is perfect for my low porosity hair!
Have you tried Bounce Curl products? What did you think of them?
Cataanda James is a passionate, skilled, and talented stylist who has been in the game over 20 years and worked with celebrities like America Ferrera, Terrance Howard, Kobe Bryant, Laila Ali and Jane Birkin. As the current brand educator for The Mane Choice, she lends her expertise to help teach and educate the critical touch points that come with product development and how each collection improves the customer experience. She has worked for major beauty brands like L’Oreal and MAC cosmetics and has used her experiences to help teach others about the fundamentals of natural hair care whether it’s a classic wash and go or protective style.
We’re very honored to speak with her about her career as a celebrity stylist and her 2022 trends forecast for what will be emerging with natural hair this year!
Tell our readers about your experience as a stylist
My mom went to cosmetology school when I was growing up, so I was exposed to the world of hair and beauty at a very young age and my mom encouraged me to explore the talent I had for playing with the mannequin hair. I would get to help my mom when she was doing clients’ hair in the living room or kitchen when she was doing styles like jheri curls. As I got older I went to cosmetology school and ended up teaching our instructors how to perform braids and styles for curly and textured hair.
I famously quit cosmetology school before attending college at Michigan University where I was studying accounting and began side hustling doing hair services on fellow students. College wasn’t for me and I found myself revisiting my love of beauty at Dudley Cosmetology University in Winston Salem, North Carolina where I learned how to not only do hair, but also how to manage my own business. I didn’t wake up one day and decided to be a hairstylist, it was always within me.
What are your signature looks, specializations, or expertise?
My expertise is curly hair or “texture expert” but I don’t prefer the latter because straight hair can also be textured. I had to learn at an early age how to work with curly hair because my mom wouldn’t let me permanently or chemically straighten my hair. The challenge was to learn how to use a straightener sans heat protectant and keep it moisturized, nourished, and hydrated with the limited knowledge we had back then. I would advocate that my clients not get relaxers and provide alternatives to straightening their hair and now the majority of them are natural.
I’ve been fortunate to work for many brands like The Mane Choice which has expanded my education of curly/textured hair and what I’ve come to understand is that you’re never done learning because no two curls are the same. My hair changes all the time, my curl pattern has a mind of its own and I’m constantly adjusting my routine based on the weather, hormones, etc. We just have to embrace and love it.
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self who is experimenting with beauty?
I would tell myself to focus on my own individual beauty. We get so into hopping onto beauty trends and being poppin for the moment, but I remember not being able to be trendy because of my hair texture. We’re so inundated with social media filters and apps to adjust our looks, how can we ever truly embrace ourselves for all that we are? It’s so liberating to embrace your natural beauty.
You’ve worked with celebrities such as Terrance Howard and America Ferrera, what have been three lessons you’ve learned as a stylist to the stars?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned as a celebrity stylist is:
- Be able to listen to the client and deliver what they want.
- Have the foresight to dig deep into your expertise why a certain style, look, haircut, etc. isn’t the best idea and steer them in a direction that will make them shine.
- You always want to show them in their best light and communication is a pivotal skill with those caliber of clients.
Can you share a favorite styled you created with a client and why
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I got to work with one of my favorite musical artists and do her makeup and hair for her album cover. This was at the height of COVID and I was wearing three masks and I was genuinely nervous for such an undertaking and there were so many layers to working with a client during the pandemic. It’s one of my proudest moments because I got support from my peers and colleagues who were also having to work with their clients during this time and receive insight into the safest way to do this. This job is one that fulfills me and it was an honor to be a part of that experience at such a pivotal point for people in the world.
What are the natural hair trends you see being big in 2022?
Braids never go out of style so whether it’s knotless or box braids, I foresee stylized braids coming back into the forefront of trends with retro looks from the 80s and 90s. Braids used to be a seasonal look for the summer or traveling and now we’re seeing them year long because of their versatility. They can be casual, glam, sporty, elegant, and there are so many accessories that can be used to create your own unique style whether it’s headbands, barrettes, scarves, etc.
