Being in the water (beyond a bathtub). Hmph. Personally, when I think about my childhood, some of my very first memories consist of spending time in the water. That’s why I find myself rolling my eyes whenever I hear someone flippantly say that “Black folks can’t swim.”
Actually, more of us can than not. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, somewhere around one-third of us claim to not be able to swim — and if you remember fractions in math from elementary school, that by no means is the majority.
And that is exactly why I enjoy writing articles like this one — because while some of even the non-swimmers will put on a bathing suit and dip their toes in the water, there are a ton of us who are going to full body ourselves into a swimming pool or ocean before Labor Day arrives.
If you’re one of those individuals, just so that your hair remains healthy and strong for the fall and winter seasons, I wanted to include a few tips that will help you to protect your tresses from the chemicals of the pool and salt of the ocean.
1. Use a Swim Cap
I ain’t got no lies to tell you — in my mind, the only real reason to use a swim cap is to keep your hair from getting wet. However, after I read an article on a brand called Power Woman’s site, it convinced me that every woman should probably have one in their possession.
Long story short, it stated that swim caps, yes, significantly reduce the amount of water that gets in your hair; however, they also protect your hair from potentially damaging chemicals; make it easier for you to move faster in the water (which would explain why professional swimmers rock them); help to keep your body warm; reduce the amount of water that gets into your ears, and they’re good for the water that you are swimming in because, the less hair that is in it, the better it is for the water and the environment overall.
If you need some help selecting one, a cap that is a fan favorite when it comes to keeping hair completely dry is here; some caps for locs are located here and some highly-reviewed caps, in general, can be found here.
2. Soak Your Hair with Fresh Water
If you would prefer to go without a swim cap, because pools contain chlorine and ocean water is salt water — and both can be potentially damaging to your hair — make sure to rinse your hair in fresh water before diving in. That way, the fresh water can “coat” your locks and that can decrease how much of the “other water” is able to penetrate your hair’s cuticles.
3. Coat Your Hair with a Carrier Oil
Speaking of coating your hair, something else that you should consider doing is applying a carrier oil — like grapeseed, olive or avocado — to your hair. Since our hair tends to be naturally drier than other ethnicities (because we have a curlier texture which makes it difficult for the sebum on our scalp to coat our strands from root to tip), this means that we have to be hypervigilant about making sure that our hair is extra moisturized; especially when we’re out in the sun and also spending time in the water in the process.
By rinsing your hair in fresh water and then applying a carrier oil to it, that helps your strands to absorb the oil and protect it from the damage that the water — and sun — may try to do. It also makes the detangling process so much easier once you are out of the water and ready to style your hair.
4. Apply a Product That Contains Sunscreen
Speaking of protection from the sun — do any of your hair products have sunscreen in them? If not, it’s time — past time, really — that you got one or two that do. The reality is that UV rays can damage, not only your scalp but your hair follicles, just like they can your skin. So yes, you should definitely put something on your hair (and scalp) that will keep it safe from the sun.
The cool thing about this point is hair products that contain sunscreen come in a variety of forms including sprays, powders and creams. If you’d like to check out some of the more popular options, check out Cosmopolitan’s “9 Best Hair Sunscreens for Max UV Protection (Tested and Reviewed for 2024)” and Allure’s “6 Best Scalp Sunscreens to Protect Your Part.”
5. Dry Your Hair with a Microfiber Towel
As I’ve been on an ever-evolving journey with this hair of mine, I must admit that something that I used to underestimate is how much damage I can do to my tresses if I don’t take my time during the drying process on wash day. I don’t just mean when it comes to the heat styling tools that I use — I mean, how I literally dry my hair after shampooing and conditioning it.
By using a microfiber towel, not only is it gentle on your hair while it's in its fragile state, it also speeds up the drying time while reducing breakage without you having to worry about any lint getting caught up in your strands. The fabric of microfiber towels also tends to be lighter and softer than standard cotton ones which also makes them a huge win as far as proper haircare goes.
6. Try a Protective Style
One of the best things about protective styles is, while you have one, you don’t have to put a ton of thought into styling your hair. And, when it comes to swimming specifically, you also don’t have to worry about a lot of upkeep. You can do whatever you want in the water and, so long as you rinse your hair out once you get out (and towel dry it), you can go on about your day — oftentimes without even looking like you got into the water at all.
