Q: How would you describe Reparations Club and how did it come about?
A: I opened Reparations Club in 2019, about nine months after my mother passed away. I think I was really looking for community and space. Growing up as a queer Black woman in LA, I really didn't have a lot of spaces that felt like they were meant for me. I was inspired by spaces like the Slauson Swap Meet, that felt like they centered Black folks needs with some specificity. That was the priority - the four walls, the intention, and then the rest kind of came later.
Q: So why a bookstore?
A: I was always a very bookish kid and still am an introvert. My punishment was being forced to go outside! I was just lost in a book all the time. I never thought I would have a bookstore. I don’t come from money, I didn't have any models in my family of business ownership, so that didn't seem like a path that was open to me. I just sort of felt my way through the loss of my mom, and went back to my first love: books. were a natural starting point. It makes more sense in hindsight.
Q: I’d love to know more about the process of designing the space. It has such a clear aesthetic, vision and feel to it. What did you want it to look and feel like?
A: I wanted the space to feel as warm as my grandmother's house, as warm as my cousins’ houses, the spaces that I did feel really safe in. Color and texture were a big part of that. There are some seventies influences, nineties vibes. My grandmother's house, I realize now,just hadn't been updated in my youth because we didn't have a lot of money. But I have a lot of nostalgia for those two decades in particular;beyond just aesthetics they represented a certain visibility and creativity for Black people in America, including myself.
Q: What is the criteria for the books and other items that are in this space?
A: We say the store is “curated by Blackness,” which to me means any and every expression of Black life and the Black experience. I'm looking just around me right now, I see Black mermaids. I see Black queer people, I see indigenous stories. I see our history. I see our futures. I see romance. I see comedy… there are very few limitations here beyond our literal shelf space.
Q: I love what you just said about anything that touches Black lives. Do you think because your business is so rooted in something that's deeply personal, but also serving a community, that there's an added dimension of what it means to have this business as opposed to one that is purely a money-making endeavor?
A: I think for better and sometimes for worse, that is true. I think when you state your intention to be in service of, or a space for Black people and Black stories, those things can feel at odds with what the system is designed to support. I think if I were doing something really different, I might have an easier path ahead. I think also when there are so, so few spaces doing what we do, it puts a lot of pressure on myself as a business owner. Hey, you know, I'm just one little Black girl in Los Angeles, California. I can only do my best, and I feel a lot of pressure that it will never be enough...the expectations are high. But it’s an honor to have my community resonate with my vision.I’m trying, and that’s something.
Q: What do you think has been the biggest surprise about having this space?
A: I think as an entrepreneur, as a creative, the biggest surprise to me has been all of the behind the scenes stuff that people don't see when they walk into a business. So from invoicing, staff management, payroll, forecasting, returns, so many things. I'm learning something new every single day. I also have been surprised that something so personal resonated with so many other people. I love that other people can come here and see themselves. I think that is always a reminder to me of how shared of an experience we all have, even as individuals.
Q: What do you think you want the legacy of your business to be?
A: I just want to make my mom proud. That's it. I think that's at the core of so many children who grow up to be adults. And I think I've done that, so in some ways, mission accomplished. My mom's not here physically anymore, but I think she'd be really proud of the space. It's something she talked about, she never quite figured out how to get away from her 9-5. So I'm really proud of myself that I figured that out. I hope 50 years from now, people will tell stories about this space the way I talk about the neighborhood when I grew up. Ellis Haizlip is a big inspiration for me. He had this TV show on PBS called Mr. Soul. And the legacy of creating a platform for Blackness to shine.So that's what I hope to leave here, whether the space exists in the future or not.
Q: Reparations Club was the first retailer that ever reached out to carry the Baby Tress Edge Styler®. What did it mean to you to be able to foster relationships with like-minded businesses, serving the same community and not just growing a business yourself, but being a part of the growth of other businesses?
A: I think that's an example of what I want to continue about this space. I think Hannah [Baby Tress CEO & Co-Founder] and I both took a chance on each other. We weren't anything when I reached out, but I'm a naturally really curious person and saw something that was beautifully designed to meet Black women’s needs. That's what I was trying to do with this space, so naturally, Baby Tress resonated with that. Hannah believed in what we were creating, in terms of a home for objects like the Edge Styler®, so it was kind of perfect. I like to think of us as an incubator for a lot of ideas and would love to highlight more products like that. A lot of people said no at first too, Baby Tress was one of the first to say yes and there’s a symbiosis that happened - a cool space, a cool product, working together.
Q: What do you want the next couple years of Reparations Club to look like?
A: I want the next couple years of Rep Club to be more resourced. Our customers support us to the absolute best of their ability, but I think there's some institutional support and some things that need to change in the industry that haven't happened yet. It’s a lot of hard work and sacrifice to keep this space in this city.
We would like to have more space. We're still here, but the reality is that gentrification is closing in on us every day. So just making sure that we're able to keep doing what we've been doing - without it being quite so hard. I'm looking for a little more ease. You know, we need to grow our team, grow the space, but I want to do so in a sustainable way. Not just growth for the sake of growth, but because there's a demand for the space and what we're doing and having the resources to do that without all of the risk being on me all the time.
Q: You mentioned that you were hearing a lot of “no’s” to begin with. What keeps you motivated as a small business that is hearing a lot of “no’s”.
