It’s No Longer a Boy’s Club, 103 Collection Founder Melinda Herron is Here to Change the Narrative with her Men’s Grooming Products
Founder of 103 Collection, Melinda Herron is one of a few in her industry. As a woman, in the male dominated men’s grooming category, she has a chip on her shoulder and is determined to infiltrate the proverbial ‘boy’s club’. Launching in 2019, the leaping bunny certified brand quickly grew a cult following for its unisex skin care, and soon became noticed by retail giants including Target.
As a Licensed Cosmetologist and Master Hairstylist, Melinda is well versed on beauty and grooming products. After a couple of years of nurturing her then struggling lifestyle brand, she saw the need to integrate beard care – and this changed the game! Not only did men begin to gravitate towards the brand because the products were healthy, vegan and affordable, but the word began to spread that 103 was owned by a woman. This dynamic has continued to position the brand as a major player in grooming. Melinda is super excited to open the door to this boy’s club and show how a woman can be just as successful!
We caught up with Melinda to ask her about her entrepreneurial journey and to see what it’s like entering into a male dominated industry.
Why did you decide to create beard care items?
My inspiration to add beard care products into our collection was our consumers. Trust me this wasn’t easy because I don’t have a beard and my husband didn’t either at the time. I wanted to create a product that would smell amazing, add shine and support beard growth. My husband began to grow his beard and after trying several other products, he would experience split ends, dry patches on under the beard, split ends and shedding. My focus at that point was not only to develop a product that smelled great but also focus on call outs like sensitive skin, soothing and sealing in moisture. I believe men need a product that would remedy all these issues and check all the boxes of clean beauty.
My years as a cosmetologist provided me with the knowledge of knowing exactly what would garner amazing results. I then had to asked myself, why would a man want to grow a beard? I looked at it from the same perspective as to why women want thick healthy hair. We all want to look good and feel good and having a healthy beard just makes you feel confident inside and out. I was able to apply those same ideas and create vegan beard care for all hair types. My goal is to provide beard care products that a man will love but a woman would love more.
What is it like to be a woman in a male dominated product industry?
The best way to describe being a woman in this male dominated industry is defined in one word, confidence. I pride myself on my knowledge as an entrepreneur that I can give the customer what they want. I don’t make excuses, I show up everyday to do better than I did the day before.
It’s clear that Melinda’s hard work and dedication is paying off. This month, the brand’s beard care items launched on Target.com. Other items can be found at 103Collection.com.
The Latest Beauty & Lifestyle Launches We Can’t Wait to Spend Our Coin On!
Its the time when we start switching out our winter beauty products for ones more suitable for warmer temperatures. For many this can prove to be a hassle, the good products can be hard to find, pricey, and spending more than $100 on products can just seem unreasonable. But, if we’re being honest, sometimes, splurging is okay! While many have discovered dupes for the brands that offer amazing results, sometimes there’s nothing like the original! Like many say, you pay for quality, and when it comes to beauty and lifestyle products, this is true the majority of the time. Though it may initially seem like a pain, costly products tend to have nicer/Instagram worthy packaging, cleaner ingredients, better or more timely results and so much more. So, if you’re someone who is interested in stepping their beauty game up stick around. We’ve curated a list of our favorite March beauty launches that are worth your coin and will leave you needing more!
ASEVIDA Vitamin C Adaptogen Serum
Reverse the signs of aging, firm, brighten and even out the tone of your skin with the launch of this Asevida Vitamin C Adaptogen Serum! Powered by extremely effective ingredients including Vitamin C, and enhanced with collagen promoting actives such as Seaweed, Hyaluronic Acid, Plant Stem Cells & Peptides, your skin will show signs of youth and health in no time.
ExfoliKate™ Resurfacing Body Scrub
This 3-in-1 body scrub will help you achieve spa results at home, that are safe for the skin and worth every penny! Like the bright orange tube it comes in, this exfoliant has been formulated to leave the body smooth, glowing and bright! With this product you’ll be able to target dead skin, dry areas, and improve the texture through its ability to act as a scrub, peel and mask. In addition, the products makeup of transformative ingredients including Lactic acids, fruit enzymes, pumice and natural oils will instantly leave your skin baby smooth after just 1 use.
Sierra's Secrets' Bo$$ Up Babe Palette curated by Beauty Mogul & Love & Hip -Hop Atlanta Star is a makeup product so many of us have been waiting on! This palette is simply beautiful on the inside and out. Packaged in an Instagram worthy pink case that instantly draws the eye, you won’t be surprised with what’s inside! Ranging from gorgeous hues of nudes, pinks and metallic golds, Boss Up Babe has shades that may add the pop your makeup routine needs! With 18 eyeshadow shades to choose from you will be able to put together looks that help you express yourself and bring out the most beautiful and confident version of yourself!
With warmer seasons approaching, this black owned brand has released several scents that will match the weather and create amazing vibes in any setting. These vegan candles are known for their strong scents, burn time and most importantly, their fragrance notes! With notes of fruits, plants, spices and so many more breathtaking smells, rooms will instantly be transformed and hard to forget.
Noble Panacea The Exceptional Chronobiology Sleep Mask
Although pricey, this form of skin are is worth the purchase as it elevates skincare to a whole new level. Enjoy the benefits of a deep skin treatment while receiving rest with this newly released chronobiology sleep mask. Encased in this sleek, sophisticated and compact container is a form of skin care that will transform your routine forever! Crafted with advanced science and technology, witness the results of the product working in synergy with your skins natural biorhythm of reconstruction and wake up with a face that is visibly more firm, radiant, moisturized and restored.
