Create The Ultimate Hydrated Twist-Out With These Black-Owned Brands At Ulta Beauty
This article is in partnership with Ulta Beauty.
With the season changing so quickly, it feels like summer just packed its bag and ghosted us. Whether we're ready or not, the new season calls for a new shift in mindset, style, and hair routines. When it comes to taking care of my natural hair, what I do in the summer is simply not enough for the fall and winter. The cool crispness of the season tends to bring about more dryness and hydration becomes a top priority. In these uncertain times, who knows what the next few months will look like, so here's what you can do now to prepare your hair for the next few months.
First things first, we'll need to rack up on all our hair needs, and Ulta Beauty is making it easier for all of us with their Gorgeous Hair Event. As one of their biggest sales of the year, you can expect up to 50% off of brands like PATTERN Beauty (today for 24 hours only all PATTERN Conditioners are half off), The Mane Choice, and so much more. Their sale is available online, curbside pickup, and in-store starting October 4 until October 24. Make sure you grab your mask and hand sanitizer and get everything you need for half the price.
I already grabbed a few of my favorites products from Melanin Haircare, which is new and exclusively available Ulta Beauty, and PATTERN Beauty to show you how I get a hydrated and juicy twist-out. It's one of my favorite styles because it can be worn as a protective style and a curly fro'.
Check out my step-by-step routine using Black-owned products from Ulta Beauty.
Step 1:
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Start on freshly washed hair and part your hair the way you prefer: side part, middle part, or straight back.
Step 2:
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Create smaller sections to create twists.
Step 3:
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Spray your hair with water and PATTERN Beauty's Hydrating Mist for maximum hydration. I like to mix the aloe vera and avocado infused spray with water to boost the hydration in curls that way the style can last a little longer before needing to remoisturize my hair. You can also use the spray to add back moisture to dehydrated strands.
Step 4:
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Apply a generous amount of the new Melanin Haircare Multi-Use Softening Leave-In Conditioner, which can be found exclusively at Ulta Beauty. The water-based leave-in makes detangling easy because the product melts right into your hair and softens your curls. An added bonus is that it smells amazing!
Step 5:
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Finger detangle or use a detangling brush to remove any knots or tangles.
Step 6:
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Apply a generous amount of Melanin Haircare Twist Elongating Styling Cream (found exclusively at Ulta Beauty) to your stands. The twisting cream is the thickest product of the collection but is good because it adds a ton of moisture on top of what the leave-in has already provided.
Step 7:
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Apply Melanin Haircare Multi-Use Pure Oil Blend, which can be found exclusively with Ulta Beauty. The lightweight oil helps seal moisture and soften hair without weighing it down.
Step 8:
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Twist and repeat.
Step 9 (optional):
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Add PATTERN Beauty Satin Scrunchie to your hair to stretch your twists and cut down on some of the shrinkage. Apply the satin scrunchie from the top of the twists as far down to the end as you can. You don't have to worry about any damage or dryness from the scrunchie because it is satin and cuts down on tension and friction.
Step 10:
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Let your hair air dry.
Step 11:
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Once your hair is is dry, add the Melanin Haircare Multi-Use Pure Oil Blend, which is new and exclusively available at Ulta Beauty, to your roots and fingertips and start to untwist your hair.
Step 12 (optional):
Ulta Beauty
Use thePATTERN Hair Pick to increase the volume in your hair and enjoy your hair.
The Final Look:
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Krissy Lewis for xoNecole.com
When it comes to getting a hydrated twist-out, you have to make sure that you use moisture-boosting products and always add water before adding any product. To keep moisture throughout the night, make sure you sleep with a silk/satin scarf or bonnet so everything you used doesn't dry out overnight.
Lastly, don't forget to head to Ulta Beauty's Gorgeous Hair Event now through 10/24 to discover your best hair with these products and more. Click below to shop!
Melanin Haircare Multi-Use Softening Leave-In Conditioner
Ulta Beauty
New and exclusively at Ulta Beauty.
Grace Eleyae Black Satin-Lined Knot Turban
Ulta Beauty
Regular Price: $29.99
HOW TO Achieve A HYDRATED Twistout
A super easy tutorial on how to achieve the perfect twistout that's hydrated and keeps your curls poppin!
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Featured image by Krissy Lewis for xoNecole.com
Freelance writer, content creator, and traveler. She enjoys the beauty of simplicity, a peaceful life, and a big curly fro. Connect with Krissy on social media @iamkrissylewis or check out her blog at www.krissylewis.com.
'Love Island USA' Star JaNa Craig On The Reality Of Black Women On Dating Shows
Love Island USA just wrapped up its sixth season, and it has been the talk of the town. According to Nielsen, it's the No. 1 show on streaming, proving it's just as entertaining as the UK version. One of the reasons this season has been successful is due to the authentic relationships formed between the islanders in the villa.
