It's no secret the hair industry seems to be more crowded than ever. But considering all of us are rocking our unique head of hair (especially in its natural state), we can never have too many natural hair products to finesse and love on our coils.
Just like Rihanna didn't let the makeup industry intimidate her from dropping the record-breaking Fenty Beauty, I'm glad these brands didn't let the seemingly overcrowded hair industry stop them from releasing their versions of the best natural hair care products that we never knew we needed until now.
Whether the new line is backed by a major company that we're all familiar with, or launched by a boss woman who is breaking the ceiling, you certainly need to get into these natural hair care lines that were released this year:
1.Curly World by Lorraine Massey
Naturally Curly
Lorraine Massey had a gem on her hands with this one. Thanks to being the brains behind the DevaCurl product line and serving as co-founder of DevaChan salon in New York City, she was a staple in the natural hair and curly girl industry long before she released her line this year.
The timing was perfect for her Curly World release because it's clearly what the people were craving. I love how 'to the point' this brand is. While there are tons of options out there to care for our hair, Massey ironically aims to get us all back to the basics when it comes to caring for our tresses with her three-step method (shampoo, condition, tone). The line consists of four products: Sham-Free Hair & Scalp Cleanser (a pre-wash), Terms & Conditions (a hydrating conditioner that can double as co-wash), Leave-In Lover conditioner, and With Or Without Hue, a conditioner for those with dyed hair.
2.Miss Jessie’s Honey Curls
roundthewaygirl.com
Miss Jessie's history speaks for itself! So when co-founder Miko Branch dropped new products this year, I knew it would be a win. Miss Jessie's was one of the first lines that showed love to our natural hair, and these new products have proven that the brand isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
It currently features five products: Curls So Fresh, which helps with those days following a wash when our hair refuses to cooperate. Gloss So Good helps those curls pop and shine like they should. Hold Me Down is the edge control that the edges of your hair might have been searching for all along. The Grow Strong MAFURA Hair Oil gives our scalp the treatment that it definitely needs. Last and certainly not least is the Honey Curls product that didn't waste any time gaining popularity as it uses honey to lock in that moisture… Gon head and get'chu some!
3.Maya Smith’s The Doux
The Doux
I can't get enough of Atlanta native Maya Smith's salute to the 90s era with her new hair care line, The Doux. The 90s were LIT, okay? And so is The Doux. For starters, the packaging is blasted with neon colors, which were really big in the beloved decade. But the products definitely live up to the hype too (and come in neon colors as well).
It's no surprise that the products are of quality since the founder has more than 20 years of working as a stylist, including transitioning thousands of clients into the natural hair lifestyle…bless her heart. She has also performed tons of extensive research to have the best products for her consumers. The Doux currently features five products: SUCKA FREE moisturizing shampoo, FRESH RINSE moisturizing conditioner, MOUSSE DEF texture foam, THE LIGHT shine mist, and a customer favorite, BONITA AFRO BALM texture cream. These products certainly stand out as they boost our hair's moisture, texture, hydration, all while canceling out that frizz.
4.Crème Of Nature’s Pure Honey
We all know Crème of Nature has come a long way over the last few years. And this year, it kicked its efforts to keep our natural hair in check up a notch with its Pure Honey line. You've probably already heard of this one but whether you have or haven't, it definitely deserves an honorable mention.
Let me start by saying that each of the items in the Pure Honey line is filled with a mix of honey, coconut oil, and shea butter; but it makes sure not to weigh the hair down and have it looking stiff. As for the specifics, there are five products: Moisturizing Dry Defense shampoo and conditioner, Break UP Breakage Leave-In Conditioner, Knot Away Leave-In Detangler, and an amazing moisturizing hair mask that can help give your hair a fresh reset.
5.FORM Beauty
FORM Beauty has mastered the art of keeping it simple while still making a statement by giving us the basic products we need to keep our hair moisturized, fly, and even selfie-ready. What I love about this brand in particular is that it has a consultation option that provides a hair routine specifically for you. It understands that each of their customers is different, even if they have a similar category of hair, and that no two heads of hair are the same. It also helps that the brand has quite a few products to offer! Besides, we all know the downside of trial-and-error when it comes to being on the hunt for products that will work specifically for us.
Related Stories:
The Lazy Girl's Guide To Natural Hair – Read More
I Tried 4 Vegan Natural Hair Products – Read More
One But Not Equal: Natural Hair Is Not The Same – Read More
6 Protective Styles For Transitioning To Natural When Twist Outs Aren't Enough – Read More
Featured image by Getty Images
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It's easy for couples to fall into a routine, going through the motions and letting their connection sit on autopilot. While comfort is natural in a long-term relationship, it’s important to remember: that what you don’t nurture, eventually fades. So, why not make 2025 the year you reset your relationship? Here’s how to start the year with a renewed bond, reigniting the spark that brought you together.
