The hair care world is overflowing with the glorious fros, slicked styles, helpful tips, tricks and influence of amazing women... and we LIVE for it! However, we mustn’t forget that men are taking charge of their hair regimens too! It’s not often that we hear men talk about their personal hair journeys, so to shed a little light, we're passing the mic to a few fellas who are passionate about their curls!

MEET THE GUYS

 

 

Q1: Has taking care of your hair always been important to you, or is it something you grew interested in over time?

OZZIE: Taking care of my hair has not always been a priority, it was something I defaulted to nature and thought just washing it and using grease occasionally was enough when I had short cuts. Over time, I picked up tips from my mother, friends, women I dated, and random pages online. But over the last year, I really started asking more questions and doing research and trying different natural hair product lines because I moved to a new city, and my mother wasn’t doing my hair for me. It dawned on me that I am responsible for my hair’s health. That’s how I discovered EDEN BodyWorks,  through a friend, because I wanted to do a better job taking care of my hair. 

STEPHON: Taking care of my hair has always been important to me, but how I took care of my hair has evolved over time. When I was younger, "taking care of my hair" meant trying to have waves and getting haircuts and shape-ups to keep looking sharp. I was using Luster's Pink Lotion and a hair brush... religiously. My parents didn't allow du-rags in the house, so I would borrow a headscarf and tie it down tightly at night for protection! Dark times. 

Over the last 5 years, haircare is much more about how my hair, beard and scalp feel, rather than how it looks. Pink Lotion and Head and Shoulders can't do anything for me. I've taken the time to understand what my hair needs to thrive, and build a regimen to support it. 

 

DARIUS: It’s definitely something that I grew interest in over time. My mother and sister really informed me about how important it is to take care of your hair. Or at least take care of it as best as you can. 

Stephon - @stephmart_ceo

 

 

Q2: How much time do you put into your haircare daily/weekly?

SHELDON: I always take at least one day out of the week to care for my hair's needs. This typically starts with wash day & takes about 3-5 hours from start to finish.

DEANDRE: I dont put as much time into my haircare as people would think, my wash day is the longest day of course. But after wash day it takes no time to refresh my curls for the day. 

DARIUS: Usually everyday at least 5 or 10 min. Stray bottle with water, hair moisturizer and coconut oil to seal everything in

 

Q3: Most important step to your regimen?

STEPHON: Water! My hair loves moisture, and it's really the only way that it's able to absorb any product. I think it’s a very slept on step for most men, but I recommend that every guy has a small spray bottle full of water handy.

DEANDRE: The most important step in my regimen would be deep conditioning. A lot of hair problems can be solved with deep conditioning! 

 

Q4: Favorite EDEN product + why?

OZZIE: My favorite product is the Peppermint Tea Tree Shampoo because I feel like it does such a good job of cleaning my hair, especially since I frequent the gym and therefore sweat quite a bit. Also, washing my hair thoroughly in between getting it braided is super important to help the braids look crisp because clean hair and a clean scalp go a long way. 

STEPHON: Hands down it's gotta be the Coconut Shea Pudding Souffle. I love the texture, and I love how it moisturizes my hair strands. It also helps that coconut and shea butter smell great 100% of the time.

DEANDRE: My favorite EDEN product is the Coconut Shea Leave In Conditioner because it moisturizes, defines and clumps my curls. It also pairs well with a lot of gels, and my curls are ALWAYS poppin' when I use it! 

 

DARIUS: Favorite product would have to be the  Coconut Shea Leave In Conditioner. The reason why it’s my favorite is because it has coconut oil and shea butter in it, which has always worked best for my hair. Also, it really keeps my hair moisturized and soft. 

 

Darius - @dariusbeckett

 

 

Q5: Do you feel there's enough male representation in the natural hair industry/community?

OZZIE: There is definitely not enough representation for men in the natural hair community. I’m hoping to help change the narrative. We have hair too and we want to know how to treat it as best we can. A lot of men just use their girlfriend’s products, allow the hairdresser or barber to use products or recommend things, and we really have no way of knowing what's best for us or our hair.  I’m thankful to companies like EDEN BodyWorks making efforts like this article. I think this is a great way to let men know help is available, plus the brand and products are of high quality and integrity. 