A: I think I've seen a number of those ‘no’s turn into ‘yes’s. I think people are protective over what they do, as are we, so I understand where it's coming from and never really take it personally. To me it's a creative act, this whole space. All of this was born of constraint. Being Black in America, you hear ‘no’ all the time. If a ‘no’ kept me down, the space wouldn't be here.
Q: The space is well-known for the events that you host here. Can you describe what it’s like to hold an event here? Being here in the day is beautiful, but what does it become at night?
A: The space kind of transforms at night, the lights get colorful, the stage comes out, the chairs come out, the night owls come out! It's never quiet in here, but by day it can be a little more reserved. You can come and sit and read a book. We turn up a little bit more at night, we have lots of authors come through. That's been really special just - the variety of thinkers that have come in this space. We’ve had some really intimate discussions here, conversations that I don't know could have happened in the same way anywhere else. That's exciting. And then, you know, we've also had spontaneous karaoke nights! We've done Saturday morning cartoons, birthday parties, whatever we want to do. I think the nice thing here is that we can really just experiment People have described this as their living room, which I love.
Q: What was one of the most memorable events you've had here?
A: I think for me it was the karaoke night that we did, because we announced it with like 48 hours notice! We all were just like, hey, if nobody comes, we'll have a good time. And a lot of people showed up! They were shy at first, and then just watching everybody relax into it and, I mean, Black people singing and laughing is my favorite soundtrack.
Q: What do you think was the moment that you knew, early on, that you were onto something with Reparations Club? When did it start to feel like you were actually doing this and it was working?
A: I don't know that I ever had any doubts. That naïveté has served me well in other places in my life. Just going for it and figuring out the hard stuff later. I knew I had enough money to pay rent for the first year, and if it closed after that, I could say that I tried. But the things that have made it feel real…I don't know that I actually have gotten the time to really stop and look back very much, but some of the authors, some of my favorite authors who have just reached out to us and they're like, ‘hey, we heard you're doing something great. I want to have an event at your space!’ They could go anywhere. And they’ve still come here.. That means a lot. That feels like proof that we're onto something. The customers that come back, the babies who came in a stroller and now they're walking and talking and picking out books for themselves, that's really cool to see. The people make this space.
Visit Reparations Club IRL at 3054 S Victoria Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90016.
Follow Reparations Club on Instagram @reparations.club and on TikTok @repclub
Images courtesy of Reparations Club
]]>What is the origin story of BEAUTYBEEZ?
We started BEAUTYBEEZ in 2019. We launched officially online that summer and then in August, we opened up the store. It was inspired by these very authentic/nostalgic experiences shopping for beauty as a Black consumer. Growing up, you go to the local beauty supply with your mom and you do feel like a kid in a candy store at that age, because you're looking at all these hair care products for you. It’s a space that's designed for all of your needs. You’re seeing all the hair barrettes and ribbons, everything you know your mom needs to do your hair that Sunday. It was a great feeling. But as I got older and wiser, and started going to the beauty supply store myself, then you start realizing the prejudices, the discrimination, that uncomfortable feeling that you get when you’re walking the aisles and someone’s staring at you to make sure that you’re not stealing something. After having my own kids and taking my daughter to the beauty supply, I was like, we’re repeating this generational cycle. I didn’t like the experience we had and we couldn’t find what we wanted. A few days later I was back at the beauty supply with my grandmother to help her shop for a wig. I hated the way we were treated and how I felt. You’re basically in there alone, they can’t help you and if they do decide to help you it comes with an attitude or they don’t know what you need. It’s very dismissive. At that time in my life I was looking for something I was passionate about and it kind of clicked. I thought, maybe this is a problem that needs to be solved. I started talking to a lot of my girlfriends, asking if they even shop at the beauty supply anymore because I know a lot of people have moved away from that - because of these experiences. I asked, if there was a better option, would you choose that? I did a lot of research and I realized that if I do this, it needs to be very intentional - I wanted to solve every pain point that the Black consumer is experiencing while shopping for beauty.
What are those pain points? When you were designing the space, and thinking about what you want to fill it with and the kind of experiences you wanted customers to have, and those pain points - how did that all factor into how you created the space?
It goes back to that feeling of being a kid in a candy store. When people walk in I want them to feel like this space is for them. The product curation is very important for me - we want not necessarily all products, but products that are effective. We want to prioritize Black-owned brands. There’s been a renaissance in Black founders in beauty, so making sure that we have those products and brands in our store and that we educate our customers about them is important. Education was a big part of this because I felt like that’s what was lacking in the beauty supply stores. When you go to Sephora and ask questions, they’re so knowledgable about everything and you leave feeling satisfied, like I got everything I needed - I didn’t feel that at a beauty supply. So customer service and product education was very important. So was the look and feel of the store, I wanted to replicate that Sephora-like aesthetic - pleasing to the eye, calming, modern. We’re very intentional about customer service, the way our customers feel is very important to us - we want to make sure we greet everyone that comes in the store, we approach them and ask what they need and when they tell us what they’re looking for, we fact-find to make sure we’re providing effective solutions. Those are the pain points that we’ve tried to solve and integrate into every layer of the business.
You mentioned Black-owned brands being a priority in the space. There seems to be a big personal aspect to this business, building relationships with not just your customers but other founders too. What has that meant to you and the business?