So, if you are planning on going on a summer vacation and you’ve got several swimsuits in mind because you plan on getting wet a lot — consider getting some braids or twists. That way, you can spend more time enjoying the break instead of being in the mirror doing your hair.
7. Turn Swim Day into a Semi-Wash Day
Unless you are going to swim with a swim cap on, you’re honestly going to have to do so much to make sure that your hair is healthy and you are happy that you might as well turn swim day into at least a semi-wash day. Shampoo once. Apply conditioner for 5-7 minutes. Have a detangler comb or brush in tow. And make sure to do all of this before your hair dries out and the swim water has set in.
8. If You Went into a Pool, Use a Clarifying Shampoo
I’m pretty sure you know that chlorine is in swimming pools. Oh, but that isn’t the only chemicals that are all up in that water, though. There are also sanitizers, oxidizers (which are on-10 sanitizers), water balancers, filter cleaners and a host of other products too. And if you spend an hour swimming in all of that, it’s definitely going to absorb into your hair. That’s why it’s a good idea to wash your hair (one round should be enough) with a clarifying shampoo. It’s specifically designed to remove product build-up.
9. Put a Leave-In Conditioner on Your Locks
Personally, I’m getting to a point where I think that if you are a Black woman, you should keep a leave-in conditioner in your hair at all times; especially if you have high porosity hair (which means that your hair absorbs moisture as well as loses it quickly) or you’re going to be out in the sun and/or swimming. Leave-in conditioners are bomb because they go out of their way to help your hair to maintain moisture days after your wash day. So, once you wash your hair, make sure to apply a leave-in as a way to provide your tresses with the extra hydration and protection that it needs.
10. Got Braids? Thoroughly Dry Them.
Listen, I’m all for a serious box braid hairstyle for the summer season (check out “If Spring & Summer Are Your Favorite Braid Seasons, Here's How To Make Them Last” and “This Is Your Summertime Protective Style Cheat Sheet”) and, when it comes to swimming, they can be convenient on a few different levels. Just make sure that when you get out of the water, you dry them thoroughly. Otherwise, the combination of synthetic hair and water (long-term) can lead to mildew — and you definitely don’t want that!
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Welp. There you have it. Your haircare cheat sheet; one that will make it so much easier for you to enjoy the water — and the process of getting your hair how you want it once you are out of it. Enjoy sis!
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So, we handpicked one hundred It Girls who embody that palpable It Factor moving through us as young Black women, the kind of motion lighting up the world both IRL and across the internet.
It Girl 100 became xoNecole’s most successful program, with the hashtag organically reaching more than forty million impressions on Instagram in just twenty-four hours. Yes, it caught on like wildfire because we celebrated some of the most brilliant and influential GenZennial women of color setting trends and shaping culture. But more than that, it resonated because the women we celebrated felt seen.
Many were already known in their industries for keeping this generation fly and lit, but rarely received recognition or flowers. It Girl 100 became a safe space to be uplifted, and for us as Black women to bask in what felt like an era of our brilliance, beauty, and boundless influence on full display.
And then, almost overnight, it was as if the rug was pulled from under us as Black women, as the It Girls of the world.
Our much-needed, much-deserved season of ease and soft living quickly metamorphosed into a time of self-preservation and survival. Our motion and economic progression seemed strategically slowed, our light under siege.
The air feels heavier now. The headlines colder. Our Black girl magic is being picked apart and politicized for simply existing.
With that climate shift, as we prepare to launch our second annual It Girl 100 honoree list, our team has had to dig deep on the purpose and intention behind this year’s list. Knowing the spirit of It Girl 100 is about motion, sauce, strides, and progression, how do we celebrate amid uncertainty and collective grief when the juice feels like it is being squeezed out of us?
As we wrestled with that question, we were reminded that this tension isn’t new. Black women have always had to find joy in the midst of struggle, to create light even in the darkest corners. We have carried the weight of scrutiny for generations, expected to be strong, to serve, to smile through the sting. But this moment feels different. It feels deeply personal.
We are living at the intersection of liberation and backlash. We are learning to take off our capes, to say no when we are tired, to embrace softness without apology.
And somehow, the world has found new ways to punish us for it.
In lifestyle, women like Kayla Nicole and Ayesha Curry have been ridiculed for daring to choose themselves. Tracee Ellis Ross was labeled bitter for speaking her truth about love. Meghan Markle, still, cannot breathe without critique.