The Athena Club Soft Face Wipes is a product we never knew we needed! These reimagined face wipes provide the easy removal of makeup, due to the textured surface, and have the added plus of nourishing your skin. Unlike your average makeup wipes, these products are cruelty free, made with ingredients suitable for all skin types and strives keep the health of your complexion in mind. Infused with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and several other vitamins your skin will not only be left feeling clean and fresh, but glowing, moisturized and bouncy!
One of the newest skincare drops comes from YANY Beauty! A brand that promotes healthy, happy skin and offers products for all skin tones, types and ages. The new line includes several amazing products that are not only good for the skin but the planet! Ranging from toners, masks, serums, peels and cleansers these products have been specially crafted with nourishing and refreshing botanicals that your skin will absolutely love.
With warm weather right around the corner, hair removal will be at an all-time high, which also means pesky ingrowns may be as well. Thankfully, Fur has released a powerful, soothing and cruelty free serum that can be used anywhere prone to ingrowns! If you’re a fan of their best-selling ingrown treatment you’ll love this serum as it’s the same popular formula, repackaged in a sleek, sustainable glass bottle! Curated with key ingredients like Willow Bark Extraxt, Aloe and Lactic acid, this formula not only eliminates ingrowns but brightens uneven skin tone, clears oils buildup, and works to prevent future ingrown hairs from reappearing.
Sol de Janeiro Beija Flor Elasti-Cream
This March, Sol de Janeiro is releasing another body cream that will surely live up to the hype! If the name isn’t telling enough, this cruelty free and vegan friendly cream has been crafted to boost elasticity, visibly plump, deeply hydrate and replenish skin. Packed with nourishing ingredients and clinically proven to boost collagen, you will be able to watch your skin transform, and feel the difference!
Meet the Black Woman Who’s Revolutionizing Skin Care with Her K-Beauty Brand for People of Color
KoKo Rose Beauty is the first black owned K-Beauty skin care brand! Founder, Charlo “Koko” Greene, spent years traveling to Korea researching and working with beauty chemists to create a K-beauty line that’s beneficial to people with melanated skin. A long time sufferer of acne the founder has found a way to help others have healthy and beautiful skin while continuing to be a serial entrepreneur and businesswoman.
After being asked ‘what’s wrong with your face’ by a high school crush and made to feel insecure about her skin, Charlo “KoKo” Greene suffered a lack of confidence for years. Throughout adulthood she continued to struggle with acne and was ultimately led on a personal journey to find better skincare.
Koko became obsessed with understanding skincare and she soon developed a keen appreciation for K-Beauty. She was so passionate, she traveled to South Korea multiple times, spending months at a time. Her extensive research led her to create products specifically engineered for skin with melanin, focusing specifically on the PH balance and being 100% clean! The brand’s commitment to quality skincare in unwavering. Koko says, “We will eventually force the entire skincare industry to level up and respect the differences that make melanin-rich skin unique when it comes to black and brown skincare.”
Today, Koko Rose revolutionary skincare products are receiving extraordinary reviews! Since the launch in May of 2021, the brand already has an overall review rating of 4.7 and two standout products – Rose Bomb O.G. Clarifying & Brightening Oil and Baby Face Formula Brightening & Exfoliating Essence. When asked how peers in the industry have reacted to the brand, Greene says, “My peers in the skincare space are all fans of K-Beauty because of the innovation and efficacy and they’re incredibly excited to see that POC will have true representation in the K-Beauty space…"
With great success on the horizon, founder Charlo Greene continues to pursue her mission to “call out bad science and black-face skincare money grabs” while empowering and restore confidence in women of color. Keep up with “Koko” via Instagram and learn more about the brand by visiting www.KoKoRose.com.
These Shampoos Are the First Step in Maintaining Dry, Thirsty Hair
‘Wash day’. - Many women with textured hair hear this phrase and are plagued with flashback of lengthy detangling processes, sore arms from endless combing and the many products they have tried in order to get what they deem a desirable outcome. For some this is an all-day process that takes time, effort and most importantly, patience. Regardless of your hair type, keeping your strands manageable and well maintained within an ideal time frame is desired, however so many have settled for wash days that could be so much more efficient!
Although wash day is a lengthy job, cleansing your hair correctly is the first step to making sure your hair can be more manageable in the future! One of the most important steps when it comes to wash day is having a good, consistent routine. A great step by step that we swear by includes pre-pooing, clarifying the scalp with a great shampoo, conditioning the strands, gently detangling, and stylizing as desired. The next and arguably most important step, is finding a good shampoo for you. It is important that this product not only clarifies your scalp and strands but doesn’t strip the natural oils from your curls. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done. But don’t worry we’ve got your back!
With so many shampoos to choose from, we have gathered some of the most effective and loved shampoos, along with a few that have managed to stay undercover. You no longer have to worry about dry, tangled strands on your next wash day because these shampoos are the key to improving your hair care routine!
Dove Daily Moisturizing Shampoo
It is a common fact that Dove keeps skin well - nourished and moisturized. However, because their skin line is so popular, many fail to realize how restorative their hair care products are as well! The Dove Daily Moisturizing shampoo is great for gently tackling damaged strands, creating a more manageable mane and infusing each one of your tresses with moisture. The shampoo is packed with bio – nourish complex, which means you don’t have to worry about seeing or feeling results!
Carols Daughter Wash Day Delight
If detangling time is one of your concerns during wash day you may enjoy the benefits of the Carols Daughter Wash Day Delight Shampoo. Formulated to reduce wash time, decrease detangle time, and avoid over drying. This product is affordable and gets the job done. Users will be ecstatic to find that their hair is not only easier to cleanse, but handle afterwards as well!