Faux locs have been an ongoing trend but have evolved exponentially in the past few years with butterfly locs, passion locs, and blending different hair textures into the locs. Unlike box braids, faux locs get better with time and look more natural and lived in.
Last but not least is the classic wash and go which is also my personal favorite. It’s not just about hydration and moisturized hair but having a great shape. I personally have a fringe now and get it shaped up every two months. Wash and go’s for me end up being the most time consuming hair style that requires a pivot in routine and products, but having a great shape can transform your entire style. I always recommend pulling it up loosely into a pineapple, adding a satin scarf, and then securing it with a bonnet. Once you get up in the morning and take the bonnet and scarf off, you should be able to give your hair a quick shake at the scalp and go. If it’s taking you too long to get a voluminous wash and go then you need to get a haircut.
What does your role consist of as the hair expert and brand educator for The Mane Choice?
My role consists of a few different jobs all rolled into one. First off, I make sure our customers and consumers have product knowledge for each collection and ensure the brand copy describes the collection accurately so the customer has the desired results. I review each set of label directions for clarity and conciseness in accordance with how we tested the product and I also advise the social team on how to create education content, product development, and come up with the ingredient story that really illuminates a product. Whenever editors are looking for stories and commentary I ensure that they get the education they need from The Mane Choice and do retail education for companies like Target or Wal-Mart.
Which products are currently in rotation for your hair care routine?
My favorite mask is the Manetabolism Rejuvenation Solution Extra Warming Treatment Mask which I used after shampooing my hair. It’s similar to a steam treatment without the cap because it leaves your hair nourished, smoothes the cuticle, and preps my hair for the styling of my wash and go. Next is the Heavenly Halo Herbal Hair Tonic & Soy Milk Deep Hydration Pre-Poo as pre-treatment to my shampoo to help detangle my hair. It can be worn with or without a cap and has a defined, frizz-free look, which preps my hair before I start washing. I don’t have a favorite shampoo and conditioner, but my go-to styling product is the Ancient Egyptian Anti-Breakage & Repair Antidote Cuticle Control Leave-In Lotion helps to fight the frizz and gives me a soft and touchable curl.
We’re still in the chilly months, what are a few styling tips you can give to our readers for maintaining their curls in the cold?
The air is already drier because of the crispness of the cold so you always want to keep your hair hydrated and that starts from the inside out with water consumption. Your products should be hydrating and avoid co-washing your hair in the cooler months. When you do this too frequently you’re blocking the moisture because it’s coating the cuticle and that can cause build up. Always shampoo your hair at least twice a month because hydration starts with your wash day and shampoo cleanses the scalp from the build up.
You have worked for brands such as MAC and L’Oreal, how has beauty evolved for big corporate brands?
It’s pretty sad to say that it’s taken so long for these bigger brands to acknowledge Black Lives Matter and Black hair matters which limited our access to premium products. They have come to realize the majority of people have curly or textured hair and that similar to Wal-Mart and Target, they needed to expand their collections to reflect the consumer. Brands like Garnier and L’Oreal Paris have expanded their makeup and hair care products to be more inclusive and diverse. I’ve been in the beauty industry for many years and the past 10 years of evolution has been beautiful to witness and be a part of.
There has been an ongoing struggle for naturalistas to be accepted and empowered to love their natural hair. Wearing your natural hair at school, work, or in any social spaces continues to be a topic of discussion because of the growing discrimination cases that Black people experience all over the world. Just recently the Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business conducted research through a series of experiments that showed people still view Black women wearing natural hair styles like curly afros, braids, or twists as unprofessional. As the only black woman host of a weeknight television show, MSNBC host Joy Reid told Forbes “There’s no reason we shouldn’t be able to embrace our hair as it is, or how we reimagine it, and it’s an affirmation of our full arrival as citizens and cultural leaders. And yes, our natural hair is a political statement.” Just this month a 6-year-old boy named Asten Johnson in Ohio was told he couldn’t wear his dreadlocks to his school. These are just a few of the recent acts of discrimination that are apart of a long history of systemic racism and oppression that deems natural hair as “nappy,” “unkept,” or “messy,” versus wearing it straight or in a blowout.