In politics, Kamala Harris, Letitia James, and Jasmine Crockett are dragged through the mud for standing tall in rooms not built for them.
In sports, Angel Reese, Coco Gauff, and Taylor Townsend have been reminded that even excellence will not shield you from racism or judgment.
In business, visionaries like Diarrha N’Diaye-Mbaye and Melissa Butler are fighting to keep their dreams alive in an economy that too often forgets us first.
Even our icons, Beyoncé, Serena, and SZA, have faced criticism simply for evolving beyond the boxes society tried to keep them in.
From everyday women to cultural phenoms, the pattern is the same. Our light is being tested.
And yet, somehow, through it all, we are still showing up as that girl, and that deserves to be celebrated.
Because while the world debates our worth, we keep raising our value. And that proof is all around us.
This year alone, Naomi Osaka returned from motherhood and mental health challenges to reach the semifinals of the US Open. A’ja Wilson claimed another MVP, reminding us that beauty and dominance can coexist. Brandy and Monica are snatching our edges on tour. Kahlana Barfield Brown sold out her new line in the face of a retailer that had been canceled. And Melissa Butler’s company, The Lip Bar, is projecting a forty percent surge in sales.
We are no longer defining strength by how much pain we can endure. We are defining it by the unbreakable light we continue to radiate.
We are the women walking our daily steps and also continuing to run solid businesses. We are growing in love, taking solo trips, laughing until it hurts, raising babies and ideas, drinking our green juice, and praying our peace back into existence.
We are rediscovering the joy of rest and realizing that softness is not weakness, it is strategy.
And through it all, we continue to lift one another. Emma Grede is creating seats at the table. Valeisha Butterfield has started a fund for jobless Black women. Arian Simone is leading in media with fearless conviction. We are pouring into each other in ways the world rarely sees but always feels.
So yes, we are in the midst of societal warfare. Yes, we are being tested. Yes, we are facing economic strain, political targeting, and public scrutiny. But even war cannot dim a light that is divinely ours.
And we are still shining.
And we are still softening.
And we are still creating.
And we are still It.
That is the quiet magic of Black womanhood, our ability to hold both truth and triumph in the same breath, to say yes, and to life’s contradictions.
It is no coincidence that this year, as SheaMoisture embraces the message “Yes, And,” they stand beside us as partners in celebrating this class of It Girls. Because that phrase, those two simple words, capture the very essence of this moment.
Yes, we are tired. And we are still rising.
Yes, we are questioned. And we are the answer.
Yes, we are bruised. And we are still beautiful.
This year’s It Girl 100 is more than a list. It is a love letter to every Black woman who dares to live out loud in a world that would rather she whisper. This year’s class is living proof of “Yes, And,” women who are finding ways to thrive and to heal, to build and to rest, to lead and to love, all at once.
It is proof that our joy is not naive, our success not accidental. It is the reminder that our light has never needed permission.
So without further ado, we celebrate the It Girl 100 Class of 2025–2026.
We celebrate the millions of us who keep doing it with grace, grit, and glory.
Because despite it all, we still shine.
Because we are still her.
Because we are still IT, girl.
Meet all 100 women shaping culture in the It Girl 100 Class of 2025. View the complete list of honorees here.
Featured image by xoStaff
Apparently, there was a Thanksgiving episode that featured all of the friends having dinner together. And y’all, there was simply no way that I was going to mention the latter without shouting out the original (amen?).
Okay, so with that out of the way — Friendsgiving. Something that I appreciate about twists to holidays like this is that it’s a reminder that there is no one way to celebrate special occasions. And so, if, for whatever the reason, you will not or cannot be with family during the holiday season, there are certainly other alternatives at your disposal.
That being said, if the thought of spending time with friends this Thanksgiving is something that you’d like to do, yet you’re not sure how to host it in a way that will make Friendsgiving a fan favorite for your entire circle — I’ve got 10 suggestions that can make the planning process easy as pumpkin (or sweet potato) pie.
1. Position Chrysanthemums or Orchids for Your Table Décor
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Let’s start with décor first. Listen, aside from cleaning up your place, you don’t have to be over the top. If you put together a really nice centerpiece or put a flower at each table setting, honestly, you’re all good. And if you’re someone who is big on details and symbolism, my recommendation would be to go with some chrysanthemums and/or orchids.