J’Organics Growth – Plus Hydrating shampoo
Say goodbye to dry, brittle hair with the usage of this product! This sulfate and paraben free shampoo is perfect for bringing curly hair types back to life. Filled with natural ingredients this shampoo works well to cleanse strands, nourish the scalp, promote cell growth, reduce damage and can be used on a daily basis. ndividuals products that get the job done at an affordable rate and show amazing results. This shampoo in particular offers high quality results. Reducing frizz, protects hair from everyday stresses, and nourishes strands.
CurlDaze Silky Hydration Cream Shampoo
This Curldaze hydrating shampoo will change your wash day routine forever! Packed with Vitamins A,E C, Kukui Oil, and agave this product will remove dirt from your hair without stripping it of its natural moisture. Best for curly hair types, you will be able to watch your coils transform into beautiful hydrated tresses with the added benefit of shine and softness.
Camille Rose has a great reputation for creating amazing products for curly hair and this shampoo is another one of them! Enjoy the sensation of peppermint when clarifying your scalp, while infusing your strands with a hydrating blend of honey and aqua. This shampoo is strong enough to remove dirt and build up without stripping the nutrients that will help your curls prosper. In the end you will be left with a stimulated scalp, strengthened and cleansed strands!
Dr. Miracles Non- Stripping Detox Shampoo
If you’re just coming out of a protective style or haven’t washed your hair in a while your wash day may be a bit more challenging. From guck that just won’t budge, and dry tresses, there is a lot you may have to tackle. Thankfully, Dr Miracles has a shampoo that will not only moisturize but give your mane a clean slate. Unlike most detoxifying products, this shampoo removes up to 95% of dirt and build up without making your hair feel dry, tangled and hard to manage. Crafted with Aloe Vera, Honey, and coconut water, your hair will also receive a soothing and nourishing treatment that will leave you with optimal results.
Maui Moisture Strength & Anti-Breakage + Agave Shampoo
Moisture isn’t in the brand name for no reason. This specific Maui Moisture shampoo is infused with agave, pineapple extract, and hibiscus, the perfect blend of ingredients to create a gentle but powerful shampoo. This product is incredibly reparative. Not only will this blend moisturize your strands, but help increase elasticity and help resist strands breakage!
Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair Moisturizing Shampoo
For those with dry, damaged hair who want a deep cleansing experience with superior hydrating and repair benefits. 95% Naturally-Derived, Vegan & Cruelty-Free. Easily battle dry tresses with algae extract which protects hair from damage, biotin that enhances the hair shaft and panthenol, known for enhancing moisture retention!
We’re Checkin’ for These Black Owned Skin Care Brands in 2022, and Always!
There hasn’t always been a variety of quality skin care fit for women of color. It could also be argued that nobody understands a person of colors skin like a person of color themselves.
Whether products didn’t contain ingredients to improve darker skin, or the messaging completely ignored women of color, It’s safe to say there has always been a gap until recently. Thankfully, due to brands vowing to be more inclusive, and the boom of black beauty founders, the is a wide array of brands that cater to women of color.
From hyperpigmentation, to dark spots, finding was to tackles these issues have proven to be a pain. Especially if the products you’re using haven’t been made with darker skin tones in mind. With the beauty industry growing at a rapid pace, it can be challenging to keep up with the latest brands. So we’ve tested dozens of skin care brands and picked our latest favorites.
These black owned skin care brands have made it easier for women of color to find products fit for them, and made by them!
1. Cota Skin
This Black owned skin care brand has been taking the self- care world by storm. COTA was created with the mission to make skincare innovative while remaining committed to providing the perfect skin care regimen to individuals of all skin care types. Their products have been specifically crafted to help tackle some of the most stubborn issues including dry/oily skin, eczema, acne/blemishes, etc. They also contain popular ingredients known for producing positive skin results such as vitamins, retinol, oils and hyaluronic acid!
KoKo Rose is one of the latest beauty brands we’ve fallen in love with! This K-Beauty brand is made especially for people of color while providing the benefits of Korean skin care products. Backed by science, these products have been specially formulated to keep PH Balances and all of the unique aspects of melanated skin in mind. Not only is their packaging Instagram-worthy but the results are remarkable!
Key ingredients include leaf waters, bakuchiol, lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, jojoba and grape seed oils.
Standout products are the Rose Bomb O.G. Clarifying & Brightening Oil and Baby Face Formula Brightening & Exfoliating Essence
3. KNC Beauty
KNC Beauty, created by Kristen Noel Crawley was founded with the intention to create skin care products that are not only helpful, but fun to use! The line consists of products including exfoliating lip scrubs made with moisturizing oils, retinol infused eye masks, oil infused lip balms and collagen infused lip masks. All of which are perfect for a pre makeup routine and even self- care days!
This black owned skin care line is taking skin care to a new level! Akuwa was founded by Precious Gabriel, a Nigerian – Liberian who found a passion in skin care while battling her own skin concerns. Like many she too felt the struggles of struggling to find what worked best with her, so she took it upon herself to create a line of clean, cruelty free toxic free, fragrance free, earth conscious and effective products suitable for all skin types! The products focus on common issues including dark marks, hyperpigmentation, acne and have been proven to work on a variety of skin types, tones and textures.
If you’re looking for a Black owned skin care brand that focuses on highlighting vegan and plant- based beauty products, 103 collection has an amazing line to test out! The brand prides themselves on finding sustainable ingredients that are also efficient when it comes to improving skin and being safe for individuals who tend to be more sensitive. Experience healthy skin with high quality products from the brand including an antioxidant moisturizer, vegan facial scrub or vegan toner.
Bolden USA Skincare was created by two sister in-laws with the passion to create high quality skin care products for women of color. With the goal to empower women with skin like theirs, they formulated a number of products including a brightening glycolic acid toner, a clear skin clay mask, and nighttime repair serum to name a few. All of which contain some of the best ingredients such as aloe vera, licorice root extract and Vitamin B5.
