
When you’ve been working for couples for as long as I have, it gets to a point where nothing throws you; this includes when a relatively new client of mine approached me with a particular internalized dilemma: “Shellie, my man and I decided to wait until we got engaged to have sex, and he proposed last week. Because we were focused on not having sex, he didn’t tell me until a few months ago that he was uncircumcised. I love him, but I’ve never been with a man who has a ‘turtleneck’ before, and it’s kind of creeping me out.”
Hmph. Let me start by saying this: You can read articles like “Guess What? Guys Get 'Morning Wood' While Women Get 'Morning Bean.'” to learn just how much penises and clitorises have in common while making the time to look at your own vagina and vulva can also serve as a great PSA that no two vaginas (or vulvas) are exactly alike.
My point? I don’t know how many times I’ve said in somebody’s article, somewhere, that a lot of what (some) people think about uncircumcised men comes from nothing more than sheer ignorance and/or programming more than anything else. Lawd, there are so many myths about uncut penises that, once my client said what she did, I felt that it was well past time to address some of the misconceptions on a larger platform — so that if you happen to find yourself with an uncircumcised man, you can know, factually, just what you are getting yourself into. Once and for all.
Are you ready to learn instead of assume? Excellent. It’s time.
The Biblical Reason Behind Circumcision in the United States
GiphyI once read that a study stated that a little over 80 percent of males within the United States are circumcised. Since the most popular religion within this country continues to be Christianity, I’m pretty sure that the two things are linked.
The reason why I say that is because, clearly all male babies are born uncircumcised. However, there is a story in the Bible that speaks to when circumcision became “a thing”. If you read Genesis 17, it addresses when Abraham was instructed to remove the foreskin of both of his sons (Isaac and Ishmael) as a sign of making a covenant with God. So yeah, there’s a huge chance that among Jews and Christians (because there were no Christians in the Old Testament; some of y’all will catch that later), circumcision is probably more of more religion-based than anything else (it’s also big in the Muslim faith…some connect those dots to Ishmael; that’s too much to break down within this article, though).
Anyway, I thought it was important to put that on record, so that, out the gate, you can grasp some of the “origin story” of why you may know of more men who are circumcised than not; that it didn’t just come out of nowhere. Ask a guy to ask his parents why they did it if you don’t believe me.
With the foundation laid, let’s get to dispelling seven really popular myths about uncircumcised/uncut men.
1. Uncut Men’s Penises Look Drastically Different
GiphySince the appearance of an uncircumcised penis is what tends to get discussed (oftentimes ignorantly so) the most, let’s start there. When a man has been circumcised, his foreskin has been removed so that the head of his penis (which is technically known as the glans) is constantly showing. On the other hand, when a man is uncircumcised, the foreskin remains which means that “his head” is covered up when it is not erect and only is fully seen during an erection (an illustration of both an uncircumcised and circumcised penis is located here if you’re curious).
So yes, although an uncircumcised penis looks different when it’s not erect, there’s not much difference between it and a circumcised penis when it is.
2. Uncut Men Are Unclean
GiphyAnother misconception about uncircumcised men is that they are “dirtier” than circumcised men are. That’s because, if you’ve ever heard of the word “smegma,” it’s probably only been in the context of an uncut man — and that is unfortunate. The reason why I say that is because smegma is simply a build-up of skin cells, oils and natural moisture that can occur without consistent hygiene practices. Know what else? Women as well as men can have it.
The cheesy-like substance is something that uncircumcised men have to be hyperaware of due to the fact that smegma can get trapped in their foreskin; however, the same can happen to a woman’s clitoral hood — and when’s the last time you’ve cleaned yours out (check out “7 Reasons You Should TOTALLY Be In Love With Your Clitoral Hood”)? Definitely something to think about.
3. Uncut Men Have “Softer” Erections
GiphyI remember a woman once telling me that she didn’t enjoy the sex that she had with the only uncircumcised man that she had ever been with because his erections felt softer than circumcised men’s did. Something about that didn’t sound right and so I polled some guys who had shared with me that they were uncircumcised before. What they unanimously agreed on is that man wasn’t completely turned on, for whatever the reason, because their erections are plenty hard (thank you very much) — and a couple of them even had partners who were willing to cosign on that.
Again, once a man is fully erect, the foreskin stretches back, so being uncut has nothing to do with the quality of an erection — especially to the person who is on the “receiving” side of one.
4. Uncut Men Have More Fertility Struggles
