

As humans, we tend to spend a lot of time taking care of our skin, mostly our face. Why don't we give more consideration to the skin all over our bodies in not-so-traditional places? There are parts of our body that go unnoticed, and it's time for us to give them some extra attention. We are glad that society is moving in the direction of body awareness because our bodies are designed to be loved.
First up: underarms. They can be sweaty and a pain to maintain, but they do so much for us. For one, they hold 20 lymph nodes in each crevice, an essential part of your body's immune system as it filters toxins. While societal expectations say that women should shave their pits, we believe that's between you and your body. Do you, sis! Just make sure you're keeping your underarms happy.
Below, we've rounded up some must-haves guaranteed to do just that. And let's just say, they aren't best-selling products for no reason. Keep scrolling for the deets!
1.Bella Skin Beauty Watermelon Probiotic Underarm Toner
Bella Skin Beauty
I didn't know underarm toner was a thing until I tried this product from Bella Skin Beauty. According to the brand, it eliminates bacteria, gently cleanses the skin, protects against environmental aggressors, and maintains its pH. Best of all, it reduces body odor. My favorite part is the plant-based ingredients: pure watermelon extract, ylang-ylang, lemon balm, aloe, Vitamin E, and Vitamin A, making for a divine smell and soothing feel.
2.Glossier Body Hero Cleanse + Exfoliate Duo
Glossier
We don't exfoliate enough, and we definitely don't exfoliate under our arms enough. This duo by Glossier was designed to give your skin the one-two punch you need. The daily oil wash gathers the dirt and grime that don't belong and washes it away like Jesus washes away our sins while the exfoliating bar combats dryness and dead skin like your fairy godmother. Using this under your arms will create the soft, silky skin you deserve.
3.Oui The People PHA Ingrown Relief Toner
Oui The People
Of all of the acids, polyhydroxy acid (PHA) is said to be the least aggressive compared to alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid and lactic acid. Don't get it twisted, PHAs hold their own, especially when it comes to fighting glycation; that's when digested sugar attaches to the collagen in your skin, won't let go, and makes it weak. By using The Big Reveal, you'll notice brighter and smoother skin with less irritation in weeks.
4.PiperWai Underarm Oil
PiperWai
Say hello to the new spa treatment for your pits, sis. Between the essential oils and antibacterial ingredients, your natural pH balance will be supported like never before. PiperWai suggests you "massage 1-2 drops per armpit before bed, or daily followed by deodorant if desired. If you are using the oil with the deodorant, use sparingly as a little bit goes a long way."
5.Native Natural Deodorant
Native
Native Deodorant is a firm believer that we have to take care of our bodies because it's the only place we have to live. This antiperspirant glides on like butter and keeps you dry throughout the day. Most importantly, it is aluminum-free which means it's natural enough not to harm you but strong enough to tackle your stress sweat.
6.Pacifica Coconut & Charcoal Underarm Detox Scrub
Pacifica
Keeping it 100% vegan and cruelty-free, Pacifica wants you to free your pits. And you can do so with this holy grail of a product because it unclogs your pores and makes them like new. If you're thinking of transitioning to natural deodorant, you'll want to use this detox scrub. The thickness is just right and isn't too harsh like other similar products.
7.Athena Club Smooth Skin Trio
Athena Club
You know what they say, "Good things come in threes!" The Smooth Skin Trio is made up of Cloud Shave Foam, Dewy Body Lotion, and Creamy Body Wash — all determined to keep you soft, smooth, and dewy. The shaving cream supports moisture, the lotion serves as a multivitamin, and the body wash cleanses and protects.
8.Paula’s Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA
Paula's Choice
I've recently become a superfan of Paula's Choice products because they give what they need to give. You can count on their products to provide you with all-over smoothing. "Ongoing use banishes dullness and promotes resilient skin that's touchably soft and ultimately smooth. This is a customer favorite, suitable even for skin prone to keratosis pilaris." Keratosis pilaris is a common yet harmless skin condition that causes dry, rough patches and tiny bumps.
9.Thrive Market Baking Soda
Thrive Market
"I'm in love with the CoCo." If you're not, you should be because this natural remedy contains anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Not only does it tighten pores, but it also fights body odor. Baking soda and lemon juice even lighten your underarms.
Using one tablespoon of baking soda and juice of half a lemon, you can combine both the ingredients in a bowl to create a paste. Once you have achieved your desired consistency, apply the paste to your armpits and massage for a minute, then let it dry for 20 minutes. Finally, wash off with cold water. Complete this application 2-3 times a week to see results.
10.Meow Meow Tweet Grapefruit Baking Soda Free Deodorant Cream
Meow Meow Tweet
We love that this natural deodorant comes in a glass jar and can be refilled. Mama Earth would be proud! Both gentle and productive, this cream nourishes your underarm like a conditioner. Essential oils are always a vibe, and when you mix the various butters and plant oils included in this product, you are sure to have a frosting that your pits will adore.
