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Audiobooks offer a great alternative to reading a book especially now that we have to be super intentional about how we allocate our time. Being read to reminds me of the days my mom would tuck me in and lull me to sleep with her southern and endearing voice reading my favorite books. Don't get me wrong, I love cracking open a book and enjoying the unique smell of the pages and the structure of the spine but lately, audiobooks have become a creative way to avoid the unnerving news cycle.
Whether you're listening during a road trip, during a workout, or during a self-care session, audiobooks allow you to simply listen and give your eyes a break. Throw on your headphones or turn your speakers up as you listen to these gems we have rounded up.
Click here to sign up or any of the links below to sign up for a free trial with Audiobooks.com and get your first three audiobooks for free!
'No One Is Coming to Save Us: A Novel' by Stephanie Powell Watts
Audiobooks
No One is Coming to Save Us is a great novel telling the story of a Black family and their varying takes on the American Dream. This fictional story reimagines The Great Gatsby in the Black south.
'I Almost Forgot About You' by Terry McMillan
Audiobooks
We don't deserve Terry McMillan – she's a literary gift to multiple generations. In this novel, she pens a story about a woman who has it all but still feels stuck. Terry takes you along the journey as Georgia finds herself and love.
'Becoming' by Michelle Obama
Audiobooks
Do we really need to tell you that Michelle Obama's Becoming is a must-have? In case you need a push, the memoir of the greatest First Lady of the United States won a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album in 2020. Her ability to be so candid about her life living at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue makes her even more charming.
'The Proposal' by Jasmine Guillory
Audiobooks
The Proposal– two words that weigh heavy on the hearts of so many women takes on a unique tale written by Jasmine Guillory. This New York Times Best Seller is a story about how a public proposal goes wrong. If you love romance, you'll love this audiobook.
'What We Lose' by Zinzi Clemmons
Audiobooks
Zinzi Clemmons' debut novel was deemed Novel of the Year by Vogue. It chronicles the the peaks and valleys of race, family and sex. The protaganist's life unfolds as she navigates how the life of her mother intersects with her own story of motherhood.
'White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism' by Robin Diangelo
Audiobooks
Anti-racism has become a hot topic since the murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and Geroge Floyd. We are sure you've seen this title on every 'How Not to Be Racist' list floating around social media. In the foreword by Michael Eric Dyson, he says the author is wise and withering. In the book, Robin says, "We live in a society that turns race over to people of color. They have a race, and we're just people. And so we see ourselves as outside of race."
'The Book of Night Women' by Marlon James
Audiobooks
Stories of women during slavery can be daunting, but Marlon James composed an empowering story of women who plan a slave revolt. It has trials and triumphs that don't play into the typical storyline of good and evil. The story is full of drama, violence, secrets and intense emotion.
'Queenie' by Candice Carty-Williams
Audiobooks
If Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Americanah and Helen Fielding's Bridget Jones's Diary had a baby, it would be Queenie. It's a funny, inspirational and wise tale about Queenie, a name given to her in hopes she would rule the world. Like many of us, she struggles with self-worth in all areas of her life. She finds herself exploring her definition of being a modern woman.
'This Will Be My Undoing: Living at the Intersection of Black, Female, and Feminist in (White) America' by Morgan Jerkins
Audiobooks
We can all relate in someway to the subtitle, "Living at the Intersection of Black, Female, and Feminist in (White) America." Take a listen to Morgan Jerkins' linked essays as she recounts being a black woman today. Morgan has earned her stripes as a raw, penetrative writer and her stories of our existence in this world is both chilling and affirming.
'Naughty & Nasty' by Sabrina B. Scales
Audiobooks
We just had to add an African-American erotica option to the roundup. This audiobook includes two novellas – one naughty and one nasty. It will definitely leave you wanting more.
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When it comes to creating a healthy scalp routine, it helps to know exactly what you’re up against so you know how to specifically treat it. Two of the most common concerns are dandruff and dry scalp. It can be tough to decipher which is which, but here’s a quick breakdown: dry scalp is caused by a lack of moisture in the skin, while dandruff is caused by an excess of oil and yeast buildup on the scalp. Knowing that both of these are big concerns, SheaMoisture released two separate product lines to address both issues: the Scalp Moisture collection and the Anti-Dandruff collection.
