Trust & Believe: These Finds Will Help Revive Your Second-Day Curls
If there's one thing we know, it's that the relationship between a naturalista and her mane is filled with outstanding highs and sometimes embarrassing lows.
Some days, you feel like you're one of the JET Beauties of The Week. Other days, you just want to throw on a hat and disappear because your hair decided to do its own thing and show out. And we all know that dreaded feeling that comes the morning AFTER a bomb hair day. You know, the moment you take off your bonnet or silk scarf, shake out your hair, take a good look, and––yeah. We've been there sis, more times than we'd like to admit. But the good news is, you don't have to stay there.
Keep reading for some of our fave products that'll keep your second-day curls poppin'.
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, xoNecole may earn a small commission.
Miss Jessie’s Jelly Soft Curls
Miss Jessie's
There's a reason why they call it jelly soft. If your curls are a little lackluster, dampen your hair or add a decent amount of this product to dry hair, scrunch for best results, and watch them come back to life.
Cantu Coconut Curling Cream
Cantu
If the smell doesn't get you sold, then the way this product enhances your curls will. This smooth cream lets your natural curl pattern shine through without weighing your hair down.
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie
SheaMoisture
This product has been a staple for naturalistas seemingly since it first came out, and there's a good reason for that. It truly is one of the best curl enhancers for thick, curly hair. As a seven-year naturalista, this is one product that never does me wrong.
Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Fortifying Conditioner
Garnier
I firmly believe that one of the best ways to ensure good day-two hair, is to prep and properly moisturize it from the beginning. This brand is normally targeted towards our less curly friends but don't sleep on this conditioner. The fruit protein actively works to control frizz which sets you up for a smoother, sleeker finish once you get to styling.
Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Intensely Smooth Leave-In Conditioner
Garnier
We strongly suggest following up the Garnier conditioner with its leave-in companion. And that's because the infused Argan oil in both will help to seal in your hair's natural moisture while blocking out humidity. And with both systems working together, believe us when we say––your curls will look brand new.
Creme of Nature Pure Honey Curl Activator
Walmart
It's the shine and elongation for us. This curl activator not only keeps your strands looking silky smooth, it also helps elongate them, kicking shrinkage to the curb. And who doesn't want that?
Cantu Define & Shine Custard
Target
This custard gives you all the benefits of a nice, defined curls without the sticky buildup. It also keeps them soft and bouncy, no hard-crunch in sight.
SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Leave-In Spray
SheaMoisture
When this line first came out, I had never heard of Manuka Honey. But honey, when I tell you this spray is the truth? Use this for a quick curl refresher to hydrate and reawaken your coils.
Eco Styler Black Castor & Flaxseed Oil Gel
Walmart
We know the jury is still out on whether or not we really rock with Eco Styler like that. But for those that do or those who are willing, this Black Castor and Flaxseed Oil version turns your curls from dry and dull to light and luscious with little-to-no effort.
Curls Blueberry Bliss Control Jelly
You aren't a true naturalista if you don't have this jelly in your stash. From your fave influencers to everyday babes, this product not only defines your curls but it holds the curl in place. That way your hair keeps its beautiful form day after day.
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Featured image by Shutterstock.
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Writer. Empath. Escapist. Young, gifted, and Black. Shanelle Genai is a proud Southern girl in a serious relationship with celebrity interviews, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and long walks down Sephora aisles. Keep up with her on IG @shanellegenai.
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
There's something about snuggling up in your favorite blanket and watching a comfort show or movie on Netflix, and what better time to do just that than in December? As the weather outside gets cooler, staying in becomes more of the norm. Thus, Netflix and Chill is a go-to. Luckily, Netflix has released new Black films and series on their popular streaming platform.
From Tyler Perry's historical drama The Six Triple Eight, starring Kerry Washington, to the Will Packer-produced comedy starring Marsai Martin, Regina Hall, and Issa Rae, Little, this season is looking up.
See the full list below.
Little (12/1)
Regina Hall's character is a bossy tech mogul who has everyone scared of her, including her assistant, played by Issa Rae. However, when she transforms into her younger self (Marsai Martin), she learns how to be more kind to others.
Daddy Day Care (12/1)
Eddie Murphy stars in this film as a father who decides to open a daycare after losing his job.
30 For 30 Collection (12/2)
30 For 30 is an ESPN docu-series highlighting some of sports' legendary figures and moments. Some of the episodes include Winning Time: Reggie Miller Vs. The New York Knicks and Celtics/ Lakers: The Best of Enemies.
Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was (12/10)
In this special, the multi-talented Jamie Foxx returns to stand-up to give an unforgettable performance.
Blood, Sweat & Heels S2 (12/13)
The short-lived Bravo reality TV series documented the lives of a group of girlfriends making it in NYC. The show starred model-turned-podcaster Melyssa Ford, author Demetria Lucas, and the late TV host Daisy Lewellyn.
The Equalizer S1-3 (12/16)
The hit CBS show starring Queen Latifah is now available on Netflix. Watch the beloved actress kick ass and take names in this popular drama.
The Six Triple Eight (12/20)
The new Tyler Perry film starring Kerry Washington is a true story about the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color during World War II.
Christmas Game Day Ravens Vs. Texans (12/25)
While many will tune in to watch the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans game, others will tune in to watch Beyoncé perform during halftime.
Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind At Radio City Music Hall (12/31)
Comedian Michelle Buteau's comedy special will focus on her life with twins, going viral, and much more.
Evil S3 (12/31)
While Evil was unfortunately canceled by CBS, viewers can rewatch the series on Netflix, with season three premiering December 31st.
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Feature image screenshot/YouTube