While we’ve seen a steady rise in the conversation around social and digital media regarding how natural hair is portrayed, there is still a lot of work to be done. In 2017, when Mya and Deanna Cook wore braided extensions to their Boston-area charter school they were unfairly targeted and punished by being told they were in a “dress code violation.” The lack of racial sensitivity and blatant disregard for Black culture would later ignite a complaint with the state Education department that noted the school could be in violation of state and federal laws. This unfortunate situation and many others across the country led to the creation of the Crown Act in 2019. This act helps to ensure protection against any discriminatory practices based on race-based hairstyles in the workplace and public school. This initiative is vital to helping people of color all over the world to not only love their hair in any form, but to protect their education and safety at work from people who have misguided beauty standards. As of now, four states have adopted the Crown Act, therefore making it illegal to ban natural hair discrimination. It is just one small step to helping eradicate bias against textured hair and changing the landscape of how Black people are treated.
Learning not only how to love your natural hair but embracing it in all its forms is a topic that is imperative to teach to young girls as they are growing up. While The Crown Act takes on natural hair at the federal level, here are some of the top books you can use to help educate and empower your young girl to love her natural hair from the comforts of home.
1. Hair Love
Author: Matthew A. Cherry
Ahhh, the book that spawned an animated short film that would later go on to win an Oscar. Hair Love shows the unique bond held between a father and his daughter Zuri as he learns how to care for her beautiful kinks and coils.
2. My Big Natural Hair
Author: C.J. Baker
Meet Amara, a sweet little girl who is still learning how to take care of her natural hair. Readers will enjoy watching Amara develop her weekly hair care routine and embrace the fabulous hair she was born with.
3. Hair Like Me
Author: Heather Burris
Heather was inspired to share her personal story by writing her first book, Hair Like Me, to encourage young girls to love their natural hair and encourage more parents to lead by example by instilling confidence in their children at a young age. Hair Like Me is a children’s picture book about natural hair and beauty. It’s the first of its kind to tell the true story of an African-American mother-daughter journey to discover the true meaning of “princess hair”.
4. Getting To Know My Real Curls Is Fun!
Author: Trina Diakabanzila and Grace M.
Often, too many dark, brown, Black and chocolate skinned girls have low self-esteem about their perfectly natural hair; so the author, Trina, and her daughter, Grace, wanted this book to be a reminder that their hair is beautiful just the way it is.
5. My Hair Is A Garden
Author: Cozbi A. Cabrera
After a day of being taunted by classmates about her unruly hair, Mackenzie cant take any more and she seeks guidance from her wise and comforting neighbor, Miss Tillie. Using the beautiful garden in the backyard as a metaphor, Miss Tillie shows Mackenzie that maintaining healthy hair is not a chore nor is it something to fear. Most importantly, Mackenzie learns that natural black hair is beautiful.
6. Claire Blair’s Unruly Hair: A Curly Girl Tale
Author: Tara Cavoise
When Claire Blair struggles to accept her big, unruly, curly hair, she embarks on a journey to make it look like everyone else’s hair. As she tries to smooth her hair—and hide it—and roll it into flowing locks, EVERYTHING she tries fails. But when Claire finds herself in a situation where everyone’s hair looks just like hers, she learns a few lessons that change everything she ever thought about her hair. Claire Blair’s Unruly Hair is a sweet story of acceptance, inclusion and community. With its charming illustrations and delightful rhyming text, this is a book to treasure. Not to mention, this book comes in four versions—Brown Hair, Black Hair, Red Hair and Blonde Hair to be sure curly girls are represented in every shade.
7. Don’t Touch My Hair
Author: Sharee Miller
Join Aria as she maneuvers through time, space, and the world navigating an array of mythical creatures, animals, and people as she learns the magic of her “fluffy curls” and why not everyone can touch her hair.
8. My Curly, Coil, Crown
Author: Darcel Craft
There is so much to love about the different types of hair textures! Yana celebrates and revels in the versatility of each tendril on her head. This book features gorgeous illustrations that highlight the various ways a naturalista can wear their crown.