11.Fur Ingrown Concentrate
Fur
Au Naturale and oh, so soothing should be the tagline for Fur's Ingrown Concentrate. Name a better spot treatment that slays annoying bumps and redness while also ailing sensitive skin. It's also the mitt for us because it's the key to buffing out those stubborn ingrown hairs.
Featured image by Getty Images
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.
Luxury Hairstylist On Viral 'Hey Boo' Texts & Professionalism In The Hair Industry
As Black women, our hair is our crowning glory - whether we paid for it or not. We take pride in how we wear and take care of our hair. As with everything, hair care and hair styling have evolved over the years. Long gone are the days of Blue Magic (although I hear it’s making a comeback).
Now, we have a plethora of creams, oils, conditioners, shampoos, and stylists to choose from. Beyond wearing our natural curls, we have a range of options, from wigs and sew-ins to tape-ins, I-tips, and K-tips. So much choice! But you know what they say about too much of a good thing...
The Black hair industry has definitely blossomed in the last decade with a wave of new stylists and salons popping up all over the place. As much as I love that for us, many of these stylists have become the subjects of viral TikTok and Instagram tirades because of their alleged questionable behavior and bizarre rules.
Excessive policies, strange fees, long wait times, poor performance, and the infamous “Hey boo” texts. Beauty is pain, they say… xoNecole got to the root of these issues with luxury hair extensionist Dee Michelle, who’s been in the hair game for 20 years and runs a seven-figure business - all while being a mom of four.
Antonio Livingston
“I started my business with my career in the hair industry [at] very, very young age when I was maybe like eight...So, over the years, I've just built a very successful seven-figure business very quickly just by offering high-end services and creating great experiences for my clients, many of whom are high-profile professionals,” she said. “I'm also a mother of four, including a set of triplets, which inspires me daily to show what's possible with my hard work and focus.”
Dee’s business has gone viral on social media because of what many call outrageous prices for her invisible K-Tip installs.
“When I developed my invisible K-tip extensions technique, I made sure that it wasn't just about the hair or the style, but about providing a high-end experience from start to finish. So, my clients just aren't paying for the extensions or just the style itself, but they're investing into my meticulous, seamless craft and premium hair sourced from the best suppliers…I've spent so many hours mastering my craft, creating this seamless method that gives my clients long-lasting natural results, and my pricing just reflects that - the value of my expertise and the exclusivity of the service.”
The K-tip specialist stands on business when it comes to catering to her clients and giving them an experience worth the cost.
“And it's just important for me to also say that my clients are high-profile individuals who value quality, their privacy, and their time. They want a service that fits into their lifestyle and their time. They want things that deliver perfection. And I deliver that every single time.”
I’m sure we’ve all seen the various TikTok rants about people’s nightmare experiences with stylists and uttered a silent “FELT!” We asked Dee her opinion on a few nightmare scenarios that beg the response, “please be so forreal."
On stylists charging extra to wash clients’ hair:
“I think they should just include it in the price, to be honest. Because I feel like when clients go to a stylist, they're expecting you to wash their hair. Personally, if I see that washing is extra, I just wouldn't go to the salon because it just shows a lack of professionalism, in my opinion, and a lack of experience.”
“I think they should just include it in the price, to be honest. Because I feel like when clients go to a stylist, they're expecting you to wash their hair. Personally, if I see that washing is extra, I just wouldn't go to the salon because it just shows a lack of professionalism, in my opinion, and a lack of experience.”
On ‘deposits’ that don’t go towards the cost of the service:
“I think that's kind of weird, too, for deposits to not be like a part of the service. I've seen people have booking fees and I just don't understand it, to be honest. I disagree with that kind of policy…By all means, people should do what works for them, but to me, it doesn't make sense. Why does somebody have to pay a fee just to book an appointment with you? I don't get it. It feels like exploitation.”
On stylists charging extra to style (straighten/curl) wigs, sew-ins etc., after installing:
“I don't get it. Clients come to us to get their hair done, to get it styled. So why is it extra for you to style it? If you're going to charge extra, just increase your price. I feel like it could be just a lack of confidence in those stylists, feeling like people won't pay a certain price for certain things, or just their lack of professionalism as well, because people are coming to us to get styled.”
On the infamous “Hey boo” text stylists send to clients when they need to cancel/reschedule:
“Professionalism in any industry, especially the beauty industry, is everything. So texting a client the, “Hey boo” is so unprofessional, and it's damaging to the client-stylist relationship. Clients book their appointments expecting a level of respect and care, especially when they're investing their time and money and a service. And I get it, emergencies happen, we're all humans. However, it should be done with a formal apology and a clear explanation.”
“Professionalism in any industry, especially the beauty industry, is everything. So texting a client the, “Hey boo” is so unprofessional, and it's damaging to the client-stylist relationship. Clients book their appointments expecting a level of respect and care, especially when they're investing their time and money and a service. And I get it, emergencies happen, we're all humans. However, it should be done with a formal apology and a clear explanation.”
We know all too well what kinds of things will keep us from ever gracing certain hairstylists’ chairs with our butts again. So, what should hairstylists do to provide a good service to their clients? What is good hairstylist etiquette?
