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Gabrielle Union's 50th Birthday In Zanzibar Was Everything
Another day, another Black woman defies aging. But this time, we’re zoomed in on Gabrielle Union. The award-winning actress stumped everyone after celebrating her 50th birthday on October 29. In a couple of IG posts, the mom of one revealed that she was “Walkin Into 50… Like A Champion” wearing a black and gold Mugler dress.
In her next Instagram post, the Being Mary Jane star shared the deets surrounding her epic surprise 50th birthday party. As a part of their Wade World Tour, Gabrielle, Dwyane Wade, and their family flew to Zanzibar, Tanzania for an unforgettable vacation. But the actress didn’t know just what her hubby had in store for her.
“I’m still processing the level of effort and planning that went into pulling off such an unbelievable 50th birthday party in Zanzibar Tanzania and keep the details a surprise from my nosy self,” the birthday girl wrote. “I’m beyond grateful for all of my loved ones who flew around the world to celebrate with me.”
Gab thanked her husband Dwyane, her event planner, and others for giving her a surprise of a lifetime, which included an exceptional performance by singer Lisa Velez of Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam. “How @dwyanewade @ronndarocksevents @dauniedaune got THE @lisalisall77 to come all this way to perform was unreal,” she said. “Thank you Lisa for being so amazing to my Mom & reminding me that your childhood heroes can turn out to be as lovely as you imagined them.”
She added, “I’m just floating on gratitude and to know this is just our 1st stop on the #wadeworldtour2022 🌍 Edition, I’m the happiest seasoned gal around.”
Gabrielle has worked in Hollywood for over three decades. She guest appeared in several ‘90s sitcoms like Moesha and Sister, Sister and starred in beloved films like Bring It On, Think Like a Man and Think Like a Man Too, Bad Boys II, and more. Entering the industry as a model who ventured into acting, we have witnessed the growth of her star power thanks to her speaking out on issues in Hollywood such as racial discrimination and more recently the anti-LGBTQ bill.
She has also ventured outside of Hollywood to pursue other avenues such as publishing her two books We’re Gonna Need More Wine and You Got Anything Stronger? And launching her hair care line Flawless.
Gabrielle shares a birthday with Tracee Ellis Ross who also turned 50.
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Featured image by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for FLC
This New Scalp Care Line Is Exactly What Your Wash Days Need
This post is in partnership with SheaMoisture.
When it comes to healthy hair care, there are a few things that will help you achieve healthy strands: a healthy hair care regime, hydration, consistent treatments, and scalp care. While scalp care is one of the most neglected practices, it is also one of the most important. Why? Because it helps promote healthy hair growth, clear hair follicles, and remove build-up.
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
White Noise, Brown Noise, Pink Noise, Which Sleep Sounds Are Best For You?
It seems like the older we get, the harder it is to fall asleep and wake up feeling refreshed.
Most people have found support in drifting off through background soundscapes that provide the perfect soundtrack to their slumber. With silence being a playground for our minds to wander into the endlessness of the night, pressing play to the sound of rain, a quiet storm, or the soothing static of white noise can be just enough noise to settle us into a deep, calming sleep.
Incorporating calming sounds like raindrops, high frequency, or gentle melodies into your sleep routine can guide you into a state of relaxation that can give scrolling on your phone a run for its money. By listening to these sounds before sleep, you can unwind from the stresses of the day and create a peaceful environment that’ll prep your mind and body for the best night’s rest.
But with so many sounds out there to choose from, which one is right for you? Each sound serves a different purpose but will land you into the slumber of your dreams, so to help you get there, we’ve put together a list of the best sleep sounds to lull you to sleep.
White Noise:
White noise is a soundscape you might be most familiar with. The sound contains all frequencies within the range of human hearing in equal amounts. It is often described as a "humming" sound that has a consistent and uniform quality — creating a steady and continuous sound that effectively masks other sounds in the environment. It’s pretty similar to what babies hear in the womb, which adds to its soothing and relaxing sound frequency.
Pink Noise:
Pink noise similarities to white noise, however, white noise has equal energy across all frequencies within the range of human hearing, while pink noise has equal energy per octave. Meaning it comes across with more “deep" or "full" sound that listeners may find soothing. Perfect for reaching deeper levels of sleep and memory consolidation.
Water Sounds:
When it comes to relaxation, what’s more soothing than the sounds of water? The beauty in listening to water sounds to fall asleep is that you have so many types of environments and bodies of water to choose from. Maybe you enjoy the sounds of ocean waves beating against the shore or streams of water slowing down a river bank. These soothing sounds mimic the gentle and rhythmic sounds of your favorite outside environments for a calming and peaceful auditory experience, perfect for reaching your desired depth of rest.
Brown Noise:
With brown noise, you may find it to be helpful if you find yourself wound up right before bed. This type of sound has a greater intensity of lower frequencies compared to higher frequencies, resulting in a rumbling or thunder-like sound. These lower frequencies in brown noise tend to dominate, creating a deep and resonant sound that some people find comforting and relaxing. And is great for sound masking, relaxation, and improved focus.
Green Noise:
While this type of sound may be unfamiliar to you, it just might become your new go-to for sleep. Green noise is an alternative to white noise that focuses its intensity within a frequency range of approximately 500 Hz while maintaining equal energy per octave. This creates a “humming” sound that’s gentler on the ears, similar to the sound of riding on an airplane; promoting relaxation and a state of calm.
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