This season, we're embracing texture by playing with some unconventional head wrap textiles: faux suede and velvet. A dual feature, these wraps also serve as a thermal option during the cold winter days. Just when you're torn between wash day and stepping into the brisk cold to tackle your never ending to do list. Or maybe you're jet setting across the country to your next adventure? Essence rated our Faux Suede Satin-lined Wrap as one of the top 9 silk travel products, read the full article here. 

See images from our FW17 photo shoot captured at the majestic Wunder Garten DC. 

 Brand Ambassadors:

Desmone Gambrell -  creative director InspirHER TV

Cortney Chavae - lead singer Blaquestone

At some point in time, we’ve all grappled with frustration over our hair as we’ve stumbled through product after product; trying to find the holy grail of concoctions for our stubborn curls. For those who just joined #teamnatural, embrace the transition period as a series of trial and error. But first and foremost, feel how your hair responds to certain products, regiments, styles and climates. The key to sticking with your natural look is agility, be flexible and willing to change your regimen if it’s not working after a steady grace period of 5-8 weeks.

How do you know when to switch it up? Here are 3 signs that your regimen is not working:

via GIPHY

1. Little C’s on Your Floor

I know I’m experiencing steady breakage when my bathroom floor is littered with C’s. Yes, tiny little coils of my hair that have broken off to form a small ringlet or C shape. Naturally Curly hair is notoriously drier than straighter hair types because the scalp’s natural sebum takes longer to travel from root to tip. Our scalp’s natural oils are nutritious for our strands, although too much of something is rarely a good thing! The longer travel time leaves the ends of our hair most vulnerable to breakage. Many confuse oil as a moisturizer, but in fact it’s sole purpose is to lock in moisture. If you’re not giving enough attention to the ends of your hair, you’ll see the evidence around you.

Solution: Keep the ends of your hair well moisturized. Read our blog post 3 Tips that Will Change Your Wash Day Forever for regimen inspiration.

2. Hair that Crunches to the Touch

When your hair is dry you’ll not only feel it but you’ll hear it. Remember, your hair will speak to you so make sure to pay attention! If when you run your hands through your hair you can feel and hear the sound of dryness, it’s a good indication that the products you use are not properly penetrating your hair’s shaft despite frequent efforts.

Solution: If you’ve done everything you can imagine and your hair experiences chronic dryness you may have low porosity hair. Low porosity hair means that your strands do not easily absorb moisture as someone with high porosity. Consider products with molecules tiny enough enough to snuggle under the shaft, such as a liquid leave in conditioner.

Read Naturally Curly's Top 10 Water-based Leave In Conditioners

3. When You Got That Soul Glo

via GIPHY

If you deem Coming to America a classic like we do, you’ll get the reference. Yes, your hair needs moisture and nutrients but when we over do it the evidence shows. Residue left on your fingertips, bedding and clothing could be signs of product build up. Product build up reverse engineers the product’s ability to promote healthy hair. Instead, it sits like layers of coating on your hair refusing entry to the kindest of elements (yes, even water!).

Solution: Clarify your scalp and hair often with a sulfate-free shampoo. How often? For me it depends on the season. During winter seasons, the atmosphere is drier therefore I use more product to keep my hair healthy. This includes weekly mud washes or co-washes. As a result, I have to clarify at least every other week. During the Spring and Summer seasons, the climate is more humid and my hair soaks up the air’s moisture. I can get away with one wash day every 3 weeks, but it depends on how your hair speaks to you.

Natural hair maintenance can be a daunting and rigorous regimen - but no challenge is presented to you that you cannot conquer! Tell us what works for you. Join in the conversation, leave a comment below.

This year’s Essence Fest and New Orleans Natural Hair Expo was a resurgence of black renaissance in a new form. Quite a different political landscape from 2016, we felt a new level of unity, responsibility and innovation within the black community. We’re raising the bar in more ways than one across several industries. It’s no longer enough to paint a wide brush over the black consumer; but instead to observe how she leads her life and thoughtfully design products/services around her needs. Black women are the nation’s largest demographic of entrepreneurs in the United States.