7 Foundations for Women of Color
For years women of color have struggled to find beauty products that are suitable for our skin tones. But one of the most difficult issues that so many have encountered is finding the perfect foundation. From companies not making shades for our skin tones, to other foundations leaving dull finishes, the hunt to find a good match can seem defeating. However, over the past few years the makeup world has proven to become more inclusive, bringing more hope to those who felt left out before. Brands large and small have taken it upon themselves to expand their offerings, creating foundation shades fit for a wide range of skin and under tones. Although there has been progress, finding the perfect foundation shade can still be a bit of a challenge. So, we have taken the time to research the best foundations for women of color and found something for everyone! Weather you prefer full coverage, glowy or dull finishes, or foundations that appear like you aren’t wearing any makeup at all, there is something for you on this list! We hope this aids you in finding the perfect match!
Anastasia Beverly Hills Foundation
Anastasia Beverly Hills Luminous Foundation is the perfect product for makeup gurus who love to stay active! This water-resistant formula keeps makeup intact and looking seamlessly radiant all day! The Anastasia Beverly Hills liquid foundation provides long wear medium coverage, appears smooth, feels weightless on the skin and blurs imperfections, resulting in beautiful complexions for all 50 shades available!
NARS Natural Radiant Foundation
This is NARS first ever 16-hour, long wear foundation! This lightweight formula provides high coverage while maintaining a gorgeous natural look. Made with ingredients including apple, raspberry and watermelon extracts, this foundation aids in the smooth appearance of skin instantly and overtime. The specialized skin matching technology will ensure the best match for all skin tones, resulting in a radiant, flawless finish for all who find the foundation suitable!
Yany Beauty Perfect Shade Liquid Foundation
The Yany Beauty Perfect Shade Liquid Foundations are amazing for those who are looking for foundations that result in a glowy finish while still giving medium to full, buildable coverage! This product leaves the skin looking health and radiant with a dewy finish, all while remaining breathable.
There’s no need to worry about finding a good foundation match any longer! Made specifically for darker skin tones, the Mented cosmetics foundation comes in a number of shades fitting for women of color in all shades. These shades are ultra-hydrating, lightweight and able to provide good coverage while remaining to appear natural.
RiRi made her popular foundation with all skin types in mind! The Pro Filt’r Soft Matte foundation is a long wear formula created to instantly give skin the smoothed out, pore free look. Not only is the formula oil free but made with climate adaptive activity that aids in resisting humidity and perspiration! And as if it couldn’t get any better, it is available in 50 shades, so everyone can look picture perfect in person!
Milani Screen Queen Foundation
For those of you who desire lighter makeup coverage, look no further! The Milani Screen Queen Foundation is the perfect formula created to give individuals the effortlessly flawaless appearance of skin that so many desire.
Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Foundation
This foundation tackles issues that so many beauty gurus face on a day to day basis. The Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Foundation has been created to last for 24 hours, provide a matte finish, water-proof, resist heat, sweat and humidity, and hides imperfections. Although it’s long wear, the formula is lightweight on skin and easy to blend. The foundation easily covers blemishes and unifies uneven skin tones. With more than 50 shades to choose from this foundation is sure to aid any beauty lover in creating the perfect face!
These Eco Friendly Beauty Tools will make your routine more sustainable
By now, it is no surprise that our planet has suffered from the immense amount of pollution it’s been exposed to. When looking at this, it’s easy to place the blame things like gas emission or individuals who blatantly litter. However, as hard as it is to face, many of our daily habits contribute to the problem too. The majority of go-to beauty products are filled with toxins that can cause serious harm to the eco system when released and several disposable items are harmful to the eco system. Even some of the cleaner beauty brands cause a threat to our planet due to the usage of packaged products that are not bio-degradable or made from recycled materials. For many, the negative impact their favorite beauty products have on the earth seems unavoidable. We get it! It’s hard to just give up a product you’ve become so accustomed to. And, in efforts to do our part to educate our readers on ways to contribute to a cleaner atmosphere, we’re introducing some amazing tools that you can feel good about using while staying true to your beauty regimen!
Beauty Done Right Ice Dice $64.99
The Ice Dice is the perfect product for individuals suffering from a range of skin problems. These include irritated, swollen, puffy, oily skin types along with many others. This product increases blood flow, provides comforting relief and can even relax the muscles in the face. Not only does it provide amazing results but its sustainable! The Ice Dice can be reused multiple times and requires very little maintenance!
Eco Roots Safety Razor $36.50
This eco-friendly razor is a must have! Most razors require refills every 5 to 7 shaves. This can be very hard on the planet as most of them are disposed of incorrectly and are made of materials that are difficult to breakdown. However, the eco roots razor is plastic free, high quality and reusable.
Daily Concepts Bio-Cotton Makeup Removers $12.00
Products like makeup removers and pads can be very hurtful to our environment and take a toll on your bank account. However, these reusable cotton makeup remover pads are a game changer! These vegan makeup pads are made from bio cotton, which is grown organically and more sustainable than regular cotton. The pads can be used with any makeup remover or water and can be used reputedly as long as they are washed properly!
Quip Reusable Floss $25.00
Just like any other plastic, dental floss can be harmful to the eco system. Not only can it take up to 50 years to decompose, but some studies show that it may even expose users to harmful chemicals. If your someone who doesn’t believe in the risk of reusable dental floss, Quip has the perfect alternative. The refillable pod reduces plastic waste, the handle is long lasting, and the product is vegan friendly/SLS-free.
Eco Tools Bio blender makeup Sponge $5.99
This is the perfect tool for the beauty gurus who are looking to become eco-friendlier! The Bio Blender is a biodegradable makeup sponge created with clean ingredients to provide users with beautiful, flawless and harmless makeup results.