STEPHON: This is a loaded question - on one hand, I believe that women deserve to be *more* represented in this industry. Society has policed women's (and black women's, in particular) hair for centuries, and I think it's high time that natural hair becomes a societal staple in all of its shapes, lengths, textures and styles. On the other hand, I feel like there is room for growth in terms of marketing and educating men on their hair. While hair education is universal, beard textures are niche to men, and the application of hair education is a little different. A lot of men are just using whatever they see their friends, family or partners using, and it would be great to help build their knowledge base moving forward.

SHELDON: Definitely not-there's really only a handful of male natural hair influencers who are consistently producing content, I really hope this is something that changes this year!

 

DEANDRE: I do not feel there is enough male representation in the natural hair community. The community needs to know males want their curls to be poppin' as well! This is one of the reasons i started my YouTube channel! (Major Ways) 

 

Ozzie - @ozanidas

Q6: Something you'd like others to know about men + natural hair care?

OZZIE: I want men to know to take care of their hair.  It is an extension of you and whatever look you go for, be intentional. If you are nice to it, you will have it longer. As men, we all want to keep our hair for as long as possible. I would recommend reading articles, watching videos and trying out different things. 

SHELDON: It's OK to take care of your hair! You won't have it forever, so cherish it for the time that you do!

DEANDRE:  I would like people, especially males, to know it’s ok to want to take care of your hair, test out different products, and experiment with different styles! Learn to love your hair!

 

Q7: What do you love most about your hair?

OZZIE: I love the versatility of it and how it can be worn in many different styles. Also, when I see that it is growing and looks healthy, I feel proud of my efforts. There is always something new to learn about natural hair. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. 

SHELDON: I love everything, the shape, the texture, the curls, my hair plays a huge factor in my overall self-esteem. When I have a good hair day, no one can tell me anything haha!

DEANDRE: The thing I love most about my hair is how versatile it is. I can wear it curly, braided, twisted or even blown out! 

 

 Sheldon - @kxd.sheldy

 

Q8: Do you share your opinion with your significant other or the women (whether family or friends) in your life about how they wear/style their hair?

STEPHON: I do, but only to a certain extent. I believe that you should be empowering those around you, so an opinion on whether or not a protective style or a wig is "suitable" for them does nothing constructive. Further, if you distill most of those "you shouldn't wear your hair like this" opinions down to its core, a lot of them are rooted in racist and misogynistic philosophy. I offer my girl feedback on styling based on what her desired "look" is, and I encourage her to explore her hair in every fashion she sees fit. If she's having an off day, I'll let her know too...(carefully of course.)

SHELDON:  I do, but my opinion is merely that-an opinion. I always want the best for all of my loved ones-even if it just down to choosing the hairstyle that suits them best!

DEANDRE: Yes, I share a lot of my opinions with the women in my life. They know that I know a lot about natural hair, they know I take very good care of my natural hair and I'm always here to help! 

 

Q9: Did a woman (or women) have influence on how you wear your hair - or the products you use?

OZZIE: Absolutely! When I first started growing my hair, any women I saw with nice natural hair,  I would ask what they used in their hair and the response was always very warm and informative about their approach to caring for it. They would tell me products and some dos and don’ts. Once my mother began to braid my hair, she shared a lot of information about methods and products too. Even still to this day, I take the approach of asking women that I meet information about their hair and I try many of their suggestions out. 

SHELDON: Most definitely! That's all you saw-particularly on YouTube-was women giving insight on natural hair. Learning about my hair inspired me to start my own channel & share with a male audience as there weren't that many men doing it at that point in time. Three of my biggest inspirations were Mini Marley, Bri Hall, & Sayria Jade.

DARIUS: Yes definitely, my mom and sister. Because they have natural hair I started to use the products that helped them. I learned mainly everything from them. They also showed me what products work best for our hair texture. 

 

Q10: Advice you'd give to other fellas looking to put more effort into their hair care?