9. Hair
Author: Angela C. Styles
It can be frustrating when we’re kids and we don’t understand why our hair doesn’t look like everyone else’s. Keely’s frustration is at the heart of this story that shows the complexity of self-love and how our parents can help us unlock our most precious gifts.
10. Love Your Hair
Author: Phoenyx Austin
This best-selling natural hair book introduces readers to Phoenyx, a confident and sassy girl who empowers readers to love their afro puffs, kinks, and curls. Whether you’re a little brown looking to go on an adventure or a grown woman wanting a reminder of the glory that is your natural hair, Phoenyx is a character to remember.
11. I Love My Hair
Author: E.B. Lewis
This gem has been a staple for readers since it hit the shelves in 2001. Kenyana encourages black children everywhere to be proud of their heritage and to discover the magic of textured hair.
12. What Are You Gonna Do With That Hair?
Author: Ndija Anderson-Yantha
Zuri is known as “the girl with puffy hair,” as she rocks an afro that is big and fluffy. She proudly rocks her hair in bantu knots, braids, locs, and constructs them into lovely works of African art.
13. Hair Like Mine
Author: LaTashia M. Perry
Hair Like Mine is a fun and easy read following a little girl who doesn’t like that her naturally curly hair looks different from the other kids around her. On her quest to find someone with hair like hers, she soon realizes we are all unique and special in our own way.
14. Big Hair Don’t Care
Author: Crystal Swain-Bates
If you are looking for a book that will help build your child’s self-esteem and confidence in a fresh and funky way, look no further than our girl Lola. Lola has super big hair and loves to share with other characters throughout the book how much she loves her big beautiful hair through fun rhymes and songs.
15. My Curly Perfection
Author: Chelsetia Davis
There is nothing quite as special as learning how to embrace your hair texture. This book follows a young girl who learns to accept her different curl patterns.
16. Amina Arnae and Her Poofy Hair
Author: D. Lovelitt
We’re going down into the deep south of rural Georgia to meet Amina,a seven-year old who is constantly teased about her “poofy hair.” After a long journey to visit her Auntie she learns the power of friendship and the ABC’s of natural hair care.
17. The Girl WIth The Magical Curls
Author: Evita Giron
Learning to love your curls is combined with a dose of fantasy in this poignant story that takes stance on social stigmas.Tatiana becomes a neighborhood superhero after stumbling across a mysterious bottle of oil that helps her hair grow long.
18. Emi’s Curly, Coil, Cotton Candy Hair
Author: Tina Olajide
You’ll love following Emi’s big imagination that takes readers through all the reasons she loves her big and beautiful hair. The book is filled with vibrant illustrations and playful natural hair techniques and tips.
19. I Am A Natural Cutie
Author: P.D. Brown
Phoenix isn’t going to let the bullies and teasing prevent her from loving her natural hair. Join Phoenix as she journey’s through her first day of kindergarten and learns to love her big afro puffs.
20. I Have Good Hair
Author: Queen K
“Good Hair” takes on a new meaning for Jamal and Nayla who travel all around the world to highlight boys and girls with beautiful natural hair. This is perfect for your tiny tot or teenager looking to explore the world of textured hair through a different lens.
Have you read any of these books? Let us know your favorite children’s book below.
If you’re like me, then trying to lock down your nighttime routine can feel like a struggle. Between setting the alarms, doing my skincare regime, reducing my screen time before bedtime, and prepping my hair for success in the morning, it can be alot. Some nights are better than others with peak #adulting and other times I literally throw myself into my bed and forgo it all. But, we’re trying to do better in 2022 which means if I’m throwing my focus into anything, it’s reducing the amount of time I do my hair in the morning so I need to be more intentional about what I do with my hair at night. We all know the struggle that comes with bedhead, frizzy curls, and seeing your hard efforts from a wash day squashed tangled up from a night full of sleep.
Today I’m going to share a few products that I’ve incorporated into my nightly hair regime that have helped me sleep a bit more soundly and make my curls look even better the next day.
