I Tried It
The beauty industry is an ever-growing industry. There are constant releases in haircare, skincare, and makeup and it can be overwhelming and expensive to keep up with. However, if you're someone who likes to try new things for a portion of the price, then you may want to consider a subscription beauty box. It's a simple way to get everything you need delivered right to your door. And if there's anything that this pandemic taught us, it's how to survive when the world is forced to stay six feet apart. Even though most of the world is going back to "normal," this is another option for those of you who still want to keep it safe.
Let's address the elephant in the room, one of the biggest concerns with beauty boxes is having a box full of products that don't fit our skin or hair type. It is very frustrating to get a box of eight products and you can only use two of them. One key thing to look into when joining a subscription service is, who are these products really for? Is it made with black women in mind? Does it provide useful products for me? Don't worry...I got you, sis.
Let me save you the hassle and tell you why Femailer is the subscription box you never knew you needed.
What's a Femailer?
Krissy Lewis/xoNecole
Femailer is a quarterly beauty box that features a range of 5-8 full-sized beauty products for women of color at an affordable price. The value of a typical box is up to $120, but as a member, you get it for more than half the price, $30 to be exact -- every season.
The creator of Femailer, Ashlee Gomez, has combined her 11+ years in the beauty industry as a licensed cosmetologist and beauty marketing professional to deliver a solution that allows women of color to identify and embrace not just their outer, but more importantly their inner beauty.
Each box is curated with three main missions in mind: to satisfy your beauty needs, give you inspiration and resources that'll help you flourish inside and out, and introduce you to quality products by other black-owned brands.
Each quarterly box features premium haircare, skincare, makeup, and lifestyle products from brands like Creme of Nature, Black Radiance, SheDavi, Lottabody, custom Femailer jewelry, and much more.
In my box, I received:
Krissy Lewis/xoNecole
- "I'm Speaking" Tote Bag
- Lottabody Boost Me Curl Boosting Smoothie
- Lottabody Hold Me Maximum Hold Styling Gel
- Lottabody Elongate Me Curl Stretcher
- Beauty Bakerie | Brownie Bar
- AHAVA l Mineral Hand Cream
- KISS - Glam Fantasy Nails | Trampoline Set
Along with two bonus items:
- Lottabody Satin Scarf
- "I'm Making Herstory" Button
Krissy Lewis/xoNecole
Each product is hand-picked, Ashlee and her team actually use themselves to make sure members are getting quality products that promote healthy hair and beauty practices for each season. It's also worth mentioning that Femailer also provides tips and tricks on how to use each product. So whether you're a beginner or seasoned beauty guru, you get access to tutorials, reviews, and even members-only pop-up shops.
I'm saying...this is a lot for just $30, it's definitely a steal!
My honest review:
Krissy Lewis/xoNecole
Let's start with the Lottabody products.
The entire Milk & Honey collection is made with milk protein and honey to help restore moisture to your hair. Here's a breakdown of each product I received:
The Lottabody Milk & Honey Boost Me Curl Boosting Smoothie
The Lottabody Boost Me Curl Boosting Smoothie is a curl-enhancing formula that adds definition, shine and a light-to-medium hold to your hair. This product is so good it can stand alone to style and refresh your curls. Because of its versatility, it can be used as a leave-in and styling cream for wash n' go's, twist-out, and braid-out styles.
The Lottabody Milk & Honey Elongate Me Curl Stretcher
The Elongate Me Curl Stretcher is a thick nourishing cream that treats dry, rough strands and helps restore moisture to brittle hair. It can be used as a styler and leave-in. It moisturizes your hair and helps minimize frizz. To be honest, it's a tough claim to elongate curls with just a product because shrinkage is inevitable.
I wouldn't rely heavily on this for fighting shrinkage, but it's good for added moisture and definition. To help fight shrinkage, you can use the raking method and apply the gel after to hold your curls in place.
The Lottabody Milk & Honey Hold Me Maximum Hold Styling Gel
Lastly, is the Hold Me Maximum Hold Styling Gel. The hold with this gel is 10 out of 10. I say that because it has the key things you want in a styling gel: hold, crunchless curls, no flaking, definition, and shine. The Hold Me styling gel also helps prolong the wear of your hairstyle; it kept my curls intact for 4-5 days.