When it comes to chrysanthemums, not only are they a peak fall flower, they represent things like friendship and happiness. And orchids? They tend to bloom during the fall and spring seasons and, not only are they about luxury, certain orchid colors also symbolize friendship (for the record, yellow roses symbolize friendship too). Perfect.
2. Incorporate Scents That Cultivate Gratitude
Speaking of cultivating a warm and inviting space, you can never go wrong with scented soy candles — or at least having an essential oil diffuser in a few spots. Some scents that actually help to bring in the spirit of gratitude include vanilla, jasmine, ginger, cedarwood and frankincense.
3. Use Upscale Paper Products to Dine With
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Let’s be real — a lot more of us would probably host events in our home if it wasn’t for the mess that is left behind in our kitchen once the festivities are over. Wanna avoid that? Use paper plates. No, I don’t mean the cheap Styrofoam ones. SMDH. These days, there are paper (and plastic) plate brands that will low-key blow your mind when it comes to how bougie they look. Some that are worth considering are located here, here and here.
4. Handwrite Thank-You Notes (Use Them As Place Settings)
If you’re like Tiffany (from the HBO series Insecure — what a time) was at that memorable dinner party when all hell broke loose between Lawrence and Issa and you’re pretty anal — I mean, particular — LOL — about place settings, it’s a nice touch to pick up some blank thank-you cards that you can write a personalized “I’m thankful for you because…” message in. Place each one where you’d like each friend to sit. They won’t see it coming and it’s a really nice touch.
5. Have Everyone Bring Their Favorite Homemade Dish
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Okay, and what if what has you on the fence about hosting is you don’t feel like doing a ton of cooking? Chile, this is where the concept of having a potluck comes in. Get everyone to bring the dish that they claim they cook the best and make sure to let them know how many individuals you plan on coming (so that they will make enough). You can even make a game out of it by having everyone anonymously vote for the first, second and third best dishes out of the bunch. Take it up a notch by having a prize for each winner.
6. Take a Warm Drink and Dessert Poll Beforehand
You know what isn’t discussed enough about dinner parties? Folks bringing desserts that other people don’t even like. SMDH. You can avoid this from becoming an issue at your Friendsgiving by sending an email (most people prefer that to group chats; let’s be real — and make sure to BCC everyone as well) asking everyone to share what their top three favorite desserts and warm drinks are. Then pick the top 2-3 out of the bunch. That way, you won’t have a ton of (for instance) coffee cake or apple cider lying around that no one even wanted in the first place.
7. Create a Signature Friendsgiving Mocktail and Cocktail
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Speaking of drinks, another way to make your Friendsgiving memorable is to come up with a signature mocktail (for those who don’t consume alcohol) and cocktail. For the mocktail, you can also poll your friends about their favorite mocktail or fruits and come up with a mixture of your own. For the cocktail — although National Friendship Day is actually in August, I did peep that there are certain drinks that have been created in its honor. Some of them are located here for you to do a bit of tweaking on (if you’d like).
8. Ask Everyone to Share Their “Favorite Friend Quality” of Another
You know how it’s customary for everyone to go around and share what they are truly thankful for before having dinner? Well, to continue along with the Friendsgiving theme, have each person share what their favorite friend quality is about the person to their right. If folks are just meeting each other for the first time, instead they can share what they value the most in friendship overall, along with a story of how it was displayed to them personally over the past 12 months.
9. Send Each of Your Guests Home with a Fresh Gratitude Journal
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Wanna send folks home with a nice parting gift? It would be so on-trend to give each of them a gratitude journal. Listen, we are in some crazy times right through here (at least in the States) and so, encouraging your friends to set some time aside, regularly, to think about and then outwardly express what they are grateful for? That helps to keep stress down, keep things in perspective and it reminds us all to maintain a positive mindset as much as possible.
10. Watch a Nostalgic Movie
While everyone is enjoying dessert and drinks, how about watching a movie that brings back fond memories? A list of some of the most popular movies to come out previous Thanksgiving weekends is located here and a list of some favorite Black holiday-themed films can be found here. It’s a way to wind down and share some laughs before everyone heads home.
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Friendsgiving. What a wonderful way to celebrate your friends while also observing Thanksgiving in a way that is totally on your terms. And now that you know how to put it together, what are you waiting for? Hit your friends up and let them know that, whether it’s on actual Thanksgiving Day or a few days before or after, you’ve got a special dinner in mind.
One that has a good time with amazing friends written ALL over it.
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