Sonia Roselli Tigers Eye Brush Soap $22.00
Anyone who uses makeup understands the importance of keeping their brushes and sponges clean. While there are a number of brands that have created strong soaps to remove hard to get makeup from our brush bristles, they may not be the best for the planet. For individuals with those concerns, worry no more! The Sonia Roselli Tiger eye soap is made with natural disinfectants including honey and tea tree oil. With this product you can eliminate any residue from your makeup tools without using the harmful chemicals that not only put you, but our planet in jeopardy!
Ilia Beauty Makeup Brushes $24 - $42
These Ilia Beauty makeup brushes are the perfect eco-friendly tools to beat your face with! Not only are they vegan and cruelty free, they have been crafted using aluminum and certified wood. Each brush is easy to clean and can be safely recycled!
Mount Lai Gua Sha Face Lifting Tool $28.00
The Gua Sha face lifting tool has recently been taking the internet by storm. This traditional Chinese contraption can be used to firm skin, reduce puffiness, and lift the face over time by performing simple gliding motions on a consistent basis. To make matters even better the Gua Sha is carbon neutral, reusable and will definitely upgrade any skin care routine!
Although it may not be easy, your personal beauty standards can still be upheld while protecting the environment. Eco friendly beauty tools like the ice dice, bio cotton makeup remover pads and Mount Lai’s Gua Sha are not only sustainable but provide awesome results as well. So not only will you look amazing, you will be reducing harm and giving the planet a break from horrible toxins!
Nickie Nougaisse’s Haitian Roots Inspired Her to Launch an All Natural Hair Care Brand and Take Pride in Her 4C Hair
Meet Nickie Nou, Founder of Curls Dynasty
Mother and beauty founder Nickie Nou (Nougaisse) returned to wearing her natural hair several years ago, but the journey was not as glamorous as some may think. Only a few years back, kinky hair was too commonly associated with negative terms like brillo pad, dry, or uncontrollable. Born in Haiti and always being a lover of nature, Nickie decided to help create a safe place for women with kinky hair and launch the all natural hair care brand, Curls Dynasty.
This brand is one of the newest emerging black woman owned hair care lines that’s made especially for hard to hydrate hair! Yes, those with super thick, kinky, curly hair have a brand they can depend on to make their hair soft, manageable and healthy!! The growth of Curls Dynasty has been exceptional but not without struggle. Nickie has experienced poverty, homelessness and racism, but didn’t let it stop her from building an empire and she credits her Haitian culture with her perseverance and determination!
When asked how her Haitian culture influences Curls Dynasty, Nickie said, “Haitians are very proud, resilient and we love nature. My culture has allowed me to inject ancestral pride into the brand. In Haiti, we are keenly aware of our roots, who we are, from the follicles of our hair to our toes.” The success of the brand in four years is remarkable and serves as a victory for Nickie as a Haitian women and triple minority.
Today Curls Dynasty is sold at Target and dozens of other beauty supply stores across the country.
10 Best Products to Define Type 4 hair
Maintaining 4c hair can be a struggle. The hair type tends to dry out quickly, it is prone to breakage and shrinkage may cause your tresses to appear up to 75% shorter in length. Another issue those with 4c hair run into is finding products to define its texture. If you’ve experienced any of these problems, check out this list. These products will help you retain moisture, length and get your 4c curls defined and popping!
1. The Doux Big Poppa Defining Gel
The Big Poppa defining gel is taking the curl world by storm! This one product solution for definition is long lasting and smells amazing! Big poppa is a water-based product created to keep hair frizz free, define all curl types and leaves hair soft and shiny.
2. Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enchaining Smoothie
Shea Moistures curl enhancing smoothie is enriched with natural ingredients that are perfect for your 4c hair. Ingredients such as coconut juice and oil condition the strands leaving them smooth and frizz free. This smoothie will leave your curls soft, bouncy and smelling amazing.
3. Uncle Funky’s Daughters Thirsty Curls
Keeping moisture locked in your hair is very important for maintaining 4c curls. If you’re a fan of the LOC method a good leave in conditioner is key. This spray revitalizes curls that have become frizzy and hydrates freshly washed hair. It works well with other products, is light and residue free.
This multipurpose gel will leave your 4c curls looking Amazing! Not only does the product smell great, it leaves your tresses moisturized and retaining length. The glossy shine gel can be used for braids, twist outs, wash and go’s and even laying your edges down!
5. Miss Jessie’s Curly Meringue
This Miss Jessie’s product is especially made for 4c girls! The cream focuses on eliminating Frizz and defining kinky, coily strands. The curly Meringue can be utilized to obtain the perfect 2 stand twists, puffs, and transitioning relaxed hair to its natural state!
6. As I Am Leave in Conditioner
The as I Am Leave in Conditioner is key to 4C styling. This product increases curl durability by 5%, makes detangling easier, and increases hair strands. The conditioner creates a more manageable mane and leaves your hair ready for any styling you wish to do!
7. Aunt Jackie’s Don’t Shrink – Elongating Curling Gel
If your hair is prone to shrinkage, this is a product you may need to try. This Elongating Curling Gel is packed with moisturizing conditioners such as flaxseed, she abutter and extra virgin olive oil. Not only do these ingredients ensure stretched hair and defined coils, they promote long term hair growth!
8. Rucker Roots Texture Styling Mousse
If you have 4c hair and need a good mousse, your search is over. Rucker Roots award winning Texture Styling Mousse was created for all hair types. The product is 100% vegan and packed with ingredients like Ginger *Turnip* Carrot Root Oils, which promotes healthier hair while keeping your strands in place.