On the right, old twist-out; on the left, old twist-out refreshed and revived with Lottabody.
Krissy Lewis/xoNecole
I used the Boost Me Curl Boosting Smoothie and Hold Me Maximum Hold Styling Gel to refresh my old, dry twist-out and those two products were all I needed. It enhanced my curls and gave my hair more volume and hold. I don't think you need to use both the curl stretcher and the curl boosting smoothie together, one or the other is fine but it depends on what your hair needs.
On the left, close-up of pigmented highlighter; on the right, defined cheekbone with Beauty Bakerie.
Krissy Lewis/xoNecole
The next product I used was the Beauty Bakerie Brownie Bar Face Palette. I've been wanting to try Beauty Bakerie for a while, so I'm glad I was able to try it out because I love this palette. The Brownie Bar comes with a powder contour, bronzer, and highlight. The formula is buildable so that you can start light and get the hang of how and where to contour.
I need to warn y'all though, I'm very new to bronzing and contouring but this is very beginner-friendly and gave me the confidence to try it out. It's also very blendable and pigmented, so a little goes a long way especially with the highlighter. On the left is a close-up of how pigmented the highlighter is and I only used a small amount. On the right is how defined my cheekbone is after using the bronzer.
Overall, I definitely think Femailer is worth a try. It features products for women of color with all skin and hair types so you'll never have to wonder if a product will work for you. In my experience, I also think it motivates you to try new products and techniques! Like I mentioned before I've been wanting to try contouring and it's like the universe heard me and brought me this.
I also want to add that the vibe of the bag was very empowering, from the statement tote and pin to the beauty finds, I really enjoyed the experience Femailer provided.
Featured image by Krissy Lewis/xoNecole
Clean beauty products have been trending for a minute. Every time I walk into Target or Ulta, I spend hours in all the beauty aisles. Makeup. Skin. Hair. All of it. If the packaging screams "try me", I want to try it. But I never really cared to try any clean beauty brands until recently. I love clean beauty products for skincare, but I have yet to try any for haircare. It's no secret that when it comes to curly hair, finding the right products is a hit or a miss. How many times have you bought a curl product that doesn't agree with your curl type and end up having to return the item? I have been guilty of this so many times. Let me just say, knowing your curl type is the number one curl rule. If you don't know your curl type, take a curl type quiz.
I also love that we have so much variety when it comes to textured hair, but sometimes it can be overwhelming. And for me, I'm always skeptical of trying new shit. I like to stick to what works until the brand decides to switch up the ingredients. I recently came across Function of Beauty's haircare line at Target. For those of you that don't know, Function of Beauty is an international clean beauty brand offered in 45 countries and uses over 60 natural ingredients to create customized formulas for hair, skin, and body goals. Yes y'all, Function of Beauty offers customized skin and body products too. But we will save that review for another day.
Writer Camille Ali/xoNecole
As I stopped in front of Target's Function of Beauty display, the pink packaging that read "curly" called to me. Not only is the product affordable, but you can also customize each shampoo and conditioner based on your hair goals and needs. Sis was sold. I picked up a bottle of the shampoo and conditioner along with three booster shots. You can choose from 10 different booster shots, but I chose color protection, anti-frizz, and soothe the scalp. The shampoo and conditioner were $10 each. Each booster shot was $2.99. I left Target spending a total of $50 bucks. But I mean, who doesn't leave Target spending more than they had planned to? Guilty.
I Tried Function Of Beauty On 3B Hair, This Is My Review
Writer Camille Ali/xoNecole
Here is how my wash day went using my customized Function of Beauty's Curly Shampoo and Conditioner.
The Function of Beauty Curly Hair Shampoo
Writer Camille Ali/xoNecole
Most shampoos tend to dry out my hair after one wash, so I was interested to see how my hair would react to this shampoo. I never feel like my scalp or my hair gets clean when using "no-poo" shampoos. I need some soap suds. First of all, the smell is divine. It's a light sweet smell. Actually, it's their signature scent – peach. As I massaged the shampoo into my scalp, my hair felt super soft. The shampoo created a lather that was just right – not too heavy and not too light. I only needed to rinse my hair out once. After rinsing out the product, my scalp and my curls were clean. And nothing makes me feel better than a clean scalp.