SHELDON: It's OK to care for your hair. It's not going to be easy at first, you will have to find what works best for your hair-most importantly make sure you keep it healthy! The feelings you get when you finally start to learn about your hair, & you get to physically see the difference, is incomparable!

DEANDRE: My advice to other men would be to get educated and listen to your hair. It may seem like a lot at first, but it gets so much easier! I promise! 

DARIUS:  I would say to stay consistent with it and that will make it easier because that will train your hair to stay a certain way. Wash and condition it at least once a week but keep it healthy and moisturized with some type of leave in conditioner and oil. I prefer coconut oil 9/10. 

 

 DeAndre - @therealdremajor

 

***

Wanna learn more? Share your questions, comments and concerns below + be sure to keep up with Ozzie, Stephon, Sheldon, DeAndre, and Darius on social. 

 

See you next time!

 

 

 

 

You asked, so we're delivering! Now is your chance to become a part of #EDENCurlfriends, our official brand ambassador program. Get ready to create community while gaining access to free products, features on ads + social promo, a personalized coupon code, opportunities to work brand events, and more!

 

What Does an Ambassador Do?

Our #EDENCurlfriends will receive a special box of products which they'll be expected to use to complete the following each month:

- Create at least two pieces of branded content. Both styling videos and hair/lifestyle images are welcome. All content must have clean, neutral backgrounds + include edited and non-copyrighted background music.  

- Submit all content files via email prior to posting.  

- Post the content to at least one of the following platforms: 

IG
YouTube
Pinterest
Personal Blog/Website
TikTok

- Include product education in captions +  the hashtags #EDENCurlfriends, #EDENVibes and #StylewithEDEN. 

- Submit a product review on any of the below websites:

EDENBodyWorks.com
Target.com
Walmart.com
Amazon.com
HEB.com

 

 

How to Apply

STEP 1

Complete this survey.

 

STEP 2

Submit a video sharing why you want to join the program. Post it to your Instagram feed using the hashtag #EDENCurlfriends to help gain the votes of your supporters.

 

STEP 3

Email your video + a headshot of yourself (high resolution only) to EDENCurlfriends@gmail.com.

 

 

 

 

And That's It! 

Selected ambassadors will be notified via email.

Good luck!

 

Ready to get dolled up? We’re here to help! The next week or two is likely filled with friends, family, and parties, which means more opportunities to try out some of those super cute hairstyles you’ve been saving in your screenshot gallery. To provide a little extra inspo, we’ve got a few gorgeous glam looks to share of our own! 

 

The Half & Half 

Featuring @curlsandcouture

 

Products used: Papaya Castor Scalp Cleanser, Conditioning Hairdress + Scalp Massaging Serum and Hibiscus Honey Blow Dry Cream + Hydration Custard

To nourish, protect from heat + stretch!

 

  

 

The Halo Braid

Featuring @syeda_bombom

Bonus, this serves as a protective style too!

 

Product Used: Coconut Shea Curl Defining Creme

To moisturize, hold + add shine!

 

 

 

The Low Pony

Featuring @heydonae

Another ‘do that serves as a protective style! 

 

Product Used: Papaya Castor Foam Conditioner

To smooth down frizz!

 

  

 

The Side Pin-Back

Featuring @heycurlie

 

Products Used: Papaya Castor Scalp Cleanser, Foam Conditioner, Scalp Massaging Serum, + Nourishing Curl Jam

To set + seal!

 

 

***

 

 

 

Arrive rockin’ any of these fabulous styles, and you’re sure to have a #hautegirlholiday! In the comments below, tell us which look is your favorite! Also, be sure to tag us in your photos using the hashtag #StylewithEDEN, should you try your hand at one.

 

Happy Holidays!

 

See you next year!

 

It’s that time of year again! Holiday gatherings + festive themes and decorations are everywhere you turn. While this season can be fun and exciting for some, it can also bring about anxiety, depression, and a number of other mental health concerns for many others. If you’re having a tough time, please know, you are not alone! To provide a little support, we reached out to a few black women experts in the mental health field for a few tips on combating the anxiety that the holidays can bring. 

