Listen, I know we all say that Black doesn't crack. Still, that doesn't mean we shouldn't be proactive about maintaining our melanin on a regular basis. Personally, the older that I get, the more interested I've become in oils that come with a myriad of all-natural beauty benefits. And while sweet almond, grapeseed, avocado and rosemary are my personal faves, something that has been piquing my interest more and more is amla oil.
If you're not familiar, amla is another name for Indian Gooseberry which is a fruit that's super rich in vitamins C (antioxidants) and E (moisturizer and healer), tannins (which are astringents) and phytochemicals (which reduce the signs of aging). This combination is causing amla to become another top-tier oil for a myriad of reasons. So, let's take out a moment to explore just a few of them, so that you can treat yourself to some amla oil in the very near future.
How Amla Benefits Your Hair
It strengthens hair. When our hair is dry and brittle, that eventually leads to breakage. Thanks to the Vitamin E that's in amla oil, your hair can remain moisturized in between wash days. This is good to know during the colder seasons when sometimes hard winds and dips in humidity tend to take a real toll on your hair's cuticles and weaken them over time.
It slows aging down. As we get older, our hair ages like anything else. A sign of this is definitely going grey. This is another benefit that comes with alma oil. Because it has off-the-charts levels of Vitamin C and phytochemicals and those help to nourish hair follicles and prevent premature greying, this is another reason why you might want to give it a shot if you're starting to notice a white strand or two popping up (check out "This Is How To Naturally Treat Premature Greying" for other tips on this as well).
It's great for your scalp. If something that you struggle with is either dry scalp or scalp inflammation, this is just one more reason why amla oil can be really good for you. For one thing, it's got anti-inflammatory properties that can help to bring your scalp some real relief. Another thing that's cool about amla oil is it's able to regulate how much sebum your scalp produces. As a bonus, the tannins in amla have astringent compounds in them that can help to keep dandruff at bay too.
Amla Oil Hair Hack: If you've never pre-pooed before, it's basically a process that consists of applying oil to your hair before shampooing it in order to make your hair easier to detangle while preventing your shampoo from removing some of the natural oils that your hair needs in order to remain soft and moisturized after cleansing it. Using amla as your pre-poo is awesome. Just apply it to your unwashed damp hair, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, and then shampoo and condition as usual. You should notice immediate results by doing this.
How Amla Benefits Your Skin
It contains anti-aging properties. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen which can lead to sagging skin along with fine lines and wrinkles. The antioxidants and phytochemicals in amla are amazing at stimulating the production of collagen so that your skin remains youthful looking for a longer period of time. Also, since Vitamin C is able to reduce hyperpigmentation as it protects skin from UV damage, you can be confident that amla is working to be a "shield" for your skin, every time that you use it.
It exfoliates. Something else that Vitamin C has in it is ascorbic acid. This is great to know because it can help to remove old and dead cells from your skin so that your skin appears healthier and more radiant-looking. Skin is definitely better off when you exfoliate it 2-3 times per week.
It deep conditions. If your skin has a rough texture, it itches or, when you pinch your skin (like your cheek or the back of your hand), it doesn't snap right back, these are signs of dry skin and possible dehydration. Amla oil is great for this as well because it contains highly hydrating properties.
Amla Oil Skin Hack: One of the best ways to apply amla oil to your skin is to use it as a "sealant" after you get out of the shower (check out "How To Turn Your Showers Into A Tranquil DIY Spa") or bath (check out "Did You Know There's A Right & A Wrong Way To Take A Bath?"). That way, the oil can deeply penetrate and provide you with benefits for hours on end.
How Amla Benefits Your Nails
It softens your cuticles. I don't know about you, but I absolutely loathe hangnails. Well, did you know that one of the main causes of them is dry skin around your cuticles? By rubbing some amla oil directly onto your cuticles, no less than three times a week, you are helping to soften and seal your cuticles so that your cuticles don't peel and hangnails don't occur.
It has antifungal properties. If for whatever reason, your nails are prone to fungal infections, some more good news about amla oil is it's got potent compounds that help to reduce bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. I've even read that some people use it as a supplemental remedy for yeast infections.
It helps them grow. When nails are well-hydrated and there are no infections around or in them, of course, they are able to flourish. By mixing amla with myrrh oil (which also deeply moisturizes cuticles and strengthens the nail bed), you are well on your way to having long, stronger, and healthier nails, no doubt.