As a Black women in this industry, I realized that we were a minority, even though it’s an industry that caters to us. So it’s really important to build those relationships with other Black founders and let them know that we’re here to support each other. I try to reach out to the founders of these brands and let them know why we exist, and that we’re here to promote your brand. We also know that it’s important to our customers. They’re mostly Black Gen-Z and Black millennials and we’re becoming increasingly conscious of how we spend our money. You’d be surprised by how many customers want to know what’s behind the brand when they’re making a buying decision. So we make sure that our sales associates are very familiar with brand stories, because it’s so important to our customers.
What has the response to the store been since you opened it?
It’s been great! Our community has supported us through all the highs and lows. We opened in August of 2019, then we had the pandemic, so we had to close our store. Luckily we had e-commerce, so we were able to pivot and focus more of our intentions on the website and we got a lot of response. One thing that we realized was that beauty supplies are not online, so we were getting orders from everywhere around the country, around the world! People were stuck indoors and couldn’t go to their local beauty supply, and local stores don’t have websites to ship edge control or Baby Tress brushes! So that showed me again that there is a reason why we exist. We get new customers every day and a lot of that is based on word of mouth. We get moms coming in and then bringing their daughters the next day. Or daughters coming in and then bringing their moms. Friends, church groups, everything. And that’s how we’ve grown, it’s been very organic.
What do you want the future of BEAUTYBEEZ to look like and what do you want its legacy to be?
I want it to be accessible to everyone, around the country and around the world. We want to be the leader in Black beauty retail. You have your Sephoras, you have your Ultas, but I want BEAUTYBEEZ to be a part of that conversation and whatever that looks like, that's where we're willing to go. We want to meet the consumer where they are. In terms of our legacy - again, I want to create that kid-in-a-candy-store feeling for everyone, not just for children but for women our age and of all generations. I want them to look to BEAUTYBEEZ as the standard of what we should be expecting as Black consumers shopping for beauty.
You’ve mentioned your mom, your daughter and your grandmother when you’ve spoken about your beauty experiences. How was your relationship with beauty influenced by your mom, and how do you think that influenced what you pass down to your daughter?
I’ve always looked up to my mom - her beauty routine, what she did we her hair, what type of makeup she used. She used Lancôme when I was a child, and for my first makeup, she took me to Dillard’s in South Carolina to buy Lancôme for the first time and I loved that! We always saved Sundays for hair day, which was always surprising to me because historically, the beauty supply stores are closed on Sunday, and that’s when we do our hair! So I made sure BEAUTYBEEZ was open on Sundays, even if it was for an abbreviated schedule, just for that mom who’s trying to do her daughters hair and realized they ran out of conditioner. That was us all the time and the beauty supply was closed. Doing hair on Sundays is very ritualistic for me, and I’ve passed that down to my daughter. She knows on the weekends, it’s time to do your hair. It’s very nostalgic for me. I love that time I spent with my mom, between her legs, sitting on the floor, probably watching one of her shows, and she would do my hair. That was our time together. I loved it at the time, even though I did complain, and I love doing that now with my daughter. I want to mimic that because I think it set a standard for me in terms of making sure my hair's always done and I look presentable because that was very important to my mom as a Black woman living in the south - always be presentable. And I’ve definitely passed that down to my daughter. She will not leave the house if we forget to do her hair. We'll run out, it could be to the grocery store or something, and she's like, ‘wait, my hair!’ Her birthday was yesterday, she’s seven, I bough her a Healthy Roots doll. A Black girl founded the doll company, and the doll’s hair resembles Black hair - 4C/4A textured hair. I told her, ‘I want you to learn how to do your hair, my mom taught me how to do my hair.’ I didn’t have a doll like this growing up, I had to work on Barbies. So passing those traditions down is very important. And I do think beauty is important, I think it’s how we present ourselves, it’s how the world sees us, whether we like it or not, so I think it’s important to pay some type of attention to it.
How do you think your relationship with your hair has changed over time?
A: Oh, it's changed drastically. Again, I'm going to go back to my mom because I had a relaxer at a very young age, which is very taboo now. My mom straightened my hair because she didn't know how to manage it, we have very different hair textures. So over the years growing up, I've always thought that straight was better - that's just how I grew up and I don't fault her for that. And again, for her it was more, ‘I cannot do your hair, it has to be straight in order for me to maintain it and for it to look neat.’ But growing up and being in college, seeing black girls wearing their hair curly, and then this whole natural hair movement came - I started embracing my curl pattern more. And now I wear my hair more curly than I've ever done in my entire life.
Why do you think that is?
I think it’s two-fold. I think it’s because of the society we live in now and how it is more acceptable. But it’s also about access to products. Back then we didn’t have all these products, which is why my mom had to straighten my hair. But now there are so many different products out there that are effective and can help me manage it. Because it is a lot to manage, especially with my 4C hair. I’ve straightened my daughter’s hair once and she doesn’t prefer it straight, she likes it curly, she loves her puffs. I think it’s me growing as a person and society being more accepting of it.
What do you think is most exciting about the cultural conversation around hair and beauty at the moment?