TIP #1

“Mental health and physical health go hand in hand. Make sure you’re making your physical health a priority by staying active and eating clean, nutrient-rich foods. Eat at least 3 balanced meals a day, get out of the house and go for walks, or get some gym time in a few times a week. Prioritize these necessary acts of self care!”

 

Serving Washington, DC

 

 

 

TIP #2

 “Get Enough Rest. For some, excitement can kick in during the holidays. Sometimes you’ll lose sleep because of stress, and sometimes you’ll lose sleep because of excitement. Either way, you’ll be doing yourself a favor by concentrating on relaxation and getting to bed at a good hour. If you start a pattern of getting less than 7-8 hours of sleep per night, you could be setting yourself up for stress without even really knowing it, thus, making it harder to maintain your mental wellness during this time of year.”

 

Serving South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee & Florida

 

 

 

TIP #3

“In general, people become more consumed with responding to and meeting the needs of others than they do for themselves. This can lead us to feeling drained, resentful, and just plain unhappy. The holiday season brings these levels higher than normal, as we find ourselves interacting with more folks more frequently, with more demands. I highly recommend for people to use this rule every day, and especially during the holiday season: NO SOCIAL MEDIA  UNTIL AFTER LUNCH. How we start our day impacts how we live our day out. If your first action of each day is checking on others via social media, you will train your brain to do this throughout the day and will do so compulsively. It ain’t good for ya! Take each morning to focus on YOU first. Wake up and ask yourself how you want to feel today. Then, close your eyes and visualize how you will look and feel today. Doing so will get you in the habit of checking in with YOU first and help you keep your balance a little better this holiday season.”

 

Serving Inglewood, CA

 

 

 

TIP #4

“We’re about two weeks beyond the dreaded Gregorian calendar box which tricks us to believe we gain an extra hour of sleep. The sun bids us adieu, shortening our daylight hours. This adopted time management system related to agriculture and energy-saving can cause a grand shift in the mental health processes of many. And while an extra hour of sleep seems rewarding, our brains tell a different story: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as seasonal depression may be a negative consequence November through early spring. Want to know a practical way to increase the amount of serotonin, the neurotransmitter thought to be responsible for your mood, sleep, appetite, and social behavior? Create your own sunshine. That’s right, I said it. But, how? Creating your own sunshine means laying out boundaries in your environment to reduce triggers. Because frankly, who can see the sun when clouds are in the way? This can mean not going to a family holiday dinner because a personality there upsets you, instead, start your own tradition. It can also mean easing into your day utilizing a light box or not checking social media until after 12pm. Engage in activities which warm your soul: reading, mindful eating, traveling, or connecting with a licensed mental health therapist to work through your mental climate."

 

Learn more, PsycYourMind.com

 

TIP #5

“Grieving a loss during the holiday season can be complicated by the expectations that others have of you to be connected, joyous, and ‘ok’. Allowing yourself the space and time to ‘feel’ will make engaging less emotionally taxing. In an effort to fill a void that invariably recurs every year, be intentional about: 1.) Creating new traditions to commemorate your loved one(s); 2.) Connecting with professionals to talk, or close family and friends to share special memories; and 3.) Chronicling your thoughts for reflection each year. Give yourself permission.”

 

Serving Virginia Beach, VA

 

 

***

 

 

If you’re in need, don’t hesitate to reach out!

 

Got a tip to share? Tell us in the comments below.

 

See you next time!

 

Give your look a little versatility this season by experimenting with your hair!

‘Tis the season for holiday parties and glammed up get-togethers, which means it’s time to amp up your style! Wash ‘n gos are always great, but as cooler temperatures approach, it’s the perfect time to give stretched styles a try! Need some inspo? We’ve got you covered!

When you see a beautiful, smart, brown girl rocking her unique natural hair, what comes to mind? Most people would admire the craftsmanship and wonder, “How did her Mommy create that style?” Right?

