This article is in partnership with Ulta Beauty.
Fall is here y'all and since my hair is natural and chemically-treated with color, I need all the moisture I can get! When choosing any haircare line, my two main goals are to keep my hair moisturized and protect my color and Ulta Beauty has me covered with their Gorgeous Hair Event.
As one of their biggest sales of the year, you can expect up to 50% off of brands like PATTERN Beauty, The Mane Choice, and so much more. Their sale is available online, curbside pickup, and in-store now until Oct. 24. Make sure you grab your mask and hand sanitizer and get everything you need for half the price.
Anissa LiMara for xoNecole.com
My hair is professionally colored so I can't be lazy with my maintenance to keep these edges, my color, and curls on point and I was so hype to try Black-owned brand, tgin's Rose Water collection––oh and the entire tgin line is on sale this Sunday, Oct. 18 at 50% off for 24 hours only! I heard some amazing things about the collection and had been wanting to try it for FAHEVA so, like all wash days, I started with a really dirty puff and got to werk!
Here's how I created my perfect wash and go using the tgin line from Ulta Beauty:
Step One:
Anissa LiMara for xoNecole.com
Anissa LiMara for xoNecole.com
Since my hair is color-treated, the shampoo I use has to be hydrating yet gentle enough to not strip my color. So I washed my hair with the tgin Rose Water Sulfate-Free Hydrating Shampoo in medium sections with lukewarm water twice. The first thing I noticed was how amazing it smelled and secondly, I noticed how my hair still felt hydrated and it gave a luxurious lather, honey! My hair was super soft after I rinsed it out and my curls were already popping with NO product on it!
Step Two:
Anissa LiMara for xoNecole.com
Anissa LiMara for xoNecole.com
Next, I deep conditioned with the tgin Rose Water Hydrating Mask and was in love! The best part of a mask is its slip which made unclumping tangles super easy. I parted my hair into 6 sections and applied the mask to each section while saturating each section with water to make the product spread evenly. A friendly tip: more water = less product (and more coins in your wallet).
Step Three:
Anissa LiMara for xoNecole.com
Anissa LiMara for xoNecole.com
Then, I placed my hair under a plastic bag (think greenhouse method) and sat under a hair dryer for 15 to 20 minutes so that the hair mask can really penetrate my hair. Moisture is key for natural hair with color!
Step Four:
Anissa LiMara for xoNecole.com
Anissa LiMara for xoNecole.com
After rinsing out the Hydrating Mask, I followed up with the tgin Rose Water Leave-In Conditioner which seals in moisture and adds shine. Mind you, I haven't done a wash and go in forever so I really had to take my time to detangle section by section while rewetting my hair as needed so that the product distributes evenly. We don't have time for breakage boo.
Step Five:
Anissa LiMara for xoNecole.com
Anissa LiMara for xoNecole.com
Detangling with a wide-tooth comb during this step is better because it cuts down on potentially having to detangle before and after the deep conditioning process. It's easier just to do it when you're about to style your hair and cuts down on breakage which is key to maintaining length retention.
After detangling each section, I applied the Rose Water Curl Setting Mousse for definition and used a Denman brush to further detangle and smooth out my curls. I could already tell this wash and go was about to be lit!
Step Six:
Anissa LiMara for xoNecole.com
Anissa LiMara for xoNecole.com
Next, I allowed my hair to air dry for about an hour, and then while slightly damp, I diffused the ends and then went in with a concentrated nozzle to stretch out my roots (making sure to not mess up my curls). Then I picked out with my PATTERN Hair Pick and was veryyyyy happy with how my hair turned out!
The Final Look:
Anissa LiMara for xoNecole.com
Anissa LiMara for xoNecole.com
Although the quarantine life has me grateful that I don't have to do my hair as often, it has made styling my hair a big ole treat, especially when it turns out bomb! I would definitely try the tgin Rose Water collection again because my hair clearly loved it and my color was still vibrant afterward. I'm so grateful to still be able to celebrate my curls, quarantine or not!
To shop all of my faves from the Ulta Beauty Gorgeous Hair Event, scroll below!
tgin Rose Water Sulfate-Free Hydrating Shampoo (Saturday, Oct. 18 - 50% Off)
Ulta
Regular Price:$14.99
Sale Price:
tgin Rose Water Leave-In Conditioner (Saturday, Oct. 18 - 50% Off)
Ulta
Regular Price: $14.99
Sale Price:
tgin Rose Water Hydrating Mask (Saturday, Oct. 18 - 50% Off)
Ulta
Regular Price: $17.99
Sale Price:
Rose Water Curl Defining Mousse (Saturday, Oct. 18 - 50% Off)
Ulta
Regular Price: $11.99
Sale Price:
Watch the defined wash-n-go on color-treated hair tutorial below:
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Featured image by Anissa LiMara for xoNecole.com.