The Function of Beauty Curly Hair Conditioner
Writer Camille Ali/xoNecole
Next, I applied the conditioner to the ends of my hair. I like my conditioners to be thick, the more slip the better. It helps me detangle my hair. I'm not a fan of products that can't help detangle my hair. It's my biggest challenge and the main feature I look for when trying a new conditioner. As I worked the product through my curls, it gave me just enough "slip" to finger-comb my hair. Usually, I have to work the conditioner in for a few minutes before I begin detangling. But the product agreed with my hair so well that detangling was easy!
I loved how the conditioner coated and softened my curls. After rinsing the conditioner out, my hair still felt soft. Some conditioners leave your hair feeling like rope after rinsing. Dry and brittle.
The Results
Writer Camille Ali/xoNecole
Most of us curly girls hate wash day, but I love wash day. I am telling you – there is something about a clean scalp and detangled curls that just makes me feel good. Especially, when you find products that agree with your hair. And for me, Function of Beauty did that y'all. My curls were soft, hydrated, shiny, and ready to be styled. Styling products are not offered through the Function of Beauty x Target partnership. BUT they do have a customizable leave-in-conditioner I am dying to try in their regular collection. The regular collection can be purchased online through their website.
It's hard to find curl products that work for your curl type. And when you do find a product that agrees with your hair, it's usually a few brands to choose from. Function of Beauty is one of those brands. Affordable, vegan, good for your hair, and good for the environment. I would continue to use their product line as part of my wash day routine. I have enjoyed my wash day experience so much, that I am ready to order my own customized Function of Beauty curl collection (color, scent, and ingredients) personalized with my name on it! I'll call it Function of Cam.
I'm ready to meet my #hairgoals, are you?
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Featured image by Function of Beauty
I stepped out of my car and took my first few steps toward the large, brown, and unassuming commercial building off the expressway. As I walked to the building, I said a little prayer. I didn't know what I was getting myself into, but I was desperate to find a tool to help me feel better and more like myself.
Before starting my journey towards healing, I dealt with quite a bit: low energy, lack of clarity, resentment, and I couldn't seem to tap into my intuition. There were many culprits at that point: the current state of the States, the life comparisons none of us want to admit we make on social media, and the overall exhaustion of trying to balance work, passion projects, and volunteering.
I was burnt out.
I was moody, forgetting things, and had an overall pessimistic view of my future. The pressures were mounting and I couldn't seem to get any relief. I started to research different healing modalities like EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique also known as tapping), grounding exercises, and meditation. I also researched energy healing and ultimately decided to try it.
Energy healing was used in ancient cultures throughout the world to stimulate the body's natural ability to heal. It's not specifically tied to a religion or any spiritual practice. Of course, energy is in everything, so it can be beneficial to anyone.
Walking up the stairs to the suite, I noticed a shift. The once-sterile building entrance turned into a bright and buzzing office space. There was a welcoming staff, yogis preparing for class, and mindfulness flyers on the wall. I tiptoed to my seat in the waiting area. (In my mind, if I tiptoed and kept quiet, I wouldn't throw off the positive energy that was oozing through the walls, carpet, and the people all around me.) Not too long after, my practitioner came out to greet me. Have you ever met someone and in an instant you knew they were good people? Yeah, that was my immediate reaction to her. Her vibe was compassionate and earnest.
Before the session began, I chatted for about ten minutes with my practitioner. We talked about how I was referred to her (by a friend), some of the things I was struggling with, what I wanted to work on, and what would actually happen during the session. This mini therapy-like conversation really helped ease my apprehension. First off, it's always nice to talk to a caring individual about what you are going through. Their objectiveness and active listening are healing in itself. Secondly, she described to me exactly what was going to happen, which helped a scary-ish person like me to relax even more.
It's safe to assume no one energy healer is the same. But, generally, you can expect to have a conversation about some of your challenges and your intentions. My facilitator had a very well-lit room that was filled with the aroma of essential oils. Meditation music was playing and I laid face up on a massage table. I just took off my shoes. From my research, this is what typically happens with any healer.
As she started the work, I thought about my intention, which was to receive clarity. Listen, I have to be honest, I kept my eyes closed the entire session because it was so relaxing. The best way to describe it is when someone is washing or styling your hair. You know that feeling when you start nodding off in the salon chair? You're so relaxed, it's almost impossible to keep your eyes open. That is how I felt at times, but I never went to sleep, and I was totally aware of my surroundings.
My energy healer started at my feet and she held them lightly. It seemed like she worked on my feet for a while. There were times that I saw bright colors like orange and yellow, giant redwood trees, and felt tingly sensations throughout my body. But, I can't stress enough how peaceful and relaxing the process was.
Seeing the colors or feeling the sensations weren't scary at all.
From there, she touched my knee area. Then, she continued up my body (my stomach area, my neck, and the center of my forehead). This may sound a bit woo-woo, but as she worked each energy center, I sensed affirmative phrases like, "You are safe," "It's working out."
When it was done, she had to nudge me. I wasn't sleep, but more in a meditative state. When I sat up, I felt so much lighter. I was shocked at the immediate difference I felt. We talked about my experience and I told her about the huge trees I saw when she worked on my feet. She said that she was grounding and rooting me, and it was amazing that I saw the trees. I also told her the words that came to me. She shared some insights to help me continue to work on my healing and gave me ideas for affirmations to use and some self-care tips.
Here are some of the self-care tips my practitioner suggested:
- Start the day with intention. I was so busy and exhausted that I would rush out of bed, get dressed, and go straight to work. My energy healer suggested that I think of a word, phrase, or feeling that I wanted to commit to for that day. Intentions help you become more mindful of how you move through your day. Some of my past intentions are:
- I intend to be gentle with myself today.
- I intend to find beauty all around me today.
- I intended to laugh a lot today.
- Say "no". This is a pretty simple tip, but always a good reminder. She encouraged me to begin to decline invites, opportunities, or anything that didn't excite me.
- Tell the story you want to live. Often we think and talk about the things we don't want to happen and of course, those things tend to happen. My practitioner reminded me the power of my words and that I should make a habit to think about what I really wanted. Not only does it put me in a better mood, but it often manifests.
A few of the affirmations she gave me were:
- Everything is working out for my highest good.
- I am Divinely guided.
- I let go and flow with life.
Needless to say, after that session, I felt clearer and was more confident in the decisions I made. I've had a few more sessions since then where I focused more on forgiveness, and I've found them to be just as beneficial. Energy healing can be a powerful tool to use if you are feeling stuck.
After all, energy doesn't lie.
Featured image by Shutterstock
Originally published June 12, 2019
As black women, sometimes the subject of one's period can be a contentious one. Even if we're OK with it, many of us simply don't talk freely about it or anything to do with our reproductive parts.
I think we need to be a bit more transparent and real with one another about our vaginas and everything connected to them beyond sex, especially since we are disproportionately affected by conditions and illnesses including fibroids, endometriosis, and cancers. Sometimes the silence can literally be deadly and stifling.
So, I'm about to get really real with y'all.
I've never been a fan of my period, and as a teenage tomboy I dreaded the first day it introduced itself to me. I didn't even know I'd gotten it until after I'd come home from a day of bike-riding and tussling with my cousins and found blood in my panties. I felt embarrassed and dirty.
Image by Giphy
Periods just weren't something you'd dwell on or talk extensively about in my family. You slapped on a pad, took pills for the pain, and kept it moving. As a teen, my period would be heavy in the beginning, with bad cramps that weren't evil enough for me to miss school like some other girls. By the fifth day, there was barely any spotting or pain, and I'd be good to go.
Once my late 20s hit, things changed. The periods got heavier and my mood swings became intense. I almost considered taking meds for that, but again, the pharmaceutical skeptic in me rebelled. I'd pray, go out with friends, have a few cocktails, curse a few people out, and ride the wave.
When my 30s hit, I became more empowered about my period. I would break rules by wearing white during my cycle if I wanted to. I'd even let guys run the red light. (Yep, sis. Read that again.)