You have the sisterhood between Serena Page, JaNa Craig, and Leah Kateb, aka PPG, and the real relationship moments between couples like Serena Page and Kordell Beckham, who were named the winners of this season. The other finalists include Leah Kateb and Miguel Harichi, Nicole Jacky and Kendall Washington, and JaNa Craig and Kenny Rodriguez.
While JaNa made it to the finale with her boo Kenny, her journey in the villa was far from perfect. Viewers saw the Las Vegas native get her heart stomped on a few times after many of her connections didn't work out.
At one point, it even looked like she was getting kicked off the island. While she had a lot of support from people watching the show, it was clear that she was in a position that many Black women on reality dating shows find themselves in: not being desired.
It has been an ongoing conversation among Black women watching reality dating shows as we see time and time again that non-Black women or racially ambiguous-looking women are often chosen over Black women, especially dark-skinned women. In a discussion with Shadow and Act, JaNa opened up about the support she received from viewers.
@cineaxries i love them 🤧 #janacraig #janaandkenny #loveislandusa #foryou #peacock #loveisland #janaloveisland #xybca #kennyloveisland #janaedit #loveislandedit #janaedits #loveislandusaedit #viral #loveislandusaseason6 #foryoupage #peacocktv
"You know what’s so crazy? I’m so grateful, because when I got my phone, the way they’re making us The Princess and The Frog…I felt honored. I will be that beautiful chocolate queen if I need to be. And the comments like 'beautiful chocolate girl,' I’m like, all Black women are beautiful. There’s the whole light skin versus dark skin, which breaks my heart. I just really don’t understand that, but I will take pride and represent us well," she said.
She also candidly discussed her experience as a dark-skinned Black woman on the show. JaNa and Serena had been in the villa since the first episode, and they were the only dark-skinned Black women there. As new men aka bombshells came into the villa, they found themselves not being wanted by many of them.
"Me and Serena literally had a heart-to-heart before Kenny came in and she’s like, I just don’t think it’s fair that the Black girls don’t get enough fair chance.' Every islander that came in, we were not their top pick. And we just [thought], maybe because we’re Black girls, and the dark-skinned Black girls. It sucked," she said.
"I’m like, 'Serena, we know what we bring to the table. We’re great personalities. A guy’s going to come in for us.' That’s when we manifested what we wanted, and that’s when I manifested Kenny."
@ashleyvera__ We love to see it 🥰 #loveislandusa #loveisland #loveisland2024 #janaandkenny #loveislandseason6 #peacock #realitytv #fypage
After many failed connections, Kenny came in and immediately turned JaNa's experience around. America watched the model get the care and attention that she deserved.
"I’m not going to hold you. When I was in the bottom for a quick second, I’m like, ‘There’s no way America doesn’t [ride for us]. I know Black America had to ride for me, but maybe because I’m a dark-skinned … hmm … maybe … you feel me? And you saw the Casa Amor lineup. Beautiful, beautiful light-skinned [women]," she said.
"We looked at each other like, 'Damn, Love Island did their big one with this. And every single Casa Amor girl was like, 'You girls are gorgeous, you guys are stunning.' They expressed love. You guys are beautiful and it felt good."
Although she and Kenny came in third place, JaNa is happy that she got her man in the end. "I think the thing I’m most grateful about is the fact that this is a beautiful love story like you guys complement each other and there’s no hate toward the skin color. It’s all love and support. I love that more than anything," she said.
"That’s why I was like, 'I won,' even though I didn’t win. And the fact that Serena won, we were like, 'Yeah, run that.' Either way, we won. And I love the support from all communities."
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Exclusive: Brandee Evans On Faith, Fibroids, And Chosen Family
Do you remember your first time at The Pynk?
We were first introduced to Mercedes at Uncle Clifford’s beloved strip joint, a matrix of secrets and self-discovery nestled deep in the heart of the Mississippi Delta. Brandee Evans, who plays the ambitious single mother and seasoned dancer in the STARZ original P-Valley, quickly won our hearts and has since earned widespread critical acclaim.
Her captivating command of the pole left many of us intrigued, perhaps even tempted, to explore pole dancing ourselves after witnessing the mesmerizing performances at Mercedes Sunday. But it wasn’t just her physical prowess that kept us hooked. Mercedes is a character of depth—empowering, complex, relatable, and deeply human.
These are qualities that Brandee embodies both on and off the screen.