I think it just goes back to acceptance and inclusivity. I think it's creating this path that will lead to less discrimination in the world. I think about my kids as they get older, I have two boys, and I want to braid my sons’ hair. My husband is Nigerian and doesn't think that that's the best way for his son to go out into the world. But I’m think the world's different now. The narrative is shifting so I'm hopeful that because this cultural shift is happening, people are more accepting of certain styles that are very natural and acceptable in our community.
The curation of the store is really impressive, from the products to the services. Some of the products aren’t even directly related to traditional beauty. How did you think about creating the whole ecosystem of the space?
It was very organic. Part of the space was empty and we were thinking about doing eyebrow threading at the time. Braiding hair is our number one category and our customers kept coming in and asking for referrals for braiders. I realized that we had this empty space and it could be put to good use where there was obviously a demand from customers. So we set up the salon and now provide customers with the service of getting their hair done in a beautiful, elevated space, because that can, unfortunately, be a rare experience for Black women.
What’s behind the name BEAUTYBEEZ?
I wanted it to be immediately clear to the customer what it’s about - beauty. But I also wanted to personalize it, and bring myself and my daughter into it. The B is for me, Brittney, and the Z represents her - her full name is Chizarankem but we call her Zara. This business is a part of my legacy and hers too.
~~~
Visit BEAUTYBEEZ IRL at 6522 Laurel Canyon Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91606.
Follow BeautyBeez on Instagram: @beautybeezstore
We're taking a look back at the cultural and social impact of 90s male hair icons: Think Ginuwine, Dennis Rodman, Sisqo, Snoop Dogg, and the Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Aside from dominating their fields as athletes, musicians and actors, these icons also left their mark on 90s culture and had an unforgettable impact on the expression of style and beauty throughout the decade.
Each a unique trailblazer in their own right, their bold hairstyles and daring fashion statements set them apart on red carpets, courts and sets. From Sisqo's silver hair to Dennis Rodman's chameleonic style, Snoop Dogg's iconic braids to the Fresh Prince’s high top fade, they paved the way for men's hair trends in the 90s. And with the contemporary return of 90s and Y2K style, we’re being reminded of their enduring influence on today’s runways and high streets.
In a time before it was as common to challenge the conventions of masculinity on a global stage, their courage in pushing the boundaries and proudly embracing their individuality inspired men everywhere to be more experimental, more defiant, more themselves.
As creators of modern hair tools rooted in legacy, Baby Tress was created to continue the legacy of icons like these, to honor the communities that raised them, and those that paved the way - some are celebrities, some salon owners, and others, mothers laying their daughters’ edges on a Sunday.
We're proud to pay tribute to these iconic men and their contributions to the culture. Check out some of their most memorable hair moments:
GINUWINE
Known for styling his edges.
DENNIS RODMAN
Known for his experimental, colorfully dyed hair.
SISQO
Known for his silver hair.
SNOOP DOGG
Known for his signature ponytail braids, among other styles.
FRESH PRINCE OF BEL-AIR
Known for his high top fade.
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Versatile hair accessories that help squeeze an extra day (or seven) out of my braid-out afro and protective styles are always crucial for me, making the Lima Ripple Crown Headband a must. Whether it’s peeking out of an updo, used as a scrunchie, or worn as a halo, the Lima Crown headband adds a textured and vibrant punch every time. Its ripples also make it easy to mold into my preferred shape, giving a new look to each style.
One of my favorite ways to wear it is in halo form for a bold statement. When wearing the crown flat and tall, its fanned ripples are a conversation starter that gives me a royal air. In braids, twists, or an afro, I often face-frame by leaving some sections of hair out around my face. But in other styles, I love extravagant Edge-Styler-swirled baby hairs. If I’m wearing it out entirely, no one can tell me I’m not Beyonce.
The crown is also great as a scrunched headband for my fro or around my puff for a vibrant pop of color. The scrunched look is a subtle option for anyone who might feel shy to start with the full halo. Usually, I like to leave a bit of hair out in front of the headband here to act as a bang unless I’m going for a slicked-back puff. It’s easy to fluff and mold, making hair styling for an errand run or a three-hour flight super quick.
While the crown was born in the Mexico City heat, its way of accenting a look in any season is clear. Hoodie weather in New York or with the palm trees of the Dominican Republic, the crown has the assignment fully understood. As a chronic over-packer, no matter where I’m going, I love taking the Lima Crown on vacation, knowing I’ll be able to create multiple looks using one multi-purpose hair accessory. On my most recent trip, I realized how much I reached for it after arriving with a fro and then going into a protective style. With a quick style change, the Lima Crown went from a headband and poof-tamer to a scrunchie and so much more.
With the crown to assist, I always complete the look with the Edge Styler. This triangular edge brush is a vacation beauty necessity. This multifaceted beauty tool is for anything hair related:
To sum it all up, wherever I go, the Edge Styler and Lima Crown Headband are heading out too!
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Here’s the breakdown:
Along with this step-by-step breakdown on how to achieve the North West ponytail and edges, make sure to check the list below for all other products used:
Give the Lima Crown shape by scrunching and molding to form a halo headband that holds hair back. Or wrap it twice to wear as a scrunchie. You can style the crown by:
The Lima Crown is a collaboration that celebrates friendship. The founders of Baby Tress met the founder of Nin Studio in Mexico City and instantly vibed. By sharing the same values around well-made, intentional design, our beauty brand and their fashion brand came together in a conversation that led to a physical product. This crown represents cultural sharing and unity that anyone can wear in myriad ways.