Women tend to wear many hats, with the demanding roles to match. We don't have the luxury of wearing one at a time, either. If we're moms, we're always moms in addition to being an entrepreneur, CEO, volunteer, carpool coordinator, chef and whatever other role life demands that day. 

 

 

Beyond the Label aims to shine light on women at their core, along with their many complexities. We aim to go below the surface and highlight the various tasks and achievements made by the every day woman, including the pursuit in overcoming the personal challenges and obstacles they face daily. It's no longer adequate to look at a woman and see only a carrier for a child or a career. It's also not acceptable to label her solely according to her struggles. She's may be in the courtroom initiating change, in the hospital saving lives (all before putting dinner on the table), or she may be leading a High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) class at the gym. Maybe she's overseas teaching English, or building orphanages in a foreign country. She may even be at home just trying to get through the day, running errands and etcetera. Either way, she's doing way more than what you see on the surface - including becoming the healthiest and happiest version of herself internally. She's living beyond the label. 

 

These women aren't the ones you necessarily see in the spotlight. They're hardworking individuals who have chosen to create a life that works for them, a life crafted through trial and error, successes and failures. It's the everyday woman who's had to be innovative with limited resources and push past closed doors. 

Everyone has a story: one of perseverance or defeat or overcoming obstacles. Life isn't always kind and gentle, but if nothing else, women have learned that life goes on. Our hope is that they relate to these stories, share their own, and also connect with women who are just like them. We hope that these stories inspire our audiences to never give up and to stay on the beaten path. 

 

 

At EDEN BodyWorks, we value authenticity, simplicity, quality, and wellness, and we want nothing more than to share these things with our community. We invite you to say the following words to yourself daily, as an affirmation to inspire growth and positive living:  

 

"In this space all that I am is celebrated. I am profound and I inspire others to shatter their own glass ceilings. I've survived my past. I am thankful for my lessons. I applaud my highlights. And I am looking forward to sharing my endless light with the world."

  

Be sure to share YOUR story with us at GoBeyondTheLabel.com! There, you can tell us what obstacles and labels you are freeing yourself from in order to live beyond. You can also keep up with the stories of other amazing women by following along with us on Instagram @edenbodyworks. Feel free to download your photo on the site and post it to Instagram using the hashtag #BeyondtheLabel to join the conversation. 

 

We can't wait to hear your story!

 

Marvel’s latest superhero film, Black Panther, was released this past Thursday...as if you didn’t already know. The hype surrounding the film even before its release was unreal. Once viewers actually got a chance to see it over President’s Day weekend, social media went wild, and with good reason.

 

Cast, Marvel Image

 

 

 

Lupita Nyong'o + Letitia Wright, Marvel Image

 

The plot of this film is also something to be proud of. The writers gave it a level of complexity beyond what we generally tend to see in black films. Without spoiling it, we’ll just say that important issues that currently resonate in the black community, were accurately addressed.

 

Another notable aspect is the very fact that this film was produced by Marvel, a white-owned company. Some have expressed dissatisfaction with this, but it actually represents something very positive in our eyes. As we’ve stressed many times, representation matters. Usually in media spaces, black communities have create their own spaces and platforms to become represented, which is amazing, and very important. However, it’s also valuable to have a traditionally white company extend an opening for black representation within their platform. It shows growth and partnership. Yes, plenty of the profit will go to these higher ups, but a great deal of it (along with the accolades) will also go to the cast of black actors and the director, which will provide even more opportunity in the future.

 

  

 

Ryan Coogler, Blox Images

 

All of this to say, whether you’re into superhero movies or not, you should definitely go see Black Panther in theaters. It’s truly a remarkable film for a number reasons. It’s making history all in the month of Black History, and we couldn’t be more excited about it!