Step 1: Schedule Your Reset Meeting
The first step to hitting the reset button is a State of the Union meeting with your partner. This is your chance to take a pulse on the relationship, discuss what's working, and identify areas that need attention. It’s all about creating space to reflect, without distractions.
Grab a pen and paper (or open a shared note on your phone) and come prepared to share your top 2-3 desires for your relationship.
What do you both want to feel more of in 2025? Maybe it’s feeling more appreciated, or perhaps you want to reignite the passion you had when you first started dating. Whatever it is, get clear about it, and make sure both of you are on the same page.
This isn’t just about listing your own wants, it’s also about discussing ways to nurture each other’s needs. Relationship goals should be focused on fostering deeper intimacy, trust, and mutual respect. Use this time to check in, not only with each other but with your individual feelings and expectations. Set the foundation for a fulfilling year ahead.
Alistair Berg/Getty ImagesStep 2: Set A Date (Or Multiple!)
Having the meeting is only the first step. Now, it’s time to take action. One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a relationship is by reintroducing consistent, intentional time spent together. For many couples, life gets busy, and date nights fall by the wayside. But dating doesn’t stop when you say "I do"—in fact, it’s even more essential.
During your reset meeting, lock in a regular date night that works for both of your schedules. This could be a weekly dinner date or an every-other-week adventure—whatever keeps things fresh. The goal is consistency. It’s easy to push date nights aside when life gets hectic, but if you set a specific date each week or month, you’re making your relationship a priority.
If you’re unsure what to do for your date nights, don’t worry! The key is creating new experiences together. This is what sparks excitement and brings you closer as a couple. Whether it’s cooking a new recipe together, trying a dance class, or exploring a nearby town, it’s about creating shared memories that build your connection.
Getty ImagesStep 3: Find an Accountability Partner
Just like you might have a personal trainer to help you crush your fitness goals, an accountability partner for your relationship can do wonders for keeping both of you on track. Consider hiring a marriage coach or therapist—someone who can meet you where you are and guide you in strengthening your relationship.
When selecting a professional, it’s important to choose someone who truly wants the best for your marriage and can provide actionable advice.
Don’t be afraid to set high standards for your relationship, and seek guidance on how to keep it thriving for the long haul. In your reset meeting, discuss your commitment to growth, and be honest about areas where you may need support.
Marriage isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor—it’s an ongoing process. Regular check-ins with a professional can help keep your relationship in tip-top shape and “divorce-proof” by addressing issues before they become insurmountable.
DMP/ Getty ImagesStep 4: Try Something New Together
Stale routines can easily make a relationship feel monotonous. Spice things up by trying something new! Couples that explore new activities and create new memories together have stronger, more fulfilling bonds.
My husband and I host one of the top luxury marriage retreats, A Weekend For Love, designed to help couples experience new things together. From couples' workshops to outdoor adventures, the retreat provides a platform to rediscover each other and reconnect on a deeper level.
The element of surprise can reignite your connection. It’s exciting, fresh, and shows your partner that you’re committed to growing together. This doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—it could be as simple as trying a new hobby or planning an impromptu weekend getaway.
Your Relationship Should Be A Priority
As you start the year with personal goals in mind, don’t forget the importance of nurturing your relationship. It’s easy to get caught up in work, fitness, and family obligations, but your bond with your partner deserves to be at the top of your list. Resetting your relationship offers an opportunity to reignite that spark and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.
In 2025, make a commitment to prioritize your partnership, to nurture it daily, and to invest in its growth. Take time to celebrate each other’s victories, support one another’s dreams, and build a foundation of love and respect. When you start the year with a clear focus on your relationship, you’re setting it up for success.
So, before you start mapping out your new workout plan or work goals, do yourself a favor: put your relationship at the top of that list. Your love story deserves a fresh start, too.
Happy New Year, and here’s to a love-filled 2025!
Couples, if you are ready to do the work and invest in your relationship register for A Weekend For Love: Heart Retreat Feb 21-23, 2025.
Featured image by zamrznutitonovi/Getty Images
However, to my surprise, I received an email that read: “It’s with great excitement that we announce your film, Super High: A Period Piece, has been selected for the 24th Anchorage International Film Festival.” After looking at the flight distance from Atlanta to Anchorage—a solid 10 hours one way— I’d decided this would be one I wouldn’t attend.
That was until there was a follow-up email that shared that the festival was sponsoring two excursions for filmmakers: A Northern Lights Tour and A Glacier Hike.
With that, I knew I had to make the trip to the 49th state! I flew Delta, which offered the shortest layovers—just 50 minutes each way. For a more comfortable flight on the longer legs that were about six hours between my layover city and Anchorage, I upgraded to first class with an in-app discount for $256 (the regular price of a first-class ticket runs about $2,100), which was so worth it for additional space and service for the six-hour trek.
Courtesy of Bianca Lambert
"So What’s Alaska Like? Did You Have To Wear a Snowsuit? What’s the Food Like?"
These are among the major questions I’ve gotten. Anchorage reminds me less of a bustling major city and more of a small town with an easygoing feel. When I arrived, they’d just had snow a few days before, so it was cold, and the streets were slick. So, I was so happy I’d invested in a pair of snow boots. For my first few days, the locals said it was warm. Warm to them being 20s at night and mid-30s during the day.
However, by the time I left, fresh snow was on the ground, and temps were well into the single digits—and it felt like it. Oh, the sun doesn’t rise until 10:30 a.m., and it sets around 4 p.m. That was among the most challenging things to experience because I felt like I never really woke up. So, between the lack of sun and the four-hour time difference, I felt tired the whole time I was there.
As for food, I didn’t explore a ton because I was so cold. But I found two gems! First was Whiskey and Ramen. If you enjoy ramen and exceptional service, this is a must-visit. I’d make a trip back just for their Wagyu ramen and their special take on an old fashion!
And, for coffee, I thoroughly enjoyed That Feeling Co. The coffee was great, and being surrounded by plants helped to perk up my spirits.
The Northern Lights
Iceland is one of the most popular places to see the Northern Lights, so I was very excited to know that Alaska also gets to see the Aurora Borealis light show. Typically, many people visit Fairbanks to see them, but there are tours offered in Anchorage too! When prepping for the late-night tour, we’d heard that the night we were heading out to see the lights, the cloud coverage likely meant we wouldn’t be able to see them. Bummer. I know. So, we could sit the tour out or still try. But, in my mind, I was like, why would I come all the way to Alaska not to try?
So, at about 9:30 p.m., we piled into vans and headed out to chase the Northern Lights. We traveled about an hour and a half from Anchorage, and when we stepped out of the van, it was cold and pitch black. And unfortunately, after a couple of hours in the cold, those clouds in the sky never parted for us. I know that when we see the posts of people who do get to see Mother Nature do her thing, we don’t have all of the context of the science, which is Aurora Borealis.
Sometimes, the weather just doesn’t do what we earthlings would like, which can lead to disappointment. However, our guide did give a recommendation. When you book a trip to see the lights, give yourself four to five days to see them. Don’t bank on one day because, at the end of the day, this is science.
Courtesy of Bianca Lambert
Now, On to the Glacier!
Just six hours after returning from the Northern Lights tour, we were up for the glacier tour because they were back-to-back! I was exhausted and so excited. If someone had told me I’d hike on a glacier, I would have given them a mean side-eye. I mean, where on earth does one climb a glacier? Let me share a few destinations with you, just in case you want to plan an icy adventure: Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Chile, Argentina, and Alaska.
Aside from the fact the Matanuska Glacier is 22,000 years old, it’s the largest glacier accessible by car in the United States—27 miles long and four miles wide, making it one of the easier ones to see IRL. As a girlie with generalized anxiety disorder, I get anxious about doing this kind of thing because I know that to see these world wonders is usually a mountainous trek.
This one was two hours long, one-way, up snow-capped, windy, mountainous terrain. However, my therapist always reminds me to push myself to do what scares me (as long as it’s for a reason, of course). I held my breath for the journey there and back! And white-knuckled it from time to time, too.
Courtesy of Bianca Lambert
Once we got there, we were surrounded by fresh, fluffy snow, and it was COLD! In the negative cold. I was thankful, I’d over-prepared. If you even go on a glacier tour, I recommend a few things: Balaclava, heavy-weight gloves, cashmere socks, snow boots, and lots of layers.
Here’s what I wore. My first layer was Ann Taylor leggings and a Wolford Turtleneck. Then, I layered a cashmere turtleneck and cashmere joggers. A COACH down vest, which I’d recommend anyone own just for winter, in general, because it’s SO warm! For my feet, I wore Ann Taylor cashmere socks (I love these because they’re affordable and so warm) and Adidas Adifom Superstar Winter Boot and topped all of that with a Brandon Blackwood ankle-length parka. I know BB is known for his accessories, but the brand’s outwear is truly amazing and worth the investment. After two hours on the ice, I felt great!
If you’re open to adventure travel, I highly recommend putting a glacier tour on your list of things to do. There are a few reasons. First, standing on an ice age-old massive piece of glacier was my 2024 version of touching some grass. I was reminded that I’m a speck on this spinning rock and need to spend more time grounded in that fact as I move through the world. I looked to the sky and thought of how proud my ancestors would be, even though I know they’d be telling me to get my butt home and off a dog on a glacier!
Secondly, I gained an ever-large appreciation for Mother Nature as I learned that glaciers are the world's largest reservoir of freshwater, containing around 69% of the world's freshwater. Again, another fact that helped me gain perspective. Lastly, it’s just fun and stunningly beautiful!
After this, I’m looking forward to my next cold-weather adventure! Iceland and Argentina are at the top of the list!
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Featured image courtesy of Bianca Lambert