GiphyRemember what I mentioned about hygiene earlier? To be fair, if an uncircumcised man is not properly and consistently cleaning himself, that does increase his chances of contracting an STI/STD — however, I would think that would go without saying for hygiene across the board. So, if you heard somewhere that uncut men have a higher rate of fertility issues, that absolutely is not true.
Getting an infection from not practicing safe sex or cleansing thoroughly is the challenge. And again, that isn’t “uncut specific” (although, it should go on record that there is a slightly higher chance that you can get a UTI from an uncircumcised partner, again, if there is that type of bacteria that hasn’t been removed from his foreskin).
5. Uncut Men Don’t Enjoy Sex As Much
GiphySkin has nerve endings, foreskin included. And that’s why, it makes all of the sense in the world that it’s been reported that uncircumcised men tend to experience more intense sexual pleasure and orgasms than men who aren’t circumcised. The thought process is since they have extra nerves that “cut men” don’t, that causes their penis to feel more sensitive to arousal which makes climaxing feel somewhat noticeably more potent as well.
6. Sex with an Uncut Man Requires Lubricant
GiphyIf being with an uncircumcised man has you wondering if you need to use extra lubricant, you might be surprised to know that cut men produce slightly less lubrication than uncut ones do; however, when it comes to sex, the ultimate answer is up to one’s personal preference, not the state of a guy’s anatomy. In fact, as far as physical intimacy goes, most of the moisture comes from a woman’s body anyway, so if you want things to be wetter, that would be up to what your body is telling you and/or what you personally desire.
7. Sex Is Better with a Circumcised Man
GiphyOf course, I had to save the best for last. And actually, it’s something that I’ve mentioned in other articles — you ready? Contrary to popular belief (and oftentimes ignorant assumption), many women find sex with an uncircumcised man to be better — well, let me be more specific: they find it easier to have (more) consistent orgasms with them than they do with circumcised men.
A part of the reason is because the extra skin reduces the kind of friction during intercourse that can lead to discomfort. Also, the extra skin around the head of the penis can make it easier to stimulate the vaginal opening (and the nerve endings around it) which can lead to more vaginal orgasms.
___
Listen, just like I’m going to forever say that thinking you need a man with a big penis comes from programming (check out “BDE: Please Let The 'It Needs To Be Huge' Myth Go”), the same point basically applies to believing that sex is best with a circumcised man.
If you’d prefer it for religious reasons, I get that. Just always remember that so long as you have a clitoral hood, technically, you are uncircumcised yourself (hmm…) and, beyond religion, there is nothing wrong with an uncircumcised man — all men came into the world that way, after all.
And as you just read, some solid and proven perks come from that very fact. #justsaying
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Featured image by Prostock-studio/Shutterstock
Because We Are Still IT, Girl: It Girl 100 Returns
Last year, when our xoNecole team dropped our inaugural It Girl 100 honoree list, the world felt, ahem, a bit brighter.
It was March 2024, and we still had a Black woman as the Vice President of the United States. DEI rollbacks weren’t being tossed around like confetti. And more than 300,000 Black women were still gainfully employed in the workforce.
Though that was just nineteen months ago, things were different. Perhaps the world then felt more receptive to our light as Black women.
At the time, we launched It Girl 100 to spotlight the huge motion we were making as dope, GenZennial Black women leaving our mark on culture. The girls were on the rise, flourishing, drinking their water, minding their business, leading companies, and learning to do it all softly, in rest. We wanted to celebrate that momentum—because we love that for us.
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
It Girl 100 Class Of 2025: Meet The Empire Builders You Need To Know
She's a boss, and she's minding the business that pays her. Literally and figuratively.
Whether she's launching her next business venture, turning passion projects into paper, or building her side hustle into a legacy, she's proof that visionary women don't wait for a seat at the table. She builds her own, then pulls up a chair for the next woman. The empire-builders of xoNecole's 2025 It Girl 100 lead with purpose and profit, spinning their "why" into wealth.
This year's It Girl 100 is a mosaic of brilliance, spotlighting entrepreneurs, cultural disruptors, beauty visionaries, and boundary-pushing creatives who embody the spirit of "Yes, And." This digital celebration honors the women who embrace every facet of themselves, proving you can chase the bag and still honor your desire to live life softly.
The women repping for the Business category are empire builders shaping the next generation of entrepreneurship, as founders, investors, and CEOs, shifting culture while expanding their brands and their net worth.
Here's the roll call for xoNecole's It Girl 100 Class of 2025: Business.