9. Carols Daughter Hair Milk Refresher Spray
Keeping 4c curls looking fresh and new is essential. This spray helps your coils go from frizzy and old to looking redefined and moisturized. Packed with agave, natural oils and vitamins, the spray penetrates your strands, resulting in healthy, refreshed curls.
10. Curl Dynasty Twisted Definition Twisting Cream
The Curl Dynasty Twisted Definition Twisting Cream is a must try! This product works best on those with thicker hair textures (3c-4c). The cream consists of marshmallow and ginger root, Shea and Aloe. All ingredients which are great for defining each curl, leaving them light, shiny and full of bounce while also giving your tresses the nutrients it needs.
Six Oils That Will Upgrade Your Natural Hair Journey!
Six Oils That Will Upgrade Your Natural Hair Journey!
Whether you’re a natural or not, keeping your hair moisturized is extremely important! One easy way to do this is using a good hair oil! The benefits of keeping your hair oiled regularly include hair growth, nourished hair and less breakage. If you have damaged, dry or slow growing hair you may want to try a serum that contains natural oils. However, finding the perfect oil for your hair comes with many challenges. Some oils are too thick, others are too runny and some just don’t give your hair the results you want.
With all of that criteria kept in mind we’ve gathered six oils we believe everyone should try! Each one contains the best oils for healthier hair. These include coconut oil, which is rich in carbohydrates and minerals essential for strengthening hair, argan oil, a great natural hair protectant and castor oil, great for diminishing hair loss. The oils mentioned are great for all hair types and works for a range of styles to wash n go’s to box braids. Check out who what brands made our list below!
The Mane Choice Multi-Vitamin Scalp Nourishing Growth Oil
This oil is a natural oil blend made exclusively for the scalp. Formulated to help revitalize and rejuvenate, our revitalizing oil is powerful, yet gentle enough to be used daily.
Mylons Hair Strengthening Tonic
This hair strengthening tonic is a light and quickly absorbed formula made specifically for your hair. It penetrates the hair shaft, adds protection, eliminates frizz, and prevents damage while adding weightless shine. This unique and all-natural tonic creates maximum strength to benefit your hair.
Curls Blueberry Bliss Hair Growth Oil
Did you know that Blueberry Extract is proven to repair and restore damaged hair, prevent breakage and increase hair growth? Formulated with certified organic Blueberry Extract, Pomegranate Seed, Argan and Gardenia Flower Oil PROVEN to GROW, REPAIR, PROTECT, and RESTORE damaged tresses.
This hair Growth Oil is specially formulated with 100% organic essential oils that promotes hair growth and makes your hair reach its highest quality as it helps your hair to attain fullness and thickness which in turn leaves you with that shiny, long and healthy mane you have always desired.
Carols Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture & Shine Pure Hair Oil
This deep treatment oil adds a layer of moisture to dry, dull, brittle hair to replenish and maintain hair’s natural balance. The blend of Calendula and Chamomile Extracts and Safflower Oil work to make hair softer and more flexible so it’s easier to style with a high-shine finish. Perfect as a pre-shampoo or hot oil treatment in the shower for deeper conditioning and extra hydration.
Shea Moisture Jamaican black Castor Oil Strengthen and Restore Serum
This intensive oil serum is perfect for those who regularly straighten, perm or heat style their hair. Packed with intensive hydration, it effectively penetrates to treat the scalp and each hair strand with nutrients, minerals and vitamins, bringing damaged or chemically processed hair back to life.
These are the Best 5 Edge Controls to Keep Your Baby Hair Laid this Summer
Braids, ponytails and buns are not complete without your edges being laid, but this look can be hard to achieve it you don’t know the basic tips. From how to make the perfect baby hair swoops to choosing the right product for your hair type, there are a few details to know that can make laying your baby hairs much easier. Now we can’t give you a complete tutorial about all of the different methods, but with a good baby hair brush and an edge control, even a newbie can get flawless edges.
The most important thing to consider is finding the perfect product. Whether you like a soft or firm hold, there are plenty to choose from. But for hot summer days, we think firm holds work the best! Gels that flake, look greasy and have your edges lifting in under 30 minutes are much too common, so we did the homework for you and tested several on the market. From brands that’ve been around for years, to one’s you may have never heard of, here are our top 5 edge controls that live up to their promise of sleek, non-flaky, and laid edges!!
1.
This edge gel is bomb! This product is packed with essential oils such as lavender, rosemary and peppermint, perfect for stimulating growth. Not to mention it keeps your edges laid, sleek, and shiny!
2.
If you’re looking for a lightweight edge gel that will keep your edges snatched during the day, you’ve found your match! This product is ideal for wet and dry hair of all types and has the strong hold that many of us look for in an edge gel.
3.
Promote healthy hair and look good at the same time? Yes please! This salon quality pomade retains moisture while rejuvenating the hair follicles. The gel is paraben free, never flakes and is super easy to wash out!
4.
If you have hard to manage hair this is the product for you! This gel has a thicker consistency, ideal for laying coarser hair down. The product provides desired shine and keeps hair intact all in the matter of seconds!
5.
Want effortless looking edges? Check out curls blueberry paste. This soft hold gel is great for the natural baby hair look and defining curls. Unlike many others, this lightweight product doesn’t leave your hair feeling stiff. Not only is the product easy to use, it smells like blueberries!
Black Beauty Influencers That We Love
By: Sandy Pierre
If you’re anything like me, you often find yourself binge watching beauty YouTubers and influencers into the night to learn the latest makeup tricks, hair care brands, and tips on how to enhance your look. That’s why our team at PYNK decided to share this list of our favorite girls:
@tiffbenson
Tiff Benson is the founder of the Fragrance Society, a global community of fragrance lovers. As one of Sephora’s global ambassadors, she keeps us up-to-date on the best beauty brands. Her mission is to educate, entertain, and inspire people to live better – more beautiful, limitless lives.
@jackieaina
We love beauty YouTuber Jackie Aina for her OG beauty game. She keeps it honest, real, and is not afraid to call out the brands that are not chocolate-girl friendly.
@alissa.ashley
Not only is Alissa a bomb beauty YouTuber, she excels in photography. We always look forward to seeing how she slays a cat eye, skin care routines, inspired looks, as well as her amazing portraits.
@ellarie
Ellarie and her daughter, Zara are the perfect duo. Their hair tutorials and beauty trends are too cute. Ellarie helps you to kill a shadowy eye to the point where you’ll be thinking you’re a makeup artist.
@teairawalker
Teaira gives us all the tea on how to make drugstore makeup look as expensive and polished as the rest. She also teaches how to take your makeup look from day to night, and scores bonus points for her great fashion sense.
@monicastylemuse
Monica’s beauty reviewers often point out how hilarious she is. She tells it like it is and is honest about her imperfections. She’ll have you feeling confident in using the products she recommends, and you’ll love her sassy personality.
Four Tips to Help Combat Post-Partum Hair Loss
Written by Mia Cooley
During my pregnancy my hair had grown faster than I’d ever seen. It was retaining length, it was thick, and it was shiny. Why was it growing? I told everyone that the cheat code to healthy hair was to have a baby because, I can promise you, there was no shortage of stress while I was pregnant. No surge in healthy eating, and I wasn’t as consistent as I probably should’ve been with taking my vitamins and drinking water. Fast forward through all the fourth trimester bliss and not only was my infant going through a sleep regression, but my hair was going through its own regression phase. The post-partum shedding was real and didn’t start until my current toddler was five or six months old. I was literally edgeless. While my hair has grown back beautifully, this time a year ago was a struggle.
For many women, the state of our hair (it’s length, volume, style) are equated to our level of attractiveness, and our femininity. I don’t think I realized all that I had internalized over the years regarding my hair, and the vanity I carried with me because of it. Black women, especially, have an intricate relationship with our hair. The level of time and effort put into our hair from young ages to prove it can grow, the political statements we make with our hair, the community and sacred spaces that have manifested because of the relationship we have with our hair. All these things have built an industry valued at $2.5 billion. So, I think most Black women could understand that it wasn’t just hair for me. I’m still unpacking that, but I needed to address the hair loss.
Science says, post-partum hair loss is normal and that generally you get back to your regularly scheduled programming by month 12. I could throw some facts at you about growth phases like anagen and telogen, but no one really cares about the why. You’re here for the how to prevent it. Prior to the baby, I had it all figured out, but my hair regimen was anything but low maintenance. There were full days, sometimes two, dedicated to hot oil treatments, protein treatments, washing, deep conditioning, trimming, styling, shopping for and sampling products. My time and my money were dedicated to the health of my hair. Realistically, with a new baby I just didn’t have the time, the money, the patience to return to the regimen I once had.
Here’s what you can do:
1. Continue to Take Prenatal Vitamins. This doesn’t just go for my breastfeeding mommas. The prenatal multi-vitamin is full of all the good stuff, such as vitamins and minerals that keep your hair and nails growing (your skin glowing too).
2. Pay attention to your scalp. Healthy hair starts here. Make sure you’re keeping it moisturized and avoiding chemicals that can lead to burning and other damage.
3. Avoid Heat. It can cause further damage.
4. Adjust your styling. I had to change my low tension and low manipulation regimen to an EVEN LOWER tension and manipulation regimen. Which kind of worked out because I have no time to do hair with an infant attached to my boo or a toddler attached to my knee caps.
I had to treat my hair as fragile as it was. I basically just kept it clean and moisturized and kept it pushing. Don’t lose hope mommas, stress is not going to get you the results you want. Try and be patient. Reach out if you need encouragement because how you look impacts how you feel, and I remember not feeling the best during this transition.
Suffering From Dry Hair, We Found the Brand that Promises to Hydrate Your Curls
Finally deciding to go natural is a tough decision, but should be completely worth it if you’re using the right products. Being natural makes us want to feel free and work on our hair being as healthy as ever. However, one of the biggest concerns we often have is how dry and brittle our hair is during process. Finding products that actually keep your hair strong and hydrated isn’t easy. Most products say they can “moisturize” and help the overall quality of your hair, but do they really? What’s even harder is trying to use 10 different products on your hair to achieve the healthy curls you want.
Finding products that work for your hair and contain healthy ingredients isnt as hard as it used to be but many people still struggle with finding ones that have high quality ingredients and work for multiple hair types.
Fortify’d Naturals aims to bring light to the difference between “Moisturizing” and “Hydrating” and that with just 5 products they bring all of the hydration, moisture and protection your hair needs.
Growth Enhancing Moisture Therapy
Goal: Soothes itchy and irritated scalp, promotes hair growth
Key Ingredients: Linden Flower Extract, MSM Powder, Chamomile Flower Extract
Hydrating Leave-in-Conditioner
Goal: Hydrate, nourish and detangle
Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Tea Tree Essential Oil
Intense Hydrating Potion
Goal: Hydrate, style and define
Key Ingredients: 100% Unrefined Organic Shea Butter, Coconut Oil
Reconstructing Deep Conditioner
Goal: Strengthen, hydrate, and repair dry damaged hair
Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed Baobab Protein, MSM Powder
Sage Infused Black Soap Shampoo
Goal: Cleanse, clarify and restore
Key Ingredients: Black Soap, Sage
These certified vegan products are made for all curl types and textures to bring you soft, shiny hair. They include only high quality natural ingredients, are handmade daily, and include Fortify’d Naturals own revolutionary true hydration technology to effectively treat your hair! Putting your trust in Fortify’d Naturals to satisfy your hair needs might be the way to go this summer. Treat yourself, and treat your hair. You deserve it!