We wanted to make a small run of bright and fun merch. The rippling pleats in the crown are reminiscent of edges, of course, but also the movement of wind over water. The punchy lima color is an homage to the vibrant color story on the streets and in the homes of CDMX. We spent time studying design and immersing ourselves in the language and culture of the country and couldn’t help but be moved by it. Below are some snapshots of our makeshift founders' retreat to CDMX in 2021.
At a home designed by the architect, Luis Barragán.
Poem by @ajomicropoetisa as seen in Casa Pedregal.
Translation: If it were me / I'd be with you / right here where I am.
A silhouette of the Edge Styler® on earthy waves.
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Selfie at Casa Gilardi, another home designed by the Mexican architect, Luis Barragán.
Salsas on salsas!
Aspen wearing a Nin Studio set at Casa Pedregal.
Hannah by the reflective pool at Casa Pedregal that inspired the "Lima" of the Lima Crown.
]]>What makes these luxury edge brushes imperfect?
There are two versions of the Imperfect Edge Styler®. Some of these non-conformist hair tools have *very* slight discoloration on the body of the edge brush. You'd probably never notice it. Or, the Edge Styler® itself is just fine, but it arrived at our warehouse in packaging that was completely damaged. A bummer, but it happens, and unfortunately, both cases are considered defective and are not sellable at the retail price.
How did they get damaged?
The story of how they got damaged is longwinded. Our inventory journey starts on a truck in China, going from the factory to a port. Then it transfers to a shipping container, where it makes the transnational journey to New Jersey. From there, it moves to our warehouse facility in Atlanta via truck, where it stays until our order fulfillment office gets low on inventory. Then finally, as needed, we have the merchandise shipped to our offices in NYC, where we fulfill the orders.
Instead of destroying these brushes, we're discounting them exclusively on BabyTress.com! It's our way of reducing plastic waste while also making the Baby Tress Edge Styler® accessible to those who feel a $15 edge brush is too much.
How is the Imperfect Edge Styler better than a toothbrush for edges?
While toothbrushes are made with broad, soft brush heads that clean teeth, the Edge Styler® has a triangle-shaped brush/comb that creates smooth, even strokes through all textures of edges and flyaways each time. The Edge Styler's shape is also great for root touch-ups on color-treated hair or as an eyebrow brush that shapes and defines! We designed our original, patented edge brush for precisely laid baby hairs, brows, 360 waves, flyaways, & more.
If you're new to edge styling or upgrading your edge brush from a toothbrush, save some coins and purchase an Imperfect Edge Styler®. Already got a Baby Tress in your beauty stash? The Imperfect Edge Styler® is an excellent addition to your arsenal so that you have one available at all times.
Click here to shop the Imperfect Edge Styler®.
Anyone with kinky edges knows the struggle of laying them down and keeping them sleek all day. Even though we love to keep our coily edges natural and free, sometimes we also want a sleek swoop. Why not have it all? With the Baby Tress Edge Styler, we can feel like baby hair pros while keeping our thick hair edges healthy and full.
Read this tutorial to learn how to slay your natural 4C edges without perming or straightening them. But first, get your hair in it's desired style, like this slick bun.
Our favorite tip for kinky edges is to start on dry hair. You don't want any oil or residue that may interfere with the gel's performance, and you'll want to use an edge control that you love and trust. Go for a product with a thick, pomade texture (think Let's Jam) and not for a wet, jelly-like texture (think Eco Styler).
The shape of the Baby Tress Edge Styler makes it incredibly easy to control, angle, and direct your baby hair, so you can get the kind of swoops you want.
Start by brushing the hairs down and back in sections, angling the brush slightly towards the hairline to create a beautiful swoop. Repeat around the hairline to your liking. You can try one long wave, or do multiple mini-swoops.
This brush takes care of the hard work for you. It's much better than a toothbrush, which is usually too soft for 4c hair, and it's way better than the edge brushes from the beauty supply store because those are often way too harsh on the delicate vellus hairs that makeup the hairline.
The Natural Boar Bristles on the Edge Styler, combined with the patented angled brush head, allow for precise shaping, making it incredibly easy to style your desired baby hair look without pulling them out.
To secure your work, apply just a little extra edge control using the Pointed Tip, and follow up with a wrap strip or satin scarf. Doing this will ensure that even the kinkiest edges will last all day.
Let them sit under the scarf for 10 to 15 minutes, then carefully peel it off to reveal beautiful, swooped 4C edges that will hold all day.
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Aniyah is a digital content creator who specializes in copy and editorial writing for fashion and beauty brands. When she is not scrolling through social media, tracking and saving emerging trends, Aniyah brainstorms innovative ways to challenge and add value to the social media landscape.
If I had to describe my hair journey in three words, it would be “slick back buns.” The slick bun is a style that I’ve remained loyal to for as long as I can remember, and the chances of my loyalty wavering are pretty slim. Between the ages of 9 and 22, I wore chemically straightened hair with the green Olive Oil relaxer box. And even when my hair was bone straight from root to tip, I managed to style it in a bun of some sort.
Fast forward, and I am now in the process of transitioning back to my natural hair. With no plans of doing a big chop, the slick bun is the only manageable hairstyle at the moment. While the process now requires a bit more time in front of the mirror and thicker scoops of gel, I can finally say that I have mastered the art of slicking down my coily edges. Adopt a foolproof method for achieving this signature hairstyle with the tutorial below.