Then I found out I had fibroids that were causing increasingly heavy bleeding, crazy mood swings, and cycle irregularity. (You can read about the ways I was able to heal here.) I was forced to spend hundreds of dollars each month on overnight pads, super tampons, painkillers, and therapy. I found out that the silence about periods during my teen years contributed to my ignorance about fibroids, its history in my family, and the affect it can have on quality of life and mental well-being.
One day while I was searching the Web, I came across a woman in a video who was talking about free-bleeding. She had basically said to hell with tampons and pads for a week and just allowed herself to be free, letting the blood just flow.
Image by Giphy
At first I was super grossed-out. I thought, "That's disgusting. She probably stinks. She's ruined sheets and towels. That's dirty. That's nasty."
Then I did a bit more thinking. After all the drama with the fibroids, I was exhausted.
When I finally got a handle on the bleeding after having blood transfusions, being put on birth control, and consulting with my doctor about more long-term solutions to get rid of the tumors, I decided to try free-bleeding to give myself a mental break. It was one of the best weeks of my life.
I'm a freelancer and can work from home, so it really wasn't a gruesome transition or thing to consider trying.
For five days, I'd lay on my side if doing work from my laptop on the couch or the floor. I'd always put down a few strategically placed towels, especially at bedtime. Sometimes I would twist up a towel and put it between my legs during stationary moments of my day. When I needed to move around and do things, I did, wearing dark loose-fitted pants or joggers.
The first three days were moderately heavy. (This was pre-surgery, post-birth control by the way. The bleeding wasn't as extreme as it had been when I first found out I had fibroids.)
I did mess up sheets but they weren't your luxury high-thread-count kind anyway. Same for towels. And I've always kept a mattress protector on my bed from living in cities where I've never felt things were truly "clean" even when bought brand-new. I'd simply wash the dirty sheets, loungewear, and towels on my usual laundry schedule, but would change to clean ones daily.
The last two days were pretty light, and I had no visible accidents that could show up on my bed, my clothes, or anywhere in my home. There might have been a few blood spots on panties that I could've cared less about. I avoided going out to run errands if they weren't super-necessary. Food and grocery delivery services were my best friends.
Image by Giphy
I felt so liberated because the experience took away the anxiety I felt every time I'd have to remember to change a tampon or double up on a pad. I just let it all hang out.
I wouldn't recommend doing this on the regular, but for me, it helped loosen the shame and anxiety I felt during a period of dealing with my fibroids. It also helped jump-start my confidence, and it renewed my spirit.
I think more black women should try something like this and be part of conversations about the woes and wonders of our periods. Free-bleeding helped erase the stigma of, well, seeing blood and releasing it monthly. That was something I was taught to view negatively since my cycle first introduced itself to me. When more of us embrace at least getting real with one another and ourselves, we can contribute to finding better solutions and advancements to finally get rid of the ailments and illnesses that plague our community.
Originally published on March 8, 2020
Featured image by Shutterstock
I am not sure when I started to develop sleep issues. I didn't think I had ANY sleep issues, to begin with. I was always able to fall asleep with ease and achieve deep sleep. BTW, this is called Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. It's the type of sleep that makes you not want to get out of bed. You never know how stress will show up in your body or life. And for me, it decided to show up in my sleep patterns. I would go to sleep with a million things on my mind. And – I used to have an unhealthy habit of suppressing the fuck out of emotions. I wouldn't allow myself to feel the uncomfortable ones. You know, the ones that make you cry, fumble your words, and shit. So, naturally, I would just go to bed with a heavy heart and a confused mind. I allowed this behavior to continue for nearly a year before I decided to do something about it.
I think I was scrolling through my Facebook feed when I stumbled across a Facebook ad for Gravity Blankets. I was curious, so, I clicked on the ad. It brought me to a website that designed and sold weighted blankets. In early 2017, Gravity Blankets was a new product funded through Kickstarter. The product received over $4.7 million in funding. I was interested. The blanket was designed to be 10 percent of your body weight and aimed to provide relief. It's commonly used in the medical field to help relieve stress, anxiety, and help autistic patients.
I never invested in good sleep before, so I decided to start.
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I placed my order. I was a little heavier at the time, so I ordered the 20-pound blanket. I spent a whole $249 on a blanket. I don't even spend that much on regular bedding, let alone anything else I own. It took a while for my blanket to be delivered. I came home one night after work and found a big box sitting outside my apartment door. I was excited to use it. When it was time for me to go to bed, I climbed into the right side of my bed. I have a thing about sleeping on the right side of the bed. I just have to. Anyway, I pulled the blanket over me and covered my body with it from head to toe.
And – that's when I fell in love with a weighted blanket. That night I fell asleep in a matter of minutes and with ease. It was like cuddling with your man, younger siblings, or falling asleep with a baby. I was relaxed and comfortable. I used my new favorite blanket every night. My sleep improved. I even used it while I was reading, working, and Netflix binge-watching.
But first, let me explain some of the science behind a weighted blanket, its benefits, and where you can buy yours.
What Is A Weighted Blanket?
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Did you know weighted blankets have been a long time tool in the mental health space? Weighted blankets were designed to relieve stress and create a sense of calm. This is done by providing pressure to the body. The blankets are filled with beads for added weight. The beads are either glass or plastic. How does it work you ask?
Well, weighted blankets emulate an occupational therapy technique called Deep Touch Pressure (DTP) or sensory integration therapy. It helps calm the arousal level in the nervous system by releasing serotonin and dopamine. These are the neurotransmitters that help people feel relaxed.
Benefits Of Sleeping With A Weighted Blanket
There is a plethora of benefits from sleeping with a weighted blanket. According to Gravity Blankets, weighted blankets can help with the following:
- Reduces stress, anxiety, and PTSD
- Manage sleep disorders
- Lessens panic attacks
- Alleviates Restless Leg Syndrome
- Deepen sleep and improves sleep quality
- Helps achieve a well-rested mind
- Promotes emotional well-being
I can attest to all of the above. I was diagnosed with anxiety, PTSD, depression, and panic attacks in late 2017. So, my weighted blanket helped me to stay calm and improve my sleep quality. In a weird way, I just felt safer sleeping with it every night.
Where You Can Buy Your Weighted Blanket
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A weighted blanket can cost you $50 to $250 depending on the brand, size, and weight. Forbes also created a list of "The 8 Best Weighted Blankets In 2020". You can also try Amazon and any other online retailer. In-store buys include Macy's, Bed Bath & Beyond, Kohl's, Costco, Sam's Club, Nordstrom, and Walmart.
For the past three years, I have slept with a weighted blanket. Now, I can't sleep without it. It's to the point where I feel naked or something is missing. My homegirl just purchased one and loved it. Then, she went and bought her daughter one too.
If you have trouble sleeping, I suggest you invest in one. I promise you, it's better than sleeping next to a warm body aka your significant other. You won't regret it queen. It's time we as women invest in better sleep.
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Featured image by Shutterstock
Since my "big chop" in early 2018, I've fully committed to wearing natural hairstyles as a way to maintain healthy hair. As a self-proclaimed naturalista, wearing protective styles have been a great alternative to my wash and go routine, allowing my hair to remain tucked away while minimizing manipulation and breakage. Rotating hairstyles such as braids, wigs, and twists gives my hair a break from nasty seasonal weather conditions while also allowing me to save so much time from not styling each and every morning. Although my intentions of wearing protective styles to save my hair from damage are effective, wearing these styles alone aren't enough to ensure that I'm reaping 100 percent of the benefits.
As a Black woman with tight coils, I was never taught how to take care of my natural hair, let alone how to keep my scalp happy while living an active lifestyle. Now that I am older and have more responsibilities, including a weekly workout routine, it's even more important to have the right products that are assisting in the protection of my hair and scalp while not solely relying on protective styles to give me the healthy hair results that I desire.
Shahirah Ahmed for xoNecole
As an active naturalista, it's even more vital that I protect my strands, cleansing my hair of sweat that damages my scalp especially with gyms closures and working out regularly outdoors. To combat the damage from outdoor elements, I took it upon myself to find the best products that will not only nurture my strands but created by women that know and understand the natural hair struggle. While it's easy to protect our hair in the spirit of hair growth, according to Natalya Moosa of Afrocenchix, "Prepping your hair in anticipation of wearing a protective style is key in your hair routine. This starts with ensuring the hair is clean and free of any prior product buildup which otherwise could lead to breakage."
