I Got To Wear The Same Wig As Normani & Here’s The Tea
Wigs are the newest wave and we refuse to not swag surf until the board breaks. If it were up to me and not my bank account, I would have a room full of wigs named after my favorite celebrities. From Cardi B to Viola Davis, wigs have become a mainstay for boss women not only because of their convenience but also for their undeniable flair. If you want to try a new style or color, you can always rock a wig to try it out before making a permanent decision.
In the past few years, the negative connotation with wigs has been replaced with that of opulence and class. Back in the day, wearing a wig was seen as a way to go undercover or as a hair loss solution. While you can keep those on the list of pros of rocking a wig, they offer so much more in this day and age.
I used to find them profoundly intimidating before I learned more about them. Frontals, U-Parts, Glueless… you name it! I had the opportunity to embark on a new wig journey by trying a frontal wig for the very first time using XOXO Virgin Hair. Keep reading for the piping hot tea.
The Brand: XOXO Virgin Hair
XOXO Virgin Hair
As the first hair brand to use Vietnamese hair, XOXO Virgin Hair is 100% pure, making the product free of synthetic fillers or chemicals. The brand proclaims that the hair is double drawn, ensuring clients full and thick installs and because the weft construction is durable, thin, flexible, and consistently constructed, there is minimal shedding. The website reads, "The quality of our hair appeals and caters to the discerning taste of both clients and hair stylists, as our hair can last up to 3-5 years or more with proper care, a wonderful investment to those who seek longevity and high performing hair."
Founder Stephanie Nolan launched XOXO Virgin Hair in 2014 after observing a lack of quality hair extensions when working on sets. Like the girl boss she is, she took matters into her own hands by creating her own brand. Stephanie's goal was to transform the hair extension experience through high-performing products. And don't get it twisted, her clientele includes the likes of Solange, Lizzo, Jackie Aina, Jordyn Woods, Normani and more.
Whether you need bundles, a HD film lace frontal or a custom wig, XOXO has you covered.
The Wig: Deep Wave Frontal Wig
Normani rocked a similar unit during her 2019 MTV VMA performance. The wig features a 13x6 Swiss Lace Parting with lasting curls and three wig combs and adjustable straps. It comes unstyled so that you have the freedom to create the look you desire. My mane consisted of 22/24/26 lengths, similar to Normani's VMA look.
My Review
This was my first frontal wig installation and it was a whole experience. The first order of business was to find a stylist Denver that could lay my wig like Beyonce's flowing locks. Although Denver is highly Caucasian, I had been eyeing this dope stylist named Tiarra Waldrup on Instagram for the task. She has worked her magic on the heads of bosses like Karen Civil so I knew I would be in good heads.
I booked my appointment and I immediately fell in love with Tiarra's holistic approach to hair as she talked through every single step of the process in an effort to make sure I was educated on the maintenance of a frontal wig. We talked about glue vs glueless, freeze spray, maintenance and so much more. One of the main reasons I wanted to be a part of the wig gang is because I have Seborrheic dermatitis, a common skin condition that mainly affects your scalp causing scaly patches, red skin and stubborn dandruff. This is also why I love a good protective style. Tiarra gave me a great shampoo and then braided me down. Next came the daunting part: applying the wig cap.
Confession: the stocking cap application almost took me out. I am what black folks call "tender-headed", so my pain tolerance is -50.
Tiarra did tell me that it would be tight because it helps to smooth and flatten my braids to create a natural appearance. She popped me under the dryer and then proceeded to apply the wig. The moment she put the wig on, I felt like a new woman and I hadn't even seen anything. Homegirl started styling me by plucking the lace to match my hairline and then she added some products to enhance the already fire curl patterns. She did comment about the color of the lace as it has a darker hue but it didn't end up needing any makeup or concealer. When completing the look, she told me she approved of this hair vendor because the quality of the hair was truly sensational. I left the salon swinging my inches like I was an extra in a Beyonce music video.
Over the next few days, I found the maintenance to be very easy. I would wake up, comb or brush out the hair and add some mousse if I wanted to define the curls more. I can't even lie — I am in love with this wig! It's gorgeous, beautiful, easy to maintain and has very little shedding. Best of all, it looks so natural. Everywhere I go, people shower me with compliments.
If you're looking for a way to switch it up with quality and style, XOXO Virgin Hair is an amazing option.
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Joce Blake is a womanist who loves fashion, Beyonce and Hot Cheetos. The sophistiratchet enthusiast is based in Brooklyn, NY but has southern belle roots as she was born and raised in Memphis, TN. Keep up with her on Instagram @joce_blake and on Twitter @SaraJessicaBee.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Rihanna Talks Shedding Expectations And Finding Balance As A Mother
Since becoming a mother in 2022, Rihanna has defined parenthood by her terms and hopes to pass that sense of autonomy on to her children.
For Vogue China’s April cover story, Rihanna shared her perspective on raising her two sons with A$AP Rocky, and how she hopes to preserve her children’s uniqueness, devoid of societal expectations.
"The most beautiful thing...is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity,” she told the publication. “Which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group."
The “Work” artist, known for her trendsetting style and captivating persona, expressed her desire to support children in fully embracing their individuality and encouraging them to be whoever they want to be. "It's really beautiful to see and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be,” she says.
She continues, “They should embrace it completely, because it's beautiful, and it's unique. I love them just that way."
From shattering music charts to shaking up the beauty industry, Rihanna has forged a path that has since created the “dream” life we see today. One that she says has made her parents proud of.
“I’m living my dream,” she continued. “My parents were very proud of that because they just wanted me to be happy and successful. So, I think the key thing is to find some kind of balance. Yes, balance is important. Do this and you get the best of both worlds. You can write your own life the way you want, and it will be beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to let go of everyone’s expectations and start living your own story.”
Rihanna, who shares sons, RZA, 23 months, and Riot, 8 months, with rapper A$AP Rocky, recently shared her vision for expanding her family in the future in Interview Magazine.
When stylist Mel Ottenberg asked about the number of additional children she hoped to have, Rihanna replied, "As many as God wants me to have.”
"I don't know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl,” she adds. “But of course, if it's another boy, it's another boy."
Featured image by Neil MockfordWireImage