Amla Oil Nail Hack: If you're someone who gets your nails professionally done, make sure to apply a few drops of amla oil to your nails and cuticles before your appointment. Again, it will help to soften your cuticles while also protecting your nails, especially if your appointments consist of drilling, filing, or applying nail tips or gel polish.
How to Find the Best Amla Oil for You
If all of this just gassed you up to get a bottle of amla oil, quick, fast and in a super hurry, just keep in mind that not all amlas are created equal. Make sure that whatever brand you go with is free of synthetic fragrances and preservatives and that if you decide to buy it online you go with a brand that comes highly reviewed. Oh, and if the oil happens to be mixed with other oils (which is semi-common), settle for nothing less than the kinds that are organic and cold-pressed.
If you're so new to amla oil that you'd like some assistance in selecting a brand that is just right for you, the site Beautified Designs published a list of 15 different ones. You can check it out here. Here's to a fall season of unbelievably soft and radiant hair, skin, and nails, sis. Enjoy!
Featured image by Getty Images
It's kinda wild that, in 2025, my byline will have appeared on this platform for (what?!) seven years. And yeah, when I'm not waxing poetic on here about sex, relationships and then...more sex and relationships, I am working as a certified marriage life coach, helping to birth babies (as a doula) or penning for other places (oftentimes under pen names).
As some of you know, something that I've been "threatening" to do for a few years now is write another book. Welp, October 2024 was the month that I "gave birth" to my third one: 'Inside of Me 2.0: My Story. With a 20-Year Lens'. It's fitting considering I hit a milestone during the same year.
Beyond that, Pumas and lip gloss are still my faves along with sweatshirts and tees that have a pro-Black message on them. I've also started really getting into big ass unique handbags and I'm always gonna have a signature scent that ain't nobody's business but my own.
As far as where to find me, I continue to be MIA on the social media front and I honestly don't know if that will ever change. Still, if you need to hit me up about something *that has nothing to do with pitching on the site (I'm gonna start ignoring those emails because...boundaries)*, hit me up at missnosipho@gmail.com. I'll do what I can. ;)
Exclusive: Melanie Fiona On Making High-Vibrational Music & Saying Yes To Partnership
Melanie Fiona is back! After taking a little more than a decade-long hiatus, she has officially made her return to music and blessed us with two singles, “Say Yes” and “I Choose You.” While both singles are very different from each other, they both reflect who she is today and the type of music she wants to make. In our conversation, the mom of two expressed what she learned during her time away.
“It's interesting, even when I said it is like coming back, I don't ever feel like I really left because I was always still performing. I've still been public. It's not like I went into being this recluse person or version of myself, but the thing that I really learned in this process is that I think things take time,” Melanie says in a xoNecole exclusive.
“I think often we're so caught up in it, being on the timing of demand or popularity, or, like, striking while the iron is hot and the thing that I've learned is that everything is on God's time. That's it. Every time I thought I would have been ready, or, like, things were taking too long, I had to reship some things, personally, professionally, in my life. I also gave myself permission to make a living, not just make a living, but make a life for myself.”
Making a life for herself included getting married to Grammy-nominated songwriter Jared Cotter, starting a family, and embracing new landscapes, such as podcasting as a co-host of The Mama’s Den podcast. She also began doing more spiritual work and self-care practices like meditation, sound healing, Reiki, acupuncture, and boundary setting, which allowed her to get in touch with her inner voice.
“I wasn't putting out music, and I wasn't experiencing a number one record, but I was being a number one mom,” she says.
“I was experiencing things that were allowing me to heal and get in touch with myself so that I could make new music from a space of joy and freedom, and excitement again because I definitely feel like I did lose some excitement because of just politics and industry and what it can do to your mental health and even your physical health. So giving myself the space to really just say, ‘Hey, it's okay. Everything's right on time.’”
The joy and excitement are felt in one of two new singles, “I Choose You,” which is more of a lovers rock vibe, a tribute to Melanie’s Caribbean roots. While the Grammy award-winner is known for ballads like “It Kills Me” and “Fool For You,” she is becoming more intentional about the music she makes, calling it high-vibrational music. She says her music is a “reflection of my life,” as it captures every facet, from hanging out with friends to riding around in her car.