As a general rule, we should begin any and every protective hairstyle with freshly cleansed and moisturized hair but it's maintaining that clean and healthy hair underneath that adds to the benefit of each style, meaning daily and weekly care is still required especially when working out.
Shahirah Ahmed for xoNecole
While there are so many products in the "Ethnic Hair Care" section at my local Target claiming to relieve that annoyingly severe dry itchy scalp when my hair is in braids, I've never stumbled upon products that are effective, lasting throughout the day. To combat my post-gym hair and calm my itchy scalp, I decided to try Sunday II Sunday's Moisture Balance Kit for the first time and what a great decision it was. Known as the athleisure of haircare, this black-owned company has created a wide range of products to benefit the active woman by removing excess sweat and restoring the moisture our hair so desperately needs.
The Moisture Balance Kit is the ultimate collection created to protect hair against unwanted moisture such as sweat while relieving uncomfortable itch, transforming the scalp within minutes. The kit attests to a fully transformed scalp guaranteed within 28 days of use for all hair types. Even for those less active, this is a great kit for all of us struggling to control irritating scalp itch that is so common when wearing protective hairstyles.
Sunday II Sunday - The Moisture Balance Kit Review
Shahirah Ahmed for xoNecole
Sunday II Sunday Root Refresh Micellar Rinse Review
I've never experienced instant long-lasting relief until using the ROOT REFRESH Micellar Rinse infused with apple cider vinegar and micellar water. The dry shampoo replacement is a lightweight cleansing breakthrough product that revives, renews, and refreshes your hair and scalp. It's perfect in between wash days with no shower required. I love using this spray after a workout as well as a cleansing spray every other day to refresh my scalp. With an amazing smell described as "fresh crisp apples", my review of the Root Refresh Micellar Rinse is that the apple cider vinegar is not overpowering and offers a perfect balance to cleanse while providing a fresh scent, removing unwanted odors from outside elements.
Sunday II Sunday Revive Me Daily Moisturizing Spray
Along with the Root Refresh Rinse, the addition of the Revive Me Daily Moisturizing Spray is absolutely necessary to combating dry itchy scalp. This award-winning lightweight moisturizing mist calmed my hair and revived my scalp adding shine and nourishment. I instantly felt relief using this product directly after the Root Refresh Rinse. I use this spray once a day in the morning after showering or at night throughout the week. This product can also be used to refresh curls and is a universal moisturizing spray perfect for any natural hairstyle.
Courtesy of Sunday II Sunday
Sunday II Sunday Soothe Me Daily Scalp Serum Review
One-fourth of the moisturizing kit, Soothe Me Daily Scalp Serum is everything I've ever needed in my life when it comes to scalp relief. I'm convinced the addition of this serum is what locks in the moisturizer needed to cool and soothe my inflamed scalp. As a wig-wearer, the itch can feel uncontrollable however this extremely lightweight yet effective cooling serum is infused with peppermint oil relieving my dry scalp within minutes when paired with the Revive Me spray and Root Refresh. Used in the morning or at night, pre- or post-workout, as a daily refresher or to calm dry scalp due to protective styles, this is a must-have serum for women looking for a product that actually works to relieve itch all day long.
Shahirah Ahmed for xoNecole
Sunday II Sunday Edge Flourish Daily Nourishing Serum
Last but certainly not least, EDGE FLOURISH Daily Nourishing Serum, is the perfect serum to bring my edges back to life. With sensitive skin, I'm always skeptical of products that are for my edges because it's used so close to my face and I fear breakouts but this edge serum is lightweight with the perfect consistency that doesn't feel too heavy or clogs the pores. With natural ingredients and a silicone-free formula, this serum consists of biotin, coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, and safflower seed oil to deliver healthier and stronger edges.
It's suggested to apply directly to your edges and nape, gently massaging the serum into your edges with your fingertips to nourish and protect before and after styling. When in need of a serum to repair damaged edges that are sometimes caused by our protective hairstyles, my review of this product is that the formula completely nourishes, moisturizes, refreshes and renews to help keep your edges fully intact.
Overall, the Sunday II Sunday Moisturizing Kit is complete with everything you need for daily haircare.
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Featured image by Shahirah Ahmed for xoNecole
