

Nior: The Year-Round Swim Collection Leaving Us Wanting More
It's not every day we discover a designer brand made up of beautiful garments that are both relatable and affordable to the everyday woman. As a budget conscious consumer, I do my best outfitting my wardrobe with affordable brands that speak to how I feel and how I'd like to be seen. With so much going on in the world, it's nice to see Black women entrepreneurs thriving in a world that oftentimes overlooks our talents and capabilities.
With a modern essence combined with an artistic feel, Nior is the epitome of class. The Nior customer isn't afraid to be bold. She is unapologetic in her style and fearless in position. Confident in who she is, she looks up to Black women who've conquered before her, defining what it means to appreciate luxury. "Nior is the art of a classic woman. I get my inspiration from the greats, Diana Ross, The Supremes, Cicely Tyson, Diahann Caroll and all the women in my family who are always so poised and beautiful," explains Dime Jones, designer and founder of The Nior Collection.
Courtesy of Nior Collection
"We pride ourselves in telling our story through a Black woman's eyes. It's important that we highlight who we are so that we can define our futures."
Courtesy of Nior Collection
This summer, Nior introduced the brand's first swim collection and I can't get enough of it. With contemporary lines and soft subtle asymmetrical drapes, each new style is a fashionista's dream. Whether traveling the world or looking for pieces to complete your weekend style, this is a collection that speaks to the art of a woman.
"The inspiration for Nior swim was for it to be pieces that you can wear everywhere, not just in the pool or at the beach. You can transition these pieces into your everyday life and that's what I love so much about the designs. We use a lot of neutral colors that can be worn with any color tone."
Courtesy of Nior Collection
In need of all four styles, there's a sexy sleek quality in the design that was created for everyone. Defining itself as a luxury ready-to-wear collection, Nior continues to stay true to their brand by creating styles for the modern day women.
"I want everyone to feel like they can afford it, but still see that it is quality work. I am a small brand, but I know my potential and I want my consumer to grow with me."
Courtesy of Nior Collection
Ranging in sizes small to x-large, it's nice to see brands including larger sizes into the mix. When it comes to being size-inclusive, Jones states, "Size inclusivity is a no-brainer. The more I grow, the more I want to dive into that market more."
Check out Nior's latest swim collection here.
Featured image courtesy of Nior Collection
This New Scalp Care Line Is Exactly What Your Wash Days Need
This post is in partnership with SheaMoisture.
When it comes to healthy hair care, there are a few things that will help you achieve healthy strands: a healthy hair care regime, hydration, consistent treatments, and scalp care. While scalp care is one of the most neglected practices, it is also one of the most important. Why? Because it helps promote healthy hair growth, clear hair follicles, and remove build-up.
When it comes to creating a healthy scalp routine, it helps to know exactly what you’re up against so you know how to specifically treat it. Two of the most common concerns are dandruff and dry scalp. It can be tough to decipher which is which, but here’s a quick breakdown: dry scalp is caused by a lack of moisture in the skin, while dandruff is caused by an excess of oil and yeast buildup on the scalp. Knowing that both of these are big concerns, SheaMoisture released two separate product lines to address both issues: the Scalp Moisture collection and the Anti-Dandruff collection.
Needless to say, if you tend to experience dandruff then I’d recommend you try the Anti-Dandruff collection. However, my biggest concern has always been dry scalp. A lack of moisture on the scalp can be caused by several factors like weather, age, and hair products to name a few. I’ve noticed that when I use certain gels or skip out on a deep scalp cleanse, my roots feel itchy and dry nonstop, which is uncomfortable.
The only way to relieve the discomfort is to properly wash and moisturize my roots, so I tried the Scalp Moisture collection and this is what I thought.
Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
First, What’s In The Collection?
The Scalp Moisture collection is a four-product line that includes a pre-wash masque, a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, and a moisturizing scalp cream. Each product uses moisturizing and strengthening ingredients like aloe butter and vitamin B3 as active ingredients to provide eight times the moisture. Together, aloe butter and vitamin B3 work to restore dry and brittle hair, as well as add relief to the scalp.
Now, let’s break down each product…
Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
Scalp Moisture Pre-Wash Masque
The SheaMoisture Scalp Moisture Pre-Wash Masque may actually be the all-star of the collection. Using this deep conditioning masque is one of the best ways to target your dry scalp, restore hydration, and nourish your strands before shampooing.