Learn more at https://www.fortifydnaturals.com/
Join the #HydrateYourCurls movement on Instagram: @fortifydnaturals
How the 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine Works + the Pros and Cons
When it comes to winning skin, there are levels to the layers.
Let's face it- as time goes by, beauty is a battle of upkeep. And when it comes to winning skin, there are levels to the layers. While the melanated woman has the upper hand on flawless skin (hashtag "Black Don't Crack)", that doesn't mean there aren't a few natural fault lines that come with time.
In comes the "Korean Skincare Routine" - a 10 step beauty regimen inspired by Korea's cultural, beauty obsession with healthy skin. The 10-step routine is supported by generations of scientific evidence and advancement, and has proven effective for healthier and smoother skin.
The secret in its success lies not only in the number of products, but the actual process. Yes, a huge part of this routine’s success is following all 10 steps, all in order, 2 times a day (morning and evening), unless stated else wise.
Without further ado, here are the 10 steps as commonly recommended to effectively carry out the “Korean Skincare Routine”
1. Oil cleanser - Step 1 of the two (2) step "cleansing process." Oil cleansers are great for makeup removal and at breaking down oil-based debris such as makeup, sunscreen and air pollutants that attach to your skin throughout the day. Lighter oils such as macadamia, jojoba and grape seed oils are recommended.
2. Foam/cream cleanser - Step 2/2 of the cleansing process. Removes water-based impurities that oil cleansers miss such as sweat and dirt. Some recommended ingredients in your cleanser should be green tea and rice extract.
3. Exfoliators- Helps remove hard to reach debris and dead skin. Removal of dead skin helps the skin to breathe better and absorb products more effectively. Exfoliation should be gentle, and only done 1-2 times a week, with a core focus on visibly open pores, the nose and cheeks. Sugar scrubs are a good natural alternative to salicylic and lactic acid-based products found in most exfoliators.
4. Toner - Toner is a mid-way reset in the 10-step process that helps to balance pH levels. Toner not only removes any leftover residue from cleansers but also re-moisturizes the skin, allowing for a better absorption of the products that will be used next. Using a cotton ball to dab or clean hands to "pat", apply products such as aloe or citric acid-based toner onto your face.
5. Essence - Essences are usually a concentrated blend of anti-aging and complexion-enhancing ingredients that you lightly pat onto your face and neck. Great, natural options include rice extract and hyaluronic acid.
6. Ampoule/Serum - Ampoules, serums and boosters are perfect for directly treating problem areas and they target skin specificities such as hyperpigmentation, acne and fine lines. All you need to do is to apply them directly to the problem areas of your skin. Ideal ingredients include tea tree, vitamin C and soybeans.
7. Sheet Mask - Masks are the core of the Korean skincare routine, and infuse skin with concentrated essence, providing maximum hydration and moisture. They can be used daily for particularly dry skin or as little as 2-3 times a week. They should be applied and "patted" onto the skin and left for 15-20 minutes. Ideal ingredients include cucumber, green tea and rose.
8. Eye Cream: Not all creams are created equal and those applied "around" the eyes are particularly special. The skin surrounding our eye is the thinnest and most delicate and requires special attention and treatment in order to minimize dark circles, crow's feet and puffiness. With your pinky, you should gently tap the product around your orbital bone while avoiding getting any product in your waterline.
9. Moisturizer: Be it lotion, gel, cream, etc., moisturizers help to hydrate and "plump" skin as well as smooth fine lines. Ideal ingredients include hyaluronic acid, bamboo, green tea, Cica and more. Due to varying skin types, you may have to figure out which moisturizers work best for your skin.
10. Sunscreen - Sunscreen protects your skin from damaging UV rays, helping to prevent premature skin aging and for some, skin cancer. Even if you plan to remain indoors most of the day, sunscreen should be applied in the morning and re-applied throughout the day (as needed). This should be your absolute last step in the morning portion of your routine, so it can shield your skin effectively but does not need to be performed before bedtime.
The Pros and Cons of the Korean Skincare Process:
Pro:
The “pro” to the 10-step Korean Beauty process is pretty straight forward: a healthy, glowing skin for the win. So, let’s move on to the not so pretty side of staying pretty.
Cons:
It’s time consuming - Any task that requires 10-steps to complete isn't necessarily time friendly. And between work life, home life and personal life, the Korean skincare routine isn't always the easiest thing to squeeze into one's jam-packed schedule.
It’s trial & error - No two "problematic" skins are created the same. Some people may suffer from excessively oily skin, and others may actually have sensitive skin, in which the more products, the less merrier. However, it's all trial and error until you get the right products for your skin. For example, oil-based cleansers may seem like a "no-go" for those prone to oily skin, but it is a very important, first step in the process. Not to mention, the remaining 9 steps will wash away any excess oil once it has performed its magic. There are also plenty of natural and organic ingredient swaps which might be good alternatives for people with sensitive skin.
It’s a splurge - More money, more products. With a 10-product list, things can get, well pricy. Even with natural swaps to replace pricier over-the-counter options, it's easy to go through products when 8 out of 10 the steps on your list are to be performed twice a day. Hey, no one said it would be cheap, but if done right, this routine is totally worth it.
It's tedious - Just because we may have the time to perform a “twice a day, 10-step beauty routine”, doesn't mean one always wants to. Staying dedicated to a demanding beauty regiment is not everyone's idea of fun and it’s easy to get discouraged especially if you can’t build up the discipline to stick to it.