(L-R) Marque Richardson and Brandee Evans on 'UnPrisoned' Season 2
Courtesy
A Memphis native, Brandee is no stranger to dance. She boasts an impressive career as a choreographer, having worked with renowned artists like Katy Perry, Monica, Ke$ha, and Ledisi. But while it has been a significant part of her journey, Brandee has her sights set on more—expanding her acting career beyond dance-inclusive roles. This ambition nearly led her to pass on the opportunity to appear alongside Kerry Washington in Hulu’s UnPrisoned, where she plays Ava, Mal's (Marque Richardson) new girlfriend.
“When Kerry Washington slid into my DMs, I nearly said no,” Brandee revealed with a laugh. “She mentioned pole dancing, and I told myself and my team that once I was done with Mercedes, I wasn’t going to do that again.” Fortunately, Washington assured her that the role would be vastly different, leading to what Brandee described as an invaluable masterclass in comedy under the guidance of Washington herself.
“Kerry is a force of nature,” Brandee reflected. “She’s everything you’d hope she’d be—strong, compassionate, and incredibly talented. Working with her was like a masterclass in acting.” This opportunity was no mere stroke of luck; it was something Brandee had manifested years earlier. But make no mistake–she credits her faith and praying hands for her success. “I’m praying, you know what I mean? I’m asking God for what I want and working for it too,” she said.
"When Kerry Washington slid into my DMs, I nearly said no."
(L-R) Brandee Evans, Kerry Washington, and Marque Richardson on 'UnPrisoned' Season 2
Courtesy
This role marked Brandee’s first foray into comedy, and while she was eager to embrace the challenge, she found herself in the hands of an incredible mentor. “Kerry was always so kind in her critiques,” Brandee noted. “She’s not a diva by any means. She knows exactly what she wants, but she’s gentle and encouraging in bringing it out of you. That’s something I’ve taken with me to other sets—I want to lead with the same kindness and openness that Kerry showed me. It’s a lesson I’ll carry for the rest of my life.”
Brandee speaks with profound respect and gratitude for her peers and fellow actresses as many have shown her genuine sisterhood and support in an industry often notorious for its competitiveness. “Danielle Brooks sent me a prayer the other day, and I was just so touched. Those are the moments that people don’t see,” she shared. “I call Sheryll Lee Ralph my fairy godmother, and Loretta Devine is like my auntie. Being able to pick up the phone and seek advice from these incredible women is a true blessing.”
And she pays it forward.
Brandee Evans
Courtesy
But her commitment to supporting others extends far beyond her career. As an advocate for health and wellness, she empowers women to prioritize their well-being. “Azaria [Carter], who plays my daughter on P-Valley, mentioned wanting to start a weight loss journey and get more fit. I told her, ‘Well, let’s work out together,’” Brandee recounted. But her dedication to healthy living goes beyond physical fitness, encompassing a holistic approach to wellness. “When she came to my house and tried to microwave something in plastic, I said, ‘Let’s use glass instead. At 20, I wasn’t thinking about that, but let me share some tips now so you’re not battling fibroids in your 30s.’”
Because she was.
While filming the first season of P-Valley, Brandee faced enormous stress—not only as a caregiver for her mother, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, but also due to the physical demands of the role. Yet the impact on her body was far greater than she expected. “I was literally on my cycle every day while playing a stripper, which is far from ideal,” Brandee revealed. It was Harriet D. Foy, who plays her mother, who urged her to get checked for fibroids.
"I was literally on my cycle every day while playing a stripper, which is far from ideal."
Brandee Evans graces the 2024 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards Ceremony.
Arnold Turner/Getty Images for ESSENCE
The statistics are staggering—80% of Black women develop abnormal uterine growths by age 50, making them more likely to suffer from fibroids than any other racial group. But like many, Brandee was initially unaware of these growths and their debilitating effects, and the prospect of surgery was daunting. “I was scheduled to have a myomectomy on my birthday, but I thought about what it would mean for my career. How am I going to climb the pole? The healing process is similar to a C-section.” Determined to avoid surgery, she committed to healing herself naturally.
After a deep dive, she sought treatment at The Herb Shop of Vinings in Atlanta, which ultimately led to a remarkable recovery. “This man saves lives. His name is Jeff, and I call him my doctor.” Brandee shared. “I started detoxing my body with herbs and following his program. During my follow-up with the gynecologist, they said, ‘We don’t know what you’re doing, but your fibroids are shrinking.’”
Emerging on the other side of this journey not only fibroid-free but with a regulated cycle and a renewed outlook on life, Brandee is now focused on sharing her story and advocating for women’s health. “I know y’all want to hear about P-Valley, but I want to talk about regulating your period,” she said with a laugh.
Of course, she didn’t leave fans hanging when it came to what to expect in the upcoming season. “It is worth the wait. The world is about to go crazy. Oh, the world is about to lose it,” Brandee teased. “Y’all might be mad at us right now, but baby, it’s going to be worth it.”
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