Needless to say, if you tend to experience dandruff then I’d recommend you try the Anti-Dandruff collection. However, my biggest concern has always been dry scalp. A lack of moisture on the scalp can be caused by several factors like weather, age, and hair products to name a few. I’ve noticed that when I use certain gels or skip out on a deep scalp cleanse, my roots feel itchy and dry nonstop, which is uncomfortable.
The only way to relieve the discomfort is to properly wash and moisturize my roots, so I tried the Scalp Moisture collection and this is what I thought.
Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
First, What’s In The Collection?
The Scalp Moisture collection is a four-product line that includes a pre-wash masque, a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, and a moisturizing scalp cream. Each product uses moisturizing and strengthening ingredients like aloe butter and vitamin B3 as active ingredients to provide eight times the moisture. Together, aloe butter and vitamin B3 work to restore dry and brittle hair, as well as add relief to the scalp.
Now, let’s break down each product…
Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
Scalp Moisture Pre-Wash Masque
The SheaMoisture Scalp Moisture Pre-Wash Masque may actually be the all-star of the collection. Using this deep conditioning masque is one of the best ways to target your dry scalp, restore hydration, and nourish your strands before shampooing.
I started by completely saturating my hair and scalp with water, then making small sections to apply the masque directly to the root. For my girls who have experience with relaxers and perms, it helps to apply the masque to your roots just like you would do with a relaxer. This way you can make sure you’ve covered as much of your scalp as possible while minimizing any breakage.
Pro tip: you can also use a color application brush to make this step easier.
After I completely covered my scalp, I massaged the product into my roots, used any excess on my strands, then left the masque in for 30 minutes. I was shocked by how moisturizing and clarifying my scalp and hair felt. One of the things that I love about the masque is the slip and how much softer it made my hair. While this is marketed as a scalp care product, it can completely transform your hair from dry and parched to completely hydrated.
In my opinion, the downside of this masque is that the quantity is too small for my liking. Truth be told, naturals go through deep conditioners faster than any other product (especially when it’s this good.) So SheaMoisture, if you’re reading this, we’d love a bigger jar.
Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
Scalp Moisture Shampoo
The SheaMoisture Scalp Moisture Shampoo is a gentle cleanser packed with the same moisture as the masque. The pearl-colored shampoo is lightweight with a serum-like consistency and a light and clean scent. The smell is pleasant, subtle, and not overbearing. When I applied the shampoo, I noticed immediately that it foams and lathers up very quickly, so less is more.
After applying the shampoo, I parted my hair and started at the roots to target as much of my scalp as possible. I recommend really taking the time to work the product and massage your scalp as much as possible.
Pro tip: using a scalp massager makes it easier and it feels amazing.
Once you start to massage your hair you’ll feel the product start to work. There’s a tingling sensation that might catch you off guard if you’re not used to it, but it’s not nearly as strong as other scalp products I’ve tried. I know some may not appreciate the sensation, but I loved it! My scalp felt clean, light, and breathable.
Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
Scalp Moisture Conditioner
Like the shampoo, the SheaMoisture Scalp Moisture Conditioner shares that pearly color and serum-like feel. It applies very easily while softening and moisturizing your hair. When I applied it to my hand, it gave my hands a lotion-like feel, which speaks volumes about its hydration capabilities. I also loved that the conditioner comes with a pump, instead of having to squeeze the product out – to me, it makes application easier.
I typically apply my conditioner to the ends first but because this is a scalp care product I started at the root and worked my way down to my ends. I did leave the conditioner in for ten minutes, although the bottle recommends leaving it in for three. The conditioner also provides that same breathable feel to your scalp. I honestly loved the relief.
Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
Scalp Moisture Cream
The SheaMoisture Scalp Moisture Cream is more of a daily relief product for your roots rather than your overall hair. It’s great for providing moisture and immediate relief to a dry and itchy scalp. Just like most of the collection, it gives a light and breathable feel – without the tingle. The applicator bottle targets specific parts of your scalp and makes applying easier.
Pro tip: I typically just squeeze the bottle to wherever I need the relief and use the tip to massage it into my scalp so it doesn’t mess up the hairstyle.
Overall, SheaMoisture’s scalp care line lives up to its claims – it moisturizes, strengthens, and provides immediate scalp relief. I definitely recommend trying the Scalp Moisture collection for an affordable way to treat itchy and dry scalp.
Featured image by Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