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The essence of effortless poise and refinement shines bright through the iconic university colors of indigo blue, red, and white. Every October, Howard University students, alumni, staff, and friends gather on the prestigious campus in Washington, D.C. to take part in time-honored traditions and events, which is Homecoming. This year's theme, “The Meccaverse,” was a week-long celebration of Howard University’s heritage, including the Homecoming football game and Bison Pep Rally, the Fashion Show, Greek Life Step Show, Homecoming Day of Service, Lavender Reception, and the iconic Yard Fest Concert.
As 2024 marked the 100th anniversary of the Howard Bison trek back to The Mecca and after two years of virtual events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this was to be a celebration of a lifetime. We enlisted HU alumnus Sharmaine Harris, a luxury retail buyer, as she revisited her alma mater as eyes on the yard for fashion-forward outfits mixed with personal style and campus pride for the weeklong celebration.
Before we get to the looks, discover how attending Howard University impacted her career in fashion and her day-to-day style:
Credit: Sharmaine and Friends
xoNecole: Describe your personal style. Did attending Howard have any impact on developing it?
Sharmaine: Howard taught me that there’s no such thing as being TOO dressed. There’s always a reason to “put it on” and look presentable, even if it’s just for a day of classes. Standing out was celebrated and encouraged with my peers embracing the opportunity, giving me the confidence to try new styles and trends.
xoNecole: How did Howard shape your career as a luxury buyer?
Sharmaine: I studied Fashion Merchandising, through which I was fortunate to have professors who were very connected to the industry and able to give first-hand accounts of opportunities and what to expect post-college. I was also able to build a network through my peers and other Howard Alum, which has opened doors to endless possibilities both within fashion as well as daily life.
The same confidence instilled in me through my style has also been rooted deeply within me as I step into any role or project I’m faced with throughout my career.
xoNecole: This year marked Howard’s 100th-anniversary Homecoming celebration. Can you describe what the weekend looked and felt like?
Sharmaine: I’ve gone to many Howard Homecomings since graduating, but this year’s 100th anniversary felt like a huge family reunion filled with nothing but love. It was beautiful to see so many Bison return home looking great and radiating joy. It was beautiful!
xoNecole: What makes Howard fashion different from other HBCUs?
Sharmaine: Being that Howard is The Mecca, we have such a diverse population with each individual having their own spin on fashion. Getting dressed is second nature for us, but the layered confidence is our secret ingredient to make any look come together. Through that comfortability to push barriers, we have a legacy of setting trends, as indicated by the many alumni we have in the fashion and entertainment industry.
Keep scrolling for the top street style moments from The Mecca's Homecoming weekend:
Credit: Lacey Gallagher
Credit: Alan Henderson
Credit: JaLynn Davis
Credit: Dylan Davis
Credit: Caleb Smith
Credit: Kendall W.
Credit: Jordyn Finney
Credit: Vanessa Nneoma
Credit: Dr. Mariah Sankey-Thomas
Credit: Caleb MacBruce
Credit: Tiffany Battle
Credit: Teniola
Credit: Ilahi Creary
Credit: Nicolas Ryan Grant
Credit: Dylan Davis
Join us in celebrating HBCU excellence! Check out our Best In Class hub for inspiring stories, empowering resources, and everything you need to embrace the HBCU experience.
Featured image courtesy of Sharmaine Harris
I certainly don’t believe in shrinking the essence of who I am just to bag a man –whether in-person or online– including for the one thing that brings me pure joy: my worldwide adventures. By now, it’s common knowledge that social media is only a shiny highlight reel that doesn’t take into account all aspects of real life.
I’m fortunate that the men I date in my late 30s are mature enough to understand that notion, but in the past, I’ve learned the hard way that many men are, in fact, judging women’s social media accounts to determine if they are a perfect match.
While trying to stay afloat in grad school, I managed a week-long promotional gig for a festival concert. I stumbled across a breathtakingly handsome guy engrossed in curating melodic sound production as an audio engineer.
Bridgerton GIF by Gena ShowalterGiphyFine enough to giveBridgerton’s Regé-Jean Page a run for his money, this tall cutie had glistening caramel skin, big brown eyes, and a gorgeous smile that radiated across the conference center.
My heart practically stopped each time I glanced at him. I caught him conspicuously glancing my way throughout the day, too. Our energy was magnetic. I couldn’t let him get away without making it very apparent I was feeling him. Ten hours passed before we found ourselves drawing near one another. Dating co-workers is against my rules, however, dating someone I’ve met after completing a temporary gig was an exception I’d happily make.
Serotonin oozed throughout my body when he approached me. We engaged in meaningless talk, while I anticipated he’d ask for my number. Instead, he asked, “What’s your IG name?”
I’m old school; I want to get acquainted chatting on the phone until twilight–or on a well-executed romantic date. I accepted his request and followed him back. Baby steps.
Each time his adorable face popped into my mind, a rush of happiness flooded me. I’d already conducted a pre-check for a potential relationship, and based on absolutely nothing but chemistry, he had already passed. Scrolling through his page, I could see he had three, incredibly young children, from ages two to five. That’s okay, I can play step-mommy. Or so I thought.
Issa Rae Lol GIF by Insecure on HBOGiphyThe next morning, I swapped out my motivational morning gospel music for my vibey, R&B music. I floored the gas pedal, speeding to work in hopes of getting to the fine audio engineer as quickly as possible.