“For one, being on time is an important rule for stylist etiquette. It's just not okay to require your clients to be on time, and you're not on time. Also, communication. Being able to communicate clearly, respectfully, and professionally, whether that's in person, via text, or on social media. Style is etiquette. Appearance matters. So just maintaining a clean, polished, and professional look. Clients respect you more whenever your appearance reflects your work. There's just so many things, but another thing I would say is active listening. So, being able to pay close attention to what your client wants and also clarifying any questions that they might have. Just to ensure that they feel heard and to minimize any misunderstandings.”
Dee also shared some red flags to look out for when considering a new stylist.
“Even me as a client, if I'm booking somebody and they have a long list of rules, I don't even book with them. That's, for one, just such a huge turn-off. Also, stylists who have inconsistent or unclear pricing, that's a red flag. People who change their rates too much without an explanation. Poor communication. So, if a stylist is responding very slow or responding unprofessionally, or giving vague answers to questions, that can make clients question whether or not they are respecting their time and their needs.
Another red flag - an inconsistent or low quality portfolio. And I feel like, I see this a lot with stylists stealing other people's work, and their portfolio on social media is just very inconsistent.”
We couldn’t let Dee go without getting the tea on what styles she predicts will trend in 2025.
“I feel like people are going back to natural-looking styles. So, a lot of people are ditching the wigs, the lace fronts, things like that. People are still wearing them, of course, but it is becoming more of a trend to embrace your natural hair and something that's not looking too fake. That’s one thing that we're going to be seeing a lot. I would say a lot of layers are coming back, heavy layers. Those are becoming really, really trendy. And people are leaning more towards platinum-colored hair. I've been seeing lots of like blondes coming out. Also, jet black is always going to be a trend. But I would say more like natural colors, but natural colors that are still making a statement.”
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Feature image by Antonio Livingston.
Dry January may be over for some, but for others, sobriety is a lifestyle. Non-alcoholic spirits like Ritual and Free AF are becoming more popular and even temperance bars (dry bars, sober bars) are popping up around the world. Resorts are also taking note as many are putting wellness front and center by offering mocktails and incorporating yoga and other mindfulness practices.
The Expedia Group reported that more than 40% of travelers have said they're likely to book a detox trip within the next year. If you're one of the travelers looking for a wellness vacation, check out these 10 spots below.
Bimini, Bahamas
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Resorts World Bimini recently introduced its Wellness Weekends with Shay Williams, a local Pilates Instructor, and Sound Healer. Guests can enjoy a private pilates class and sound healing session for $269 per person.
Aruba
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Aruba Marriott Resort offers soothing aloe-based treatments at the island's largest spa. Their Lobby Bar also has a signature mocktail menu with options like the Strawberry Cooler.
Curaçao
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Curaçao is located near Earth's main vortexes, which are considered the world's chakras and/or portals making the island a strong energetic hub. Speak with one of the local gurus or enjoy a blissful spa day, at the captivating 8, The Experience. The spa features services like chakra-balancing, stress-fixing massages, and more.
Bellevue, Washington
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Bellevue is a quaint and charming city surrounded by nature's beauty. Travelers can kayak on Lake Washington or hike the snow-capped mountains of the North Cascades. It's also home to the iconic Bellevue Club Hotel, which features an athletic club and spa.
Adairsville, Georgia
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Barnsley Resort is the perfect escape from city life. It's located at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains and guests can enjoy horseback riding, hiking trails, golfing, and canoeing with a mocktail in hand.
Cape Cod, MA
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Holistic health lovers may want to visit Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club, which introduced new year-round wellness retreats, helmed by wellness expert and Retreat Sales Manager Liza Bertini. The retreat offers a range of fitness classes like yoga and pilates as well as programs catered to sober-curious people, grief and other health issues.
Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
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Lake Atitlán is recognized as one of the most spiritual places in the world and Casa Palopó is located right on the edge. The luxury boutique is one of the only two Relais & Chateaux hotels in Guatemala. With only 15 rooms and a 3-bedroom villa, guests can roam the lush grounds and take-in panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding three volcanoes. Some of the resorts' activities include a Maya blessing ceremony, yoga, or volunteering at nearby villages.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
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The Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta recently underwent a huge renovation that includes a refreshed treatment menu and facilities like cold pools, steam room, and sauna. Guests can enjoy oceanfront yoga, running and walking paths, tennis, and a flora-inspired mocktail menu at Bar Flora.
Baja California, Mexico
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At Kimpton Mas Olas Resort & Spa in Todos Santos, guests can create their own custom essential oils and scrubs at the resort's apothecary workshops or they can indulge in holistic treatments in the spa. Other wellness-focused activities include daily yoga, meditation, and fitness classes.
Punta Mina, Mexico
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Detox and reset at W Punta de Mita, which is a located on Mexico's most iconic surf breaks. There's holistic remedy-inspired mocktails, ice bath therapy, and spiritual Cacao Ceremonies designed to reconnect mind, body, and spirit. And, of course, surfing is a must.
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Feature image by Thomas Barwick/ Getty Images