Artist and Founder of GROWN Media Kaya Nova
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Kaya Nova
Her Handle: @thekayanova
Her Title: Artist and Founder, GROWN Media
Who's That It Girl: Kaya Nova is the artist-entrepreneur whose voice bridges melody and empowerment as the founder of GROWN Mag and GROWN Media. We celebrate her for turning her artistry into activism, creating music and experiences that honor womanhood, vulnerability, and the beauty of becoming your full self.
Her "Yes, And" Statement: "Yes, I'm multitalented and I'm powerful beyond measure."

Founder and CEO of Vineyard Icon Erin Goldson
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Erin Goldson
Her Handle: @eringoldson
Her Title: Founder and CEO of Vineyard Icon
Who's That It Girl: We are inspired by Erin Goldson, brand marketer and founder of Vineyard Icon, a platform celebrating Martha’s Vineyard culture and creativity. She blends strategy and community building with effortless polish to turn ideas into impact.

Founder and CEO, My Happy Flo Necole Kane
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Necole Kane
Her Handle: @hellonecole
Her Title: Founder and CEO, My Happy Flo
Who's That It Girl: Necole Kane is a media mogul and entrepreneur who founded NecoleBitchie.com and xoNecole.com. She now leads feminine wellness brand My Happy Flo, advocating for women's hormonal health through plant-based supplements and holistic solutions.

FORVR MOOD Co-Founder and Content Creator Jackie Aina
Credit: Kirstin Enlow
Jackie Aina
Her Handle: @jackieaina
Her Title: FORVR MOOD Co-Founder and Content Creator
Who's That It Girl: A trailblazer who changed the face of beauty forever, Jackie Asamoah built a legacy on authenticity and advocacy. We love her for redefining luxury through inclusion and for reminding women everywhere that self-care is a radical, joyful act.
Her "Yes, And" Statement: "Yes, I'm owning my power and finding balance in it."

Founder and Investor Shannae Ingleton Smith
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Shannae Ingleton Smith
Her Handle: @torontoshay
Her Title: Founder and Investor
Who's That It Girl: Shannae Ingleton Smith is President and Co-founder of Kensington Grey, an influencer agency representing 200+ creators. A former media sales executive, she now invests in creator-led startups, including 12PM Studios.
Her "Yes, And" Statement: "Yes, I’m breaking ceilings and expanding the table."

Founder of LORVAE De'arra Taylor
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De'arra Taylor
Her Handle: @dearra
Her Title: Founder of Fashion Brand LORVAE
Who's That It Girl: We celebrate De'arra Taylor as the founder and CEO of LORVAE, an eyewear brand built on reinvention, confidence, and bold individuality. Her creative direction turns sunglasses into statements and community into a lifestyle.

Founder of The Lip Bar Melissa Butler
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Melissa Butler
Her Handle: @melissarbutler
Her Title: Founder of The Lip Bar
Who's That It Girl: Melissa Butler transformed The Lip Bar from a kitchen concept into a multimillion-dollar movement. We honor her for challenging industry norms and proving that boldness, beauty, and business brilliance can coexist unapologetically.

Director of Cultural Strategy & Innovation Denetrias Charlemagne
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Denetrias “Dee” Charlemagne
Her Handle: @dcharlemagne
Her Title: Director of Cultural Strategy & Innovation, Walmart
Who's That It Girl: A powerhouse behind purpose-driven partnerships, Denetrias Charlemagne bridges culture and commerce at Walmart with grace and innovation. We honor her for amplifying representation in retail and using her platform to build spaces where authenticity and excellence thrive.

Chief Brand Officer at Unrivaled Kirby Porter
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Kirby Porter
Her Handle: @kirbyporter
Her Title: Chief Brand Officer, Unrivaled
Who's That It Girl: Strategic, visionary, and driven by impact, Kirby Porter is building the future of athlete branding. We’re inspired by her as the founder of New Game Labs and Chief Brand Officer at Unrivaled, showing that strategy can be soulful and sport can be storytelling.

Founder and CEO of EveryStylishGirl Nana Agyemang
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Nana Agyemang
Her Handle: @itsreallynana
Her Title: Founder and CEO of EveryStylishGirl
Who's That It Girl: A journalist turned founder, Nana Agyemang built EveryStylishGirl to amplify Black women in media. We love her for opening doors, building pipelines of opportunity, and using her voice to change the face of modern storytelling.
Her "Yes, And" Statement: "Yes, I'm a boss and I'm still soft."

Vice President of Content at ESSENCE Nandi Howard
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Nandi Howard
Her Handle: @itsnandibby
Her Title: Vice President of Content, ESSENCE
Who's That It Girl: We are inspired by Nandi Howard, Vice President of Content and Editorial at ESSENCE. Her leadership elevates Black culture with clarity and celebration and shapes the stories and standards that move audiences.