I sashayed through the conference doors with an extra sway in my hips–smitten and glowing as my bright eyes landed on him, standing by for sound check. He took one blistering look at me, and as time stood still, his scathing disapproval made me feel as though we were arch-enemies with unfinished business.
What happened in the less than twelve hours we met and were apart? I was flabbergasted by his bait-and-switch of emotions. The only culprit, I surmised: freaking Instagram.
A few hours of him ducking and diving to avoid me passed. I put my grown woman panties on and marched over to him. He pretended he couldn’t see me through the corner of his eye, but judging from the nervous stiffening of his erect posture and locked jaw–even through his discomfort, he would have to face me.
“Hey, how’s it going? You’re different today,” I said casually, yet resolute, peering deep into his wide eyes.
“Well, you know, it’s cause you’re big time. I’m just a regular guy.” He quipped. Completely confused, I stared blankly at him, waiting for an explanation.
“Your Instagram...” He confirmed like I had full knowledge of his insecurities.
“If I had seen your page before I met you, I would’ve never tried to talk to you. I’m not good enough for you.”
I melted into a puddle of vexation. I wasn’t a celebrity or social media star. Hell, I didn’t even have more than 5,000 followers! I’m a regular girl who’s had a career in entertainment which has afforded me many opportunities to attend swanky events; I love upscale travel and dining at Yelp’s highest-rated star restaurants–and yes, I relish capturing those delicious moments. But at that time, I was a broke girl in grad school, making a few coins on the same gig I’m certain he was earning a pretty penny for.
He’d already taken over my thoughts, feelings, and body’s desires in a short twenty-four hours. Though he was far from aware of all the ways he had swept me off my feet without stepping foot on an actual date, the energy between us was undeniable. I literally couldn’t stop thinking about him and grinning since the moment I saw him, and I know for sure he felt the same. And now he’s thinking he isn’t good enough for me?
He was fine, humble, funny, had a sexy physique, and a lucrative career, yet for some ridiculous reason he’d convinced himself he could never be with a woman like me? I was floored. Typically, I’m not forward with men in the initial stages of dating. It’s important I feel highly desired and sought after before I explode candidly. But the world was going to absolutely know that day: “I like you. You’re someone I’d like to get to know. And you’re absolutely perfect for me.”
He sighed and relaxed his shoulders. I felt empowered, quelling his feelings of inadequacy. (Or temporarily, I shall say). I’d soon learn that if a guy was harboring major insecurities, the idyllic lines to boost his ego are merely fleeting.
Pumped up on an extra dose of courage, later that day, he asked for my number. And I delightfully obliged.
We spent a good amount of time expressing our mutual feelings towards each other and perused through calendar dates to see when our schedules would match up. He lived in Las Vegas, but working as an audio engineer for major events necessitated him to spend most of his year traveling across the country and internationally. Still, I was determined to make it work.
And yet, it didn’t work. Despite my insanely busy grad schedule, I was ready to trek to Vegas or whichever country he visited, except his insecurities overflowed like putrefying lava. I probed to see how involved he was with his baby mama. Ya know, normal stuff. Somehow, he took that as a jab.
“You don’t want to date me because I have three kids, huh?” Again, he left me confused and exhausted because I was absolutely ready to become a bonus mommy to the right one.
Despite the endless times I cleared up what he thought was a problem, boom! another insecurity flared up. Coddling a mid-thirties man, who had thee lowest self-esteem I’d ever encountered was dooming.
GiphyA few months passed and winter had descended upon the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. I’d just left a snazzy art gallery Chiwetel Ejiofor hosted for his independent movie premiere. Park City is a magical and frosty cold, picturesque town in January. Most of the festival events are situated on densely packed Main Street. I stepped my leather boots outside onto the icy, uphill sidewalk, with a platonic male friend in tow. My phone rang–it was audio engineer bae. I noticed his name and pushed decline.
“You ignoring me now when you could’ve easily picked up the phone?”
What in the hell?! I peered around on both sides of my street, cautiously nervous.
I hopped into the black SUV. The festival traffic moves slower than molasses. You could gingerly walk down the street and still beat a moving car. As the driver slowly peeled away, I glanced to the opposite side of the art gallery street; there I saw old bae, forlornly staring at me, saddened with puppy eyes in his hooded Parka. I was busted. In my defense, however, I hadn’t heard from him in months, and us dating was certainly a never-ever-going-to-happen-closed case.
How was I supposed to know he’d been watching me from 150 feet away? No human in their right mind would expect an immediate answer, but he did.
“Hey, sorry, but it’s really hectic; I gotta hurry to this next event.” I apologized despite not owing him one. If he’d crossed my mind at any point up until now, it’d be futile. His recurring insecurities ate at him and thus, swallowed any attraction or potential traction for us.
By the time my plane landed in sunny Los Angeles, he unfriended me on IG. Exhausted from the nonsensical mental gymnastics, I unfollowed him, too.
Finally, we agreed: the feeling is mutual, boo.
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Featured image by Charles Olu-Alabi/Getty Images