Products:
You Go Natural Midnight Sleep Collection
Protecting a blowout or your natural hair overnight is an important aspect of maintaining your style and texture. You Go Natural (YGN”> is giving curlies new products to rave about with their Sleep Collection that makes the art of sleeping luxurious with silk lined turbans to retain moisture and reduce frizz while you sleep. The sleep collection features an array of goodies like the Pleated Sleep Turbans, Silky Bonnets, and scrunchies to help protect all hair textures whether you’re rocking a wash and go or protective style. Instead of satin, these products are silk lined which helps lock in moisture for your hair and scalp.YANIBEST Satin Pillowcase for Hair and Skin Silk Pillowcase
These satin pillowcases are courtesy of Yanibest and utilize 100 satin to ensure and soft and smooth sleeping experience. Satin pillowcases can help reduce hair breakage, frizz, and create shinier hair in the morning. In addition to the hair benefits, satin can help keep your skin soft and reduce friction against your skin and eyelashes. This bundle also comes with satin scrunchies which makes tying up your hair easier for thick, long hair that won’t tug or pull at your roots and create creasing.YANIBEST Silk Satin Bonnet Hair Cover Sleep Cap
These satin lined sleep caps come in a variety of colors and can be worn during the day or at night due to their beanie like style.It features a side release strap to adjust for any hairstyle and is incredibly stretchy. What makes this product great is that it is versatile and casual enough that it can be worn outside of the house which is great for washing and styling on the go. It’s lightweight fabric makes it an all season accessory instead of just limited to winter or colder months.Kaleidogrow
Gummy vitamins are all the rage and they are fun, easy, and accessible ways to ingest your favorite supplements. Kaleidoscope hair care is thriving as a brand whose products promote hair growth and these supplements are no exception. These gummy’s help to support nail, skin, and hair health with a blend of healthy vitamins and oils that include biotin, collagen, and Vitamin D.My Review
You Go Natural Midnight Sleep Collection
This was my first time ever using a turban, but I was pleasantly surprised with the results! This Pleated Sleep Turban comes in three colorways, and I loved how calming and serene the midnight blue aesthetics were.The turban fit seamlessly over my hair and did not come off during the night. The downside to me using this with a wash and go was I had to reshape my hair as it was kind of smashed from the viscose shell casing. Not the worst experience, but I did have to readjust the style so my hair volume was evenly spread out. I think I would probably have better results with a protective style where the hold and shape won’t be so intense. The additional accessories were fun and easy to keep at my bedside. I have been using silk scrunchies between wash days to keep my hair off my neck and they have been great for reducing frizz and maintaining curl patterns.
YANIBEST Satin Pillowcase for Hair and Skin Silk Pillowcase
This was my first time ever using a satin pillowcase and I honestly had mixed results. I loved the texture, color, and feel of these pillowcases, but my sleep was terrible. I don’t know if it might have been my hormones or my skin getting adjusted to the satin, but I found myself waking up sweating several times which didn’t make for a restful night. My hair looked great in the morning, but my face was tired from tossing and turning. I definitely will have to give these a try again and see if perhaps my hormones were at play because I really wanted to soak up all the satin goodness. I did love the scrunchies that were easy to use, adjustable with my hair volume, and had a fantastic hold. I even used them when working out and they didn’t budge one bit!
YANIBEST Silk Satin Bonnet Hair Cover Sleep Cap
If you’re a furmom like me then you know that late night strolls outside for potty breaks are per the norm of our jobs. If you’ve just washed your hair or have a protective style, then heading outside with a bonnet may not be your forte, so what’s the alternative? This super stylish satin lined beanie. I thoroughly enjoyed using this and it’s become a go-to item when I take my dog out especially because Texas has very inconsistent weather that can range from hot, cold, and rainy in the span of a day. It’s very lightweight and the satin is very soft and helpful for my curls. I look forward to seeing how this holds up during a workout.
Kaleidogrow
Since I’m transitioning my hair from the super bright blonde it was to darker shades, my hair needs all the additional support it can get. I’ve always been an advocate for supplements but have never used any biotin or hair gummies because I’ve never had a reason to. In lieu of my hair damage and my desire to restore some length to my hair, I’ve been taking these gummies to help. I love that they are a combination of hair and skin and have any suspicious or hidden ingredients. They are flavorful, tasty, and an easy addition to my night before bedtime, I can’t wait to see the results!
Braids never go out of style, they just get more innovative, dynamic, and creative with each generation and no one knows style like Xia Charles. Xia is a Brooklyn-based celebrity braider who has worked with icons like Beyonce and Cardi B. She is an expert in braiding, hair extensions, protective styles and more! Many of her artistic creations come to life in her Braided New York salon where customers can get box braids, feed-in braids, twists, and even sign up for virtual classes that teach stitch braids. With spring upon us, it’s time to get a pulse on the newest hair braiding trends that will be the must-have styles for the year. Xia sat down to chat with us about her favorite braiding styles, trends to keep an eye on and what you should be looking for in a braider.
What was your relationship to braiding growing up?
Growing up in Tobago it was an unspoken rule that every Sunday you must get your hair braided to go to school. As early as four I remember sitting on my grandmother’s back as she laid on the floor after work and I would braid little plaits in her hair. People in the village would always come to my mom to get their hair done, she was naturally good at braiding hair. So were my two older sisters. Ultimately I learned to do it by looking at them.
What inspired you to become a hairstylist?
Initially it was a means to an end. When I moved to the US in 2017 to go to law school and had completed a Bsc in Law and Economics. I was low on cash and couldn’t find a job so I started doing hair out of my mother’s kitchen. Over time I realized how stylists were appreciated here in the United States and I was making a decent income from doing it. I decided to pursue it seriously as I saw the amazing opportunities, I loved meeting new clients, creating new styles and above all being an entrepreneur.Where did you acquire your hair braiding techniques?
It was probably hereditary as my mother and sisters were always very good at it. I believe that it stems from them. I can’t explain it but I was just always good at braiding without having to be taught.We’ve seen braids continue to make a big impact in mainstream media over the past decade. What are some misconceptions the novice user may not understand about braids?
Braids are so fun and versatile – it’s easy to manage and it saves you from that morning hassle with your hair but, braids are also cultural and to some , the styles are deeper than ‘just hair’. Additionally, some people think your hair has to be tightly braided in order to be neat; that isn’t the case, grip and skill does all the work. Remember, your braids should be a protective style , you don’t want a style that jeopardizes the integrity of your beautiful fro!What are your favorite braiding styles you’ve created and why?
Some of my favorite styles from the 2021-2022 year thus far would have to be from the Darling x Teyana Taylor campaign shoot. The freestyle braided ponytail on Caitlyn definitely takes the cake, a cute yet classy look. Next would have to be the half up half down braided updo on Celina- definitely an all time favorite ! Some examples:,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/CXi-QikDJBk/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading” data-instgrm-version=”14″>View this post on Instagram
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What braiding trends will be popular this year?
Freestyle is definitely in style! Anytime someone comes into the salon they don’t just want the simple braids, whether it be cornrows, updos or box braids; they want something added to it. A cool design like the dollar sign or, the heart we all know and love, may be that extra ‘oomph’ that your hairstyle needs to give it that extra flair.You’ve been a celebrity braider for icons like Beyonce and Cardi B, what is your process for making their vision come to life? (research, videos, trials/tutorials”>
Prepare beforehand, go to their social media, see what color hair what styles they like so you have an idea of what to expect on the day. You’ll take an abundance of extensions that you think they might like. It’s always better to have too much than not enoughWhat are 3 tips you would give to naturalistas looking to get their hair braided professionally? (prep, examples to give a stylist, expectations, time, etc.”>
When looking for a braider, try to find someone who can accomplish what you want with your hair: someone who cares about the health and integrity of your hair, someone who is punctual and accommodative, in the long run this makes a great braider.What’s a classic braiding style that never goes out of style and why?
Single plaits are a style that will never go out of style. If it’s box braids or knotless , this style is so versatile and can be adapted with the growing trends. You can do half up half downs, buns, and many other styles- the possibilities are endless.