Founder of Sisters In Media Oladotun Idowu
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Oladotun Idowu
Her Handle: @ola_idowu
Her Title: Founder of Sisters In Media
Who's That It Girl: We celebrate Oladotun Idowu, entertainment marketing leader at Campari Group and founder of Sisters in Media, for bridging brands and culture while championing women of color across media. Strategy and purpose guide her work.
Her "Yes, And" Statement: "Yes I'm walking into rooms with boldness and grace knowing that God has way more in stored for me."

Founder of Fortune & Forks Krystal Vega
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Krystal Vega
Her Handle: @krystalvega
Her Title: Founder of Fortune & Forks, Multimedia
Who's That It Girl: Krystal Vega’s work lives at the intersection of innovation and influence. We celebrate her as a next-gen entrepreneur shaping digital spaces where women of color lead confidently, create fearlessly, and build legacies beyond the screen.
Her "Yes, And" Statement: "Yes, I'm that girl and so are you."

Founder of Fortune & Forks Naomi Wright
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Naomi Wright
Her Handle: @naomiwrighttt
Who's That It Girl: Naomi Wright leads with style, purpose, and power. We’re inspired by her for building platforms like Fortune & Forks that merge beauty, business, and bold self-expression, proving that influence can be both impactful and intentional.

Entrepreneur and Podcast Host Emma Grede
Shutterstock
Emma Grede
Her Handle: @emmagrede
Her Title: Entrepreneur and Podcast Host
Who's That It Girl: Emma Grede is CEO and co-founder of Good American, and founding partner of SKIMS. She's a podcast host and the first Black female investor on ABC's Shark Tank.

CEO and Founder of TFNA Entertainment & Sports Management Kia Brooks
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Kia Brooks
Her Handle: @kiajbrooks
Her Title: CEO and Founder of TFNA Entertainment & Sports Management
Who's That It Girl: Entrepreneur and mother, Kia J. Brooks leads TFNA Talent Agency, representing top athletes and creatives. She’s known for breaking barriers, negotiating record NIL deals, and empowering others to build generational wealth.

Sports & Entertainment Brand Manager Des Dickerson
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Des Dickerson
Her Handle: @itsurdestinee
Her Title: Sports & Entertainment Brand Manager and Media Strategist
Who's That It Girl: Des Dickerson is a sports and entertainment brand manager and media strategist who works with top athletes and entertainers to elevate their platforms. She is recognized for creating innovative partnerships and driving visibility in sports and entertainment.
Her "Yes, And" Statement: "Yes, I build opportunities for athletes and entertainers and I transform them into lasting influence."

President of Collective Edge Management Shayla Cowan
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Shayla Cowan
Her Handle: @shayla_pc
Her Title: President, Collective Edge Management
Who's That It Girl: Shayla Cowan is an award-winning producer and President of Collective Edge. She's produced blockbuster films including Girls Trip and Beast, championing boundary-pushing storytellers and innovative artistry in entertainment.

Co-Founder & CEO of Fearless Fund
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Arian Simone
Her Handle: @ariansimone
Her Title: Co-Founder & CEO, Fearless Fund
Who's That It Girl: Arian Simone champions women of color in venture capital. She advocates for economic justice, investing globally in women entrepreneurs and addressing funding disparities rooted in racism and sexism through resilient, purpose-driven leadership.

Founder of Global State of Women and Seed, Valeisha Butterfield
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Valeisha Butterfield
Her Handle: @valeisha
Her Title: Founder of Global State of Women and Seed
Who's That It Girl: Valeisha Butterfield Jones is a globally recognized leader in tech, entertainment, and politics. This year, she created the Global State of Women platform, providing emergency grants to women facing high unemployment rates.
Founder and Content Creator Ava PearlCourtesyAva Pearl
Her Handle: @avapearl
Her Title: Founder and Content Creator
Who's That It Girl: Ava Pearl is the founder of Curly Culture and Curly Con LA, initiatives that champion natural hair and foster community within the beauty industry. As a beauty and lifestyle content creator, she is dedicated to creating impactful content that inspires authenticity, confidence, and self-expression.
Her "Yes, And" Statement: "Yes, I’m rooted in authenticity and rising with purpose."
Now that you've met the ladies about their business, see who else made our list. Tap into the full It Girl 100 Class of 2025 and meet all the women changing game this year and beyond. See the full list here.
Featured image by xoStaff