We were surrounded by countless inventors, entrepreneurs and boss babes! Here’s a look at 3 Innovative Black-Owned Products You Must Try:

1. Myavana

How do we really know that the hair products we use penetrate our strands? We can cycle through the regimens of our favorite bloggers and our stylists hoping something sticks. We love Myavana because it takes the guessing game out of our hair care. We spent time with Myavana backstage at Essence Fest and loved it! From our hair horoscope to the unlimited Moscow Mules, we felt truly pampered.

The company was founded by four female engineers from Georgia Tech. Myavana leverages technology and science to deliver a personalized hair service. With Myavana’s Hair Analysis Kit, you receive recommendations on the right products, ingredients and regimens. The hair analysis kit arrives in a neon purple package and includes a comb and 5 plastic bags labeled by hair section. During wash day, I ran the comb through my crown, bottom right, bottom left, top right and top left sections. I then placed the individual strands in the corresponding plastic bags and used the pre-paid envelope to mail in my kit. Myavana runs my strands through its lab and emails the results. It’s that easy!

2. Fairweather Faces™

On Friday afternoon we had the pleasure of meeting inventor and celebrity makeup artist Andrea Fairweather at the Beauty and Style Expo. We were blown away by the ingenuity and thoughtful design of Fairweather Faces, a color coded makeup kit for self-guided application just like the professionals. We think this kit is a perfect travel companion, or gift for the teen transitioning into adolescence or your makeup-challenged bestie.

3. Ruby Sampson Afro Braided Headband

This is one of our fav new products for easy sophistication and seamless transition from day to night. One day when I was visiting my parents in Dallas we were walking through the mall. I saw many braided headbands for women with type 1 hair, but none for the afro texture! I went home, made my own prototype and cannot stop wearing it. It’s a perfect travel accessory. Whether leaving the beach or the pool, hair maintenance just became less daunting! Wash out the chlorine or salt water, apply a liquid leave in conditioner and top off your updo with the braided headband. You’re ready for a night out on the town in less than an hour. Or how about post wash day? After your two strand twist, pop the braided headband on and continue with your errands while your strands dry. Check out this tutorial for style inspiration!

1. Carry On Champagne Cocktail Kit

Why it’s perfect: This cocktail kit is for the bride who wants to keep calm and “carry on” as she jet sets to her honeymoon destination. Nothing says, “Let’s celebrate!” like a classic cocktail.

2. I Do/I Did Tote

Why it’s perfect: This cute, double-sided bag allows the new bride to stay ready so she doesn’t have to get ready. It’s the perfect size for carrying wedding day and honeymoon necessities.

3. Wet Bikini Bag

Why it’s perfect: If the bride has plans of honeymooning on an island or beach, this wet bikini bag is clutch for keeping the rest of her belongings dry. And here’s some icing on the cake—you can personalize the bag with the bride’s name or initials.

 4. Just Married Sandals

Why they’re perfect: These simple yet chic sandals will add a pep to the bride’s “Just Married” step.

5. Two Toned Beige Navy Solid Silk-lined Head Wrap

Why it’s perfect: Because let’s face it, honeymoon is just another word for vacation. These head wraps are for the bride who wants to slay on vacay without worrying about her tresses.

 6. Travel Set

Why it’s perfect: No bride should have to worry about getting through TSA. This travel set consists of three refillable, silicone tubes that allow brides to “travel beautifully” without the hassle.

7. Vogue Eyewear

 Why it’s perfect: Sun damage ain’t cute (or healthy). But these shades will protect any bride’s eyes from harmful UV rays while she enjoys the scenery of her romantic getaway.

Shop

There’s nothing more effortlessly elegant than donning a gorgeous head wrap. Failed twist out? Strapped for time? Not a problem. We created a step-by-step tutorial that will allow even a beginner to tie a head wrap beautifully in minutes:

1. Hold both ends of the head wrap.

2. Tie a knot.

3. Tie two more knots (the result will be a triple knot).

(Second knot)

(Third knot)

4. Tuck excess fabric into the crevices of the triple knot to ensure the ends of the head wrap aren’t exposed.

5. Adjust the head wrap by exposing your hairline, fanning out material, and exposing the silk lining.

7. Rock your crown, head wrap queen!

Between visiting friends and family and exploring new destinations, your summer travel plans are looking picture perfect. But there’s one super important thing that could put a damper on your plans… your hair.