"I believe in being healthy from the inside out. Taking the time to appreciate the good things in your life, regardless of how small they seem, is the key to unlocking your blessings." —Candice 

A post shared by EDEN BodyWorks (@edenbodyworks) on Mar 19, 2017 at 12:47pm PDT

 

 

"3 Simple Self-care Ideas: (1) Read a new book, (2) Have a spa day, (3) Journal" — Michelle

@Naturalista86 gave our wonder moms three practical ways to practice self-care. We believe her recommendations can be applied universally to anyone looking to begin their self-care session. Michelle even threw in a shout to the EDEN BodyWorks Citrus Fusion collection saying, "Carve out some time and create your own spa day at home. I’m excited that EDEN BodyWorks created the Citrus Fusion line because it’s not only for my hair but also my body. I can pamper myself with a good wash day and also take time to care for my skin as well. As a busy mom, it's nice to have products that can serve dual purposes."  

"You can't serve other people unless you take care of yourself. It's a balance. We encourage people to eat healthy, be active + pursue their dreams ambitiously and without fear."— @edensjasmine, founder of EDEN

A post shared by EDEN BodyWorks (@edenbodyworks) on Aug 16, 2017 at 12:53pm PDT

"The last thing on my mind this week has been my hair. This fight will be long, tough and draining. This morning I'm taking a few hours for myself. Self-Care is necessary. "— Staci P

@cocoandclick shared the day that she was introduced to EDEN Bodyworks Coconut Shea CoWash. We're delighted that she took time to care for her hair and honored that she chose one of our fan favorite EDEN products to assist.

 

Watch @queensheemee show EDEN love with a regimen of EDEN BodyWorks Products, including the new #AlmondMarshmallow products!

Want to be the first to know when #AlmondMarshmallow drops? Sign up for our special mailing list below: Wether you spend Valentine's Day with your partner, your family, or yourself, we wish you love and peace of mind.

Tierra Loren, contributor at NaturallyCurly.com, recently wrote an awesome review of the new Freeform show "grown-ish," the spin-off of ABC's "black-ish." We thought it was so on point that we should share it here!

***

"Grown-ish" is a realistic depiction of undergraduate life: the constant struggle between "being grown," balancing priorities, and discovering your identity.

 

I've said it before and I will say it again: representation matters. Young black millennials matter too, and there are a lot of us poppin' in today's society. The leading star Zoey, played by Yara Shahidi, represents just that. As we get a close up look into Zoey's first year of college, we view her exposure to relationships, dating, and even drugs. One of the things I love most is the way "grown-ish" dissects dating through misreading the signs of Aaron's [Zoey's crush] interest, hookup culture and over-analyzing text messages. (We've all been there before).

 

Image courtesy of ABC

 

 

2. Zoey is Three-Dimensional

Zoey is herself, simple but beautiful. She is complex, smart and witty. She struggles between balancing classes, partying, and growing up while being introduced and influenced by her peers to use gateway drugs. She struggles to trust herself when she feels the pressures of priorities. That first taste of freedom for a young millenial can go wrong really quickly, and already into the second episode, Zoey voices, "the trick is balancing it out." Even through the growing pains, Zoey is resilient - she is identifying and figuring it all out, step by step.

 

 

3. Here for the Natural Hair Representation

It's mind-boggling that some people still don't realize how versatile natural hair is, but the reality is that most people just won't get it until they see it. I vicariously live through Zoey's twist-outs and protective styles. Her hair looks bomb in every episode. My personal fave is the jumbo ponytail braid with the gold hair accessories; kudos for showing that natural hair comes in many looks!

What a great way to highlight young Black Women

We see Zoey standing and shining on her own. She is not in the shadow of the male gaze. MAJOR KEY. USA Today said it best, "Grown-ish is aimed at young women, and focuses on issues that affect them without irony or judgment." I am really here for this. There are a lot of issues that women face, societal and behavioral pressures, unrealistic expectations, do I need to say more?

I have to thank the creators of "grown-ish," Kenya Barris and Larry Wilmore, for taking me back down memory lane and depicting to the world what it's like to be a young Black woman. Because it's lit.

Personally, I binge-watched all four episodes of "grown-ish" in one sitting because it's that good! I could go on and on, but I really want to know your thoughts. Have you watched "grown-ish" yet?

 

***

 

To keep up with Tierra's writing, follow her on Instagram at @blackgirl.slays, and on NaturallyCurly.com.

 

See you back here next week!