“Say Yes” has the classic R&B vibe Melanie is known for. However, both songs are inspired by her relationship. Melanie and Jared got married in December 2020, and the Toronto-bred artist dished on their relationship. Fun fact: he is featured in the “Say Yes” music video.
“When we first started dating, I had come into that relationship post a lot of self-work. I had gotten out of a long-term relationship, I had a year and a half to date and be by myself and do a lot of work on myself alone. And when we met, I remember feeling like this has to be my person because I feel it,” she says.
“And so when we went into that relationship, and we started dating, I was very clear. I was like, I know what I want. I'm very clear on what I need, and I'm not going to withhold my truth about myself in this process because of pride or fear of rejection. I know you love me, but I'm coming with my heart in my hand to let you know that if we're gonna get there, we have to put fear aside and say yes. So that was kind of like my open letter to him, which is why the video is us having a conversation.”
Melanie also shares that saying yes to her partner has empowered her in many ways, including motherhood and showing up for herself. Her new EP, also titled Say Yes, will be available at the top of 2025.
Check out the full interview below.
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Feature image by Franco Zulueta
'Tis The Season For Nail Glam: Holiday Manis For Every Festive Mood
The holidays are an exciting time to enjoy our family and decorate our hearts out. Our Christmas tree, dining table, and style all begin to reflect the joy we feel in the season, but what about our nails? Our nails are the star of the show this time of year. They are the part of ourselves people will see when we pass around presents and Christmas dinner.
Gifting ourselves the self-care we always deserve is a no-brainer, but sometimes we can become overwhelmed with choices.
There are many different nail designs and shapes to choose from, so it can be hard to settle on one. Kia Stewart is a talented celebrity nail artist. Her love for prioritizing nail health and design has gained her an immense amount of respect in the industry. Stewart is always mindful of paying attention to her audience for trends, which has helped her stay ahead of the game. “Recently, full chrome has made a significant comeback, and the classic French manicure remains timeless. 3D nails are trending on TikTok daily, though cat-eye and airbrush styles seem to have taken a backseat this year,” says Stewart.
As far as shapes, Stewart has noticed a huge trend in almond shapes. She believes this is due to the shape being timeless and truly chic. This includes sizes of all kinds. Tis the season to indulge in short and long almond-shaped nails. “Longer styles reminiscent of the ‘90s, complete with deep French tips and vibrant reds. I enjoy the diversity in preferences, as it keeps my work interesting. But the most common trend is self-expression, everyone is wearing nails that speak to them. I champion that it’s a mood.” Keep reading to see Stewart’s work for nail inspiration this holiday season.
Almond Bliss
Want your nails to reflect the gifts under the Christmas tree this year? Try this simple, yet totally festive nail design. Stewart uses the colors red and green to create a minimal nail design that gets its point across. This style can be approached with your natural nails or acrylic if you’re looking to add length.
French Manicure
As Stewart mentioned, a French manicure will never go out of style. However, if you’re looking to spice things up, we recommend playing with color. Incorporating a deep red French tip can be just as chic as traditional white. You can even add a present design (as seen here) if you want your French to be bold. The beauty of this is that you have the freedom to express yourself as you wish.
Deep Red
If Beyoncé is doing deep red, then we should definitely do it too! This deep red seems to be the color of the fall and winter seasons. Keep things elevated with a classic deep red on your hands, or mix it up! You can pair this deep red with white, like in this photo. Having deep red as your base will keep things interesting without having to try as hard.
Chrome
These nails are perfect New Year's Eve inspo for the season. The gold and black are giving us more reason to celebrate this year despite its difficulties. Get into the season with effortless chrome nails and a cool design to match. Watch out, 2025; we are coming for you!
Vibrant Red
The best part about the holiday season is that we can embrace the colors and put our nudes to rest. This vibrant red with gold chrome undertone is a fun way to enter into the happiest time of the year. Leave the red as it is, or add white stripes to create a candy cane look. Either way, you cannot go wrong with this traditional holiday color.
Don’t Be So Green
It’s time green enters the chat this holiday season. Adding a shape of deep green to your nail aesthetic can be a different approach to typical holiday designs. We also love the hint of gold and glitter in this design to add texture and contrast. Step into your green era and go outside the traditional holiday box.
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Featured image by @tylauren, courtesy of Kia Stewart @__luxk