I started by completely saturating my hair and scalp with water, then making small sections to apply the masque directly to the root. For my girls who have experience with relaxers and perms, it helps to apply the masque to your roots just like you would do with a relaxer. This way you can make sure you’ve covered as much of your scalp as possible while minimizing any breakage.
Pro tip: you can also use a color application brush to make this step easier.
After I completely covered my scalp, I massaged the product into my roots, used any excess on my strands, then left the masque in for 30 minutes. I was shocked by how moisturizing and clarifying my scalp and hair felt. One of the things that I love about the masque is the slip and how much softer it made my hair. While this is marketed as a scalp care product, it can completely transform your hair from dry and parched to completely hydrated.
In my opinion, the downside of this masque is that the quantity is too small for my liking. Truth be told, naturals go through deep conditioners faster than any other product (especially when it’s this good.) So SheaMoisture, if you’re reading this, we’d love a bigger jar.
Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
Scalp Moisture Shampoo
The SheaMoisture Scalp Moisture Shampoo is a gentle cleanser packed with the same moisture as the masque. The pearl-colored shampoo is lightweight with a serum-like consistency and a light and clean scent. The smell is pleasant, subtle, and not overbearing. When I applied the shampoo, I noticed immediately that it foams and lathers up very quickly, so less is more.
After applying the shampoo, I parted my hair and started at the roots to target as much of my scalp as possible. I recommend really taking the time to work the product and massage your scalp as much as possible.
Pro tip: using a scalp massager makes it easier and it feels amazing.
Once you start to massage your hair you’ll feel the product start to work. There’s a tingling sensation that might catch you off guard if you’re not used to it, but it’s not nearly as strong as other scalp products I’ve tried. I know some may not appreciate the sensation, but I loved it! My scalp felt clean, light, and breathable.
Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
Scalp Moisture Conditioner
Like the shampoo, the SheaMoisture Scalp Moisture Conditioner shares that pearly color and serum-like feel. It applies very easily while softening and moisturizing your hair. When I applied it to my hand, it gave my hands a lotion-like feel, which speaks volumes about its hydration capabilities. I also loved that the conditioner comes with a pump, instead of having to squeeze the product out – to me, it makes application easier.
I typically apply my conditioner to the ends first but because this is a scalp care product I started at the root and worked my way down to my ends. I did leave the conditioner in for ten minutes, although the bottle recommends leaving it in for three. The conditioner also provides that same breathable feel to your scalp. I honestly loved the relief.
Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
Scalp Moisture Cream
The SheaMoisture Scalp Moisture Cream is more of a daily relief product for your roots rather than your overall hair. It’s great for providing moisture and immediate relief to a dry and itchy scalp. Just like most of the collection, it gives a light and breathable feel – without the tingle. The applicator bottle targets specific parts of your scalp and makes applying easier.
Pro tip: I typically just squeeze the bottle to wherever I need the relief and use the tip to massage it into my scalp so it doesn’t mess up the hairstyle.
Overall, SheaMoisture’s scalp care line lives up to its claims – it moisturizes, strengthens, and provides immediate scalp relief. I definitely recommend trying the Scalp Moisture collection for an affordable way to treat itchy and dry scalp.
Featured image by Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
Is Hot Girl Summer Over? These 6 Celeb Baddies Are All Boo’d Up
Ever since Megan Thee Stallion introduced us to the phrase “hot girl summer” a few years ago, the girlies have taken it and run with it. Having a hot girl summer usually includes going out with your friends, day or night, driving the boat, twerking, driving the boys crazy, and just being a carefree Black girl.
Alongside Megan, several other women that many fans saw as an example of that lifestyle were Saweetie, Yung Miami, and many more. However, it now appears that the hot girls are all boo’d up.
Click the slideshow below for a list of the hot girls who traded in their hot girl summer for a boo’d up summer.
Saweetie
Photos by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for CLD PR, Scott Dudelson/Getty Images
Saweetie (L) and YG (R).
\u201cFound another video of Lukaku and Megan Thee Stallion at Lautaro's wedding \ud83e\udee1\u201d— Lili \ud83d\udd2e\u2728\ufe0f TREBLE WINNERS \ud83e\ude75 (@Lili \ud83d\udd2e\u2728\ufe0f TREBLE WINNERS \ud83e\ude75) 1685398844
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Feature image by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for CLD PR / White Fox, Hubert Vestil/WireImage, Amy Sussman/Getty Image