Hairstyles can make or break your travel experiences—they’re the difference between feeling confident and enjoying every moment and feeling self-conscious and spending way too much time trying to make your hair presentable.

There’s no need to get caught slipping, so here are five gorgeous styles that will keep you (and your hair) calm, cool and collected during your travels:

Style #1: Au Naturale Wig

Why it slays: Making lace front wigs look natural isn’t always easy. However, with this simple tutorial, it’ll be hard to believe that your wig isn’t growing from your scalp. Yes to protective styles that actually look like your own hair!

Style #2: Curlkalon Crochet

Why it slays: Getting a head full of colorful, low-maintenance curls doesn’t get any easier than this. We love an epic style that requires little to no styling in the morning, and this is it. All you have to do is wake up, shake, and go.

Style #3: Head Wrap

SHOP the look

Why it slays: The head wrap is a non-intrusive protective styling option that is great for the plane, train or car ride. Packing 2-3 silk-lined head wraps on your excursion means having a contingency plan should your hair refuse to comply. Not to mention, reduce the stress that comes with combating dryness in new, unfamiliar climates - silk is your moisture retaining friend!

Style #4: Stitch Braids Bun

Why it slays: Because sometimes you want to slay without your hair getting in the way. It doesn’t matter if you’re swimming in the Caribbean Sea or hiking in the Grand Canyon, this style will make you look effortlessly chic and in control at all times.

Style #5: Golden Top Knot

Why it slays: The best styles are the ones that you can whip up at the least minute. You can achieve this style with Marley hair, Kanekalon hair or wefted hair (and let’s be honest, as a naturalista, you probably always have at least one of these on deck). Also, buns can get a bit boring, but the gold hair cuffs add instant glam.

There’s something about spring that awakens our desire to deep clean our lives and try new things. We hand picked five refreshing styles that will add a pep to your step and some much-needed spice to your favorite spring hairstyles:

Style #1: Festive Updo

Why we love it: This style gives us all the old school Alicia Keys vibes. And we appreciate the fact that not only is this style quick and cute, but it’s also perfect for those last-minute festival plans and outdoor celebrations.

 Video Credit

Style #2: Mega Drawstring Ponytail

Why we love it: This tutorial makes slaying a ponytail in six different ways look so easy. The best part? It doesn’t matter if you’re craving a style that’s simple and chic or one that’s bold and edgy—this tutorial has you covered!

Style #3: Head Wrap

Why we love it: How well is your hair handling the changing of seasons? Here in Washington DC the weather can't make up it's mind and it's crushing our precious curls! The head wrap is a great protective styling option for the changing of seasons. Especially on those windy days, make sure your ends are tucked away in an updo or nice and cozy inside a silk-lined head wrap.

Style #4: Jamaican Bounce Crochet Braids

Why we love it: There’s no way we’d guess this fun and flirty style is crochet braids. This tutorial proves that there are endless possibilities for creating versatile crochet styles.

Style #5: Senegalese Mohawk

Why we love it: So here’s a little secret… this style is crochet braids as well (could’ve fooled us!). However, this refreshing spin on Senegalese twists was too good not to share. There’s no doubt this Senegalese mohawk will have you turning heads this spring.

What styles are on your spring wishlist? Tell us in a comment below.

April 22, 1970 was the “birth of the modern environmental movement” in the United States. Since then, 193 countries worldwide continue to celebrate this day by participating in events to raise awareness for environmental and climate literacy, as well as sustainable environmental initiatives.

Did you know that everything you do, from the car that you drive to the hair products that you use, has potentially harmful effects on the Earth… and your body?

We did some research on Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Skin Deep Cosmetics Database  to see just how safe your favorite hair products really are. We were unpleasantly surprised by the scores of many products.

EWG’s mission is to “use the power of information to protect human health and the environment.” Their website provides easy-to-understand scores for tons of beauty products. Scores are based on a product’s potential to increase the risk for cancer, developmental and reproductive toxicity, ecotoxicology, and more.

When you have a minute, search the cosmetics database to see how hazardous your products are (what you find may shock you).

Until then, we rounded up seven products with low hazard scores (scores of 1 or 2) that are easy swaps for the toxic products that you currently use:

1. Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Co-Wash Conditioning Cleanser

Health Score: 1

What it’s great for: Gently cleansing hair, leaving it soft, manageable, and tangle-free.

2. Curls Curl Gel-les'c Curl Defining Gel

Health Score: 1

What it’s great for: Transforming dry hair into frizz-free curls and kinks with hold.

3. Eden BodyWorks Jojoba Monoi Hair Milk

Health Score: 2

What it’s great for: Providing intense moisture and leaving hair silky and full of body.

4. Karen's Body Beautiful Super Silky Leave-in Conditioner

Health Score: 2

What it’s great for: Providing the perfect amount of moisture for fine to medium-dense hair.

5. Burt's Bees Hair Repair, Shea & Grapefruit Deep Conditioner

Health Score: 2

What it’s great for: Nourishing hair with oils that provide shine and softness.

6. JessiCurl Confident Coils Styling Solution, Citrus Lavender

Health Score: 2

What it’s good for: Creating curl definition and protecting hair from humidity.

7. Bee Mine Bee Hold Curly Butter, Unscented

Health Score: 2

What it’s good for: Sealing in moisture and providing a soft hold that keeps frizzies at bay.

On a scale of 1-10, for you, how important is it to use hair products that are non-toxic/eco-friendly? Tell us in a comment below!

Image Credits:

1. Shea Moisture
2. CURLS
3. Eden BodyWorks
4. Karen’s Body Beautiful
5. Burt’s Bees
6. Jessicurl
7. Bee Mine

There’s nothing like having a fresh, clean head of natural hair. The work it takes to wash your hair, however, is another story.  Between the cleansing, deep conditioning, detangling, moisturizing, and sealing, you can easily spend an entire day tending to your curls and coils. We understand the wash day struggle, so we picked three of our best tips for making wash days more bearable and stress-free:

1. Ditch the pre-poo

OK, hear us out. We know naturals worldwide swear by pre-poos, but we can’t be the only ones who wonder if pre-poos are truly essential. Our final verdict: They’re not. While a pre-poo has its benefits (e.g. increases manageability, helps hair retain moisture), the truth is that a pre-poo is just another added step that’s not absolutely necessary. To prevent your hair from feeling stripped throughout your routine, you’ll be good to go with just a sulfate-free shampoo and a moisturizing deep conditioner.

2. Deep condition on the go

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When it comes to natural hair, efficiency is the name of the game. Most of the time you hold off on wash days because, let’s face it, you have things to do! However, if you start your wash day early enough, you can deep condition while you run errands throughout the day. Wear a head wrap to conceal your deep condition as you blaze across town to pick up that dress for tonight.

3. Tame your inner product junkie.

Despite what your inner product junkie tells you, you don’t need to use tons of products to keep your hair moisturized and flawless. Instead, consider a simple shampoo, deep condition followed by the L.C.O. method (that's right: liquid, cream, oil). A liquid conditioner is ideal for low porosity hair types to penetrate the hair's shaft. We find whipped shea butter sealed with Tropic Isle Black Jamaican Castor Oil is the perfect trinity. 

Most importantly, feel how your hair responds to products. Take the time to decide whether or not all of the products you use are necessary. Also, do some research on multitasking products that will make your wash days hassle-free (for example, many creams like Shea Moisture’s Curl-Enhancing Smoothie double as a styler). When you use less products, it decreases the chance of unnecessary product buildup (which also means you don’t have to wash your hair as often… win!).

Spill the beans… what are your tips for staying sane during wash days? Tell us in a comment below!

Spring has officially begun, and we’re so ready to step out of our winter wear and step into some easy, breezy threads. Classic pieces are must-haves in any woman’s wardrobe, but fresh spring trends are always worth a try. Here are 5 spring trends that you’ll actually want to wear this season:

African Print Swimsuit

The bikini game has changed, and we’re down to play. Whether you’re on vacation or at your neighborhood swimming pool, this high-waist “DashiKini” will make your melanin pop and have you feeling like an African goddess.

 Shop the Look

Graphic Tees

For the woman who is woke and doesn’t hesitate to show it, graphic tees allow you to wear your emotions on your sleeves. There’s no better way to celebrate your #BlackGirlMagic than to rock this Smart Brown Girl tee.

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Statement Sleeves

It doesn’t matter if your style is delicate or dramatic, statement sleeves are perfect for everyone because they come in so many styles. From subtle ruffles to exaggerated bell sleeves, statement sleeves are guaranteed to take your outfit to another level.

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Wrap Shoes

It’s not officially spring until you ditch your winter boots and throw on a pair of wrap shoes. And the best part? They come in all styles—sandals, flats, heels—you name it! Go ahead and show your ankles some long overdue love.

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Silk Robes

Who said silk robes were only for the bedroom? Celebs like Beyonce, Rihanna, and Ciara beg to differ. Silk robes instantly make a casual outfit look like a chic and royal ensemble. They are also the perfect transitional piece for those not-too-warm/not-too-cold spring days.

SHOP the Look

Which spring trend are you interested in trying this season? Tell us in a comment below!

This month, we honor and salute women like you because all of our stories and voices matter. 

Viola Davis, the first Black actress to win an Oscar, Emmy and Tony Award, has proven time and time again that she understands the importance of revealing the diverse stories and truths of all women.

As she accepted her Oscar at this year’s Academy Awards, Viola gave a mesmerizing speech. She said:

“You know, there is one place that all the people with the greatest potential are gathered and that’s the graveyard. People ask me all the time—what kind of stories do you want to tell, Viola? And I say exhume those bodies. Exhume those stories—the stories of the people who dreamed big and never saw those dreams to fruition, people who fell in love and lost. I became an artist and thank God I did, because we are the only profession that celebrates what it means to live a life.”

She flawlessly articulated the disheartening dilemma that plagues people worldwide, and it makes us wonder… why aren’t more of us living up to our potential?

Source

When you think of #BlackExcellence, certain women instantly come to mind—Michelle Obama, Cicely Tyson, Nina Simone and Oprah—just to name a few.

We’re undoubtedly thankful for these women. They were trailblazers who forged paths for future generations to boldly pursue their goals with confidence and perseverance.

However, we must also recognize the women who aren’t acknowledged as the typical models of #BlackExcellence that we’ve become accustomed to seeing all the time.

Source

Take Rihanna, for example. Her unapologetic “rude gyal” sense of style, music and personality are turnoffs for some. But one thing is clear—she’s a philanthropist with a heart of gold—so much so that this year, Harvard University named her their Humanitarian of the Year.

This proves one very important lesson: regardless of where you come from and the life that you live, you are worthy and capable of attaining everything you’ve ever dreamed of.

There’s also something very powerful about seeing women who look like you and who care about the same things you do accomplish the unthinkable. It provides a sense of empowerment that you otherwise wouldn’t experience.

Cherry Red Rosette Silk-lined Head Wrap

The woman who wears head wraps might be a free spirit who’s into holistic health and social issues, but she could very well love binge watching Scandal and Love and Hip Hop. And there’s nothing wrong with that.

The woman with straight weave that passes her waist might love shopping for the latest fashion trends, but she could very well be a news junkie who loves listening to political podcasts. There’s nothing wrong with that either.

What matters is that all women develop positive self identities and feel confident in who they are —even if who they are doesn’t align with what society has deemed as acceptable, beautiful or valuable.

It’s easy to acknowledge certain women as standards for #BlackExcellence. But from Rihanna to Michelle Obama and everyone in between, every woman has a powerful story to share. A story that leaves other women empowered to live their best lives. A story that makes women understand that they are not alone. A story that instills hope, joy and sisterhood among the hopeless.

We all have purposes to fulfill, and we’re all worth the effort it takes to support and uplift one another. So go out there and be excellent… and help a sister (or two) along the way.

Who are your models of #BlackExcellence? Share with us in a comment below!