Start with wet, freshly washed hair. If you are working with second-day hair, use a spray bottle to dampen your strands. Take a detangling brush or your fingers and comb through any bumps.
Pro tip: Apply a leave-in conditioner or spritz for added moisture.
Decide where you would like to part your hair or if you even want a part at all. Once you have parted your hair, begin smoothing your hair down and back in the direction you would like your bun to go.
Pro tip: If you have difficulties flattening your hair during this step, you can divide your hair into two sections at the top and bottom and apply products to each area.
Apply your gel or pomade of choice and flatten your hair using the palm of your hand. Grab a bristle brush and follow each stroke with the palm of your hand, smoothing as you go.
Hold your hair in the position you would like your bun to sit and brush through any lumps before securing it with a hair tie.
Pro tip: If your hair is on the thicker side, you can use two hair ties for extra hold.
After securing your ponytail, add the edge control or pomade of choice to your edges and face-framing pieces. Use the bristle side of your Edge Styler® to smooth down any flyaways or frizz. Here's where you can get really artsy with swooped, 4c edges that hold all day.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to grip the shorter pieces behind your ears and secure them in place with bobby pins.
Using the Edge Setting Scarf once your hair is slicked down (and your edges are laid), set your coily baby hairs in place by double tying the scarf around your hairline and allowing it to set. Feel free to keep the scarf on for as long as you need or reuse it as an accessory!
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Of course, the Edge Setting scarf sets freshly laid baby hairs in place, but it's also an accessory and a look all its own. The luxe, stretch charmeuse fabric gives it a universal fit, making the Edge Setting Scarf ideal as a headband or upgrading what would otherwise be a simple bun. While the tapered ends keep the ends tucked securely during wear. And with the limited edition, dual-sided print, it has a flowy vibe that you'd actually wanna include in your fit pics.
Before it launched, we shared our new scarf with our friend and hair tool aficionado Mickiela of @mmsmithco, who immediately had a vision for a collab. And who better than her to take a simple scarf and create something different and wearable! The result was sleek, understated, and effortless-looking. We captured the process on film at our newly renovated studio in NYC, with Akili King as our muse.
Scroll down for the details on these two scarf bun tutorials, where Mickiela uses our Edge Styler and Edge Setting Scarf to create an elegant, tight coif and a rock-a-stack piled bun, both of which add a funky pop to any hair texture.
For more tutorials from Mickiela, head to MMSMITH.CO - a digital platform that uses a wellness-consciousness approach to emphasize using the right tools for textured hair. Use her code MMSMITHCO20 at checkout for 20% off your purchase of the Edge Setting Set, which includes an Edge Setting Scarf and an Edge Styler.
]]>This year I chose to be the Pink Power Ranger, Kimberly Hart. She is my favorite out of all the Power Rangers. I have an action figure of her where the head would flip from her face to the helmet. I used this action figure as a reference to make sure I was as true to the character as possible. Trying to decide on a hairstyle was the tricky part of planning out the look for me.
Using the Baby Tress edge control brush was the best hair tool to use to achieve this look! Here's what I did:
I wasn't too focused on my hair looking perfectly slick since I knew the helmet would cover it. This imperfect hairstyle helped give the appearance of looking as if I was coming from a battle with space invaders. I love how multi-use the Edge Styler can be; it's way more than a basic edge control brush.
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This trippy sound visual is a collaboration between Baby Tress and WOMON, an HTX-based sound practitioner focused on creating safe spaces to heal, connect, and discover through curated sound experiences, archives, and text.
Initially inspired by the delicate balance of laying and setting edges, we set out to create a soundtrack for getting ready. We wanted to explore how our Edge Styler and Edge Setting scarf could be more than just hair tools, but the conduit through which we create our highest selves. The result is a virtual salon reality scored to the affirmation "I want my rhythm"
Press play, then get lost in the soundwaves.
Choose which side of the scarf you would like to be shown and make sure that side is visible. Take the end of the scarf and slide it through all of your belt loops. Tie it into a bow or double knot it, depending on your preference. The swirl print adds a fun element to a simple outfit.
Put your hair in a high or low bun, placing the Edge Setting Scarf's center at the nape of your neck. Take the ends and cross them one way, then one more time back the other way to form a knot at the center of your hair. Tie the loose ends underneath your bun and tuck as needed.
Take a purse with a firm handle and fold your scarf in half. Wrap the folded scarf around the handle and begin twisting. Tie a knot around the handle and finish off with a bow, or you can opt to leave the ends dangling.
Start with a low, middle-parted ponytail at the nape of your neck. Fold the scarf in half and rest it at the top of your head. Leave about two inches of space between the scarf and your forehead so that the part is visible. Tie the scarf in a double knot beneath your bun and bring the ends of the scarf to one side.
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Like the durag for 360 waves, an edges scarf is a satin wrap that ensures a prolonged hold for freshly laid baby hairs, edges, and sideburns after styling.
The Edge Setting Scarf prevents breakage and increases hold for styled edges. To use it:
This scarf exists because of our community, who helped us launch something we'd never tried before. Our friends and mentors shared their extensive knowledge on textiles and fashion production, plugged us in with vendors, and cheered us on when it was time to get started. Thank you to Chantel Valentine, who created the initial tech-pack and worked along with us through the entire process of producing a textile item for the very first time. To Marie Jean-Baptiste, who connected us with our NYC-based designers and vendors. And to our NYC-based textile designer, fabric supplier, manufacturer, and package designers who gave the Edge Setting Scarf life.
If we could hand down any knowledge we gained from this process, we'd say to ask lots of questions throughout the process! When it's your first time doing anything, you will inevitably make mistakes - which is the best time to learn.
Click here to shop the Edge Setting Scarf Set, which comes with our limited edition Edge Setting Scarf in Golden Peace, and our original 3-in-1 Edge Styler®. & Thank you for supporting our small team of women of color.
]]>In the Baby Heir Speaks Series, we rep the baby hair set: a coterie of beauty girls who are entrepreneurs, artists, and all around interesting and intentional human beings. Here, we ask 9 questions focused on edges, rituals, self-care and all the details that make them meaningful. This week, we're choppin' it up with Brittany Wilson, CEO and Creative Director of The Idea Girl.
I began styling my baby hairs at 11, also the age where my mom stopped doing my hair. Although it was freedom, it was frustrating styling a head full of thick curly hair, so most of the time i wore my hair up in a bun - which lead to the experimentation of styling my baby hairs.
The first person I remember styling her edges was my aunt Natalie. She had a striking resemblance to Chili from TLC with baby hairs that were almost identical. I would always watch my aunt in awe as she would pin up her hair in a bun.
Typically, I'll use a gel pomade of some sort, but right now I'm using a Cantu gel.
I love pampering myself, my beauty routine is my self-care routine and ultimately my beauty is the way I choose to see myself. When I feel good, I look good and I get more beautiful when I view myself this way.
My skin care routine is simple but layered. I start off by cleansing my face with Glossier Milky Jelly cleanser and then follow up with Glossier Super Bounce for extra moisture. To keep my skin free of dark marks, I use The Ordinary Alpha Lipoic Acid 5% a few times a week at night time. From there, I follow up with either Glossier Priming Moisturizer mixed with a bit of Basebutter Face Jelly during the day time or I use Glossier Priming Moisturizer Rich. I always finish with Glossier Invisible Shield [sunscreen].
Anything Burna Boy. The Box - Roddy Ricch. The Worst in Me - Katranada ft. Tinashe. I Want You Around - Snoh Alegra. Gangsta - Darkco.
Being able to rise above the occasion, no matter who's at fault. To me, accountability and elevation are syncretized.
Transcendent. Limitless. Multidimensional.
I know how to make Pokemon Sounds.
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But what is Postpartum shedding, and what does it have to do with baby hairs?
Postpartum hair loss is a common form of temporary shedding that usually happens about three months after birth. Large clumps of hair may find their way into your everyday brushes or the shower drain. Some women experience fewer clumps and more thinning around the hairline affecting their edges in a way that resembles breakage. It sometimes comes as a surprise because pregnancy usually causes your hair to be even more thick and luscious than it was before expecting. When your hormones fall back to normal and estrogen levels drop, your strands tend to follow suit. This process is natural, temporary, and completely manageable.
I started to notice shedding after about 3 months postpartum when I stopped breastfeeding. It's now been 7 months, and I am still dealing with it. Just know it’s temporary and it will regrow! You see the little flyaways and just use the Baby Tress brush to tame them! They will eventually regrow.
Overall, my beauty ritual changed a lot, especially in the first few months! The first few months with a newborn were a lot. Most days, I didn’t even have time to brush my hair. Now I am back to washing it once a week and using all my products. I have my weeks some I style it, and others I don’t have time so I put my hair up in a bun.
My shedding started around 4month pp and stopped at 6 months. At 9 months pp, I started to notice little baby hairs growing back. My simple way to get through it is to brush your hair before getting in the shower. The clumps that come out when you wash are traumatizing, and brushing removes a lot of it without seeing it like [as a clump].
[On how her beauty ritual has changed] I chopped it short because I have to pull it back 24-7 with the baby. I wash it once a week and blow dry/style it - then after a few days it’s a messy bun. If I have to wash it more than once a week I let it air dry bc I don’t want to spend my free time styling it.
I shed with my firstborn a bit. My second is only 2 months and I haven’t had any shedding just yet. Fingers crossed! I think I noticed it about 4 months with my first, then I felt like I was back to normal closer to 6 or 7 months. It wasn’t super dramatic but I did see more shed when I’m in the shower! My best tip for getting through it is NUTRITION! Keep taking any supplements you were taking during pregnancy and eat tons of fruits & veggies. Sneak them in wherever you can (in a smoothie, on a sandwich/wrap, etc.). Consider taking vitamin E capsules. And do your best to lean on your support system and keep stress to a minimum!
[On how her beauty ritual changed] I chopped [my hair] really short when I was pregnant the first time! I didn’t want to have to deal with a bunch of hair/product/dry time. Now that I have 2 babies under 2 I have even less time for fuss! I keep it short (during the height of the pandemic I used clippers 😳) and I swear by Uncle Funky’s Daughter’s Curly Magic.
I started to experience postpartum shedding around month 3 after giving birth. And I am still experiencing it (currently in month 5). Some of my friends said that it will come back after 8-9 months. My best tip for dealing is to minimize manipulation of your hair (heat tools, brush, chemicals). I don't have any better tips since I am still experiencing it right now lol
[How did becoming a mom change your hair ritual?] I've switched to hair products that add body and volume to my hair since my hair is silky straight, and lost the overall body and shape. I've minimized heat styling tools on my hair, and avoid brushing my hair too often etc. Overall just less manipulation of my hair.
My major shedding came after I stopped breastfeeding each child. The hair would start falling after my nursing would taper, at around 6 months, and then accelerated to the inevitable end at around one year postpartum. After that, the hair would return like newly growing grass (imagine short hairs everywhere on your head, especially up top).
Becoming a mom changed my hair ritual because I became much more conscious of what I put on my hair in terms of shampoos and conditioners and I cherish your hair more. I have also not worn my hair past my shoulders since becoming a mother as short hair looks fuller.
I didn’t experience postpartum shedding, but I think the mindset is key - knowing that your body worked so hard to give your baby what it needs to thrive, should help you cope with the loss of hair. With proper nutrition and healthy habits, it should go back to normal. Luckily with all the advancements in alternative hair and hair extensions, there are plenty of options to try out. I also think with a newborn, it’s best to have protective styles, especially within the first 6 months, because your primary focus is meeting your baby’s needs. Along with your other responsibilities, worrying about hair each day can be stressful.
Looking for a way to slick those stubborn flyaways as they regrow?
Just grab your 3-in-1 Edge Styler® and your edge control of choice, then:
Apply a little bit of product to the Natural Boar Bristle side
Swoop or slick to your liking based on the length and thickness of your edges
While the kiss curl itself has not changed much in its one-hundred-plus-years of existence, the current styling pattern has evolved into a multistep process that requires a little bit more than your fingers and saliva. What was once paired with finger waves and pin curls, now adorns slick updos, braided hairstyles, and intricate runway looks. To learn how to swirl your sideburns, all you need is our 3-in-1 Edge Styler®, your go-to smoothing product, and a little bit of patience to achieve this iconic look. Keep scrolling for a step-by-step look at how to achieve the kiss curl.
Decide how big or small you would like your kiss curl by combing the hair away from your ear. This will help pull your hairline forward and begin the formation of that ‘S’ shape. If you have long edges, you can achieve this look using a smaller portion of hair. Add or remove strands as needed using the Comb Side of your Edge Styler®.
Apply your product of choice to the Natural Boar Bristle side of the Edge Styler® and begin brushing, shaping, and smoothing your sideburns in a scooping direction away from your ear then back towards it. If your strands are looser, opt for a mousse or spritz to slick the hair down and if they’re tighter, opt for a strong-hold pomade or gel.
Continue brushing the hair in a curvy, zigzag motion. Don’t be afraid to use your fingers to flatten the previously brushed strands and to help solidify the ‘S’ shapes. Apply a bit more product, as needed.
Flip your Edge Styler® and use the Pointed Tip to apply additional details to the curl. This step will help lock the curl in place and mold the finer pieces as you reach the end. Add more product to the Pointed Tip as needed, and use a combination of your fingers and the Edge Styler® to finalize the shape.
Once you’ve created your desired kiss curl pattern on the first side, repeat these steps on the other sideburn to complete the final touches to your hairstyle.
The lines between shedding and breaking blur and the question of whether to shield or slick our edges remains. How do we protect those delicate hairs without sacrificing the hairstyles we spend hours in the mirror perfecting? Experiencing thinning only affirms how dynamic, versatile, and multifaceted our hair truly is. No textures, lengths, or patterns are off-limits when it comes to what our hair can do, but our beloved baby hairs are especially at risk for breakage and hair loss because of their highly exposed placement on our faces.
But quite simply, all it may take are some slight changes in your beauty ritual and a bit of research to bring your hair back to life. So, we turned to Brooklyn-based trichologist and hairstylist Mickiela to ask some of your most pressing questions on breakage and hair loss. In addition to her decades of experience in the beauty industry, Mickiela is also the founder of MMSMITH.CO, a digital platform which uses a wellness-consciousness approach to emphasizing the importance of using the right tools for textured hair.
Washing frequently does not cause hair loss and can actually help to avoid it with the right product guidance.
Most hair on the hairline can be referred to as vellus hair, typically having a finer density, lower moisture property, and less strength than your terminal hair (Terminal Hair, for those unfamiliar, is the mature hairs that are thick, coarse, and pigmented. They grow from our scalp and body). Fatty acid alcohol ingredients are beneficial because they act as an emollient/lubricant for the hair, protecting your vellus strands (i.e. baby hairs & edges) and providing moisture. Scalp care, hairline masking, hairline cut framing, low tension [styles], proper cleansing, and breathable headwear are also good habits to form to protect edges.
It’s not the cultural and ancient styles [like cornrows and braids] that cause hair breakage but the way we now approach it in an effort to maintain the longevity of the style that can cause compromising results.
When high tension is applied during styling, you are more susceptible to traction/traumatic hair loss. Please speak with your hairstylist on the proper preparation before styling, and always invest in proper hair maintenance between styling. Some of the tips I give my clients are:
Our hormones play a great part in our hair’s condition. Our hair growth patterns are mainly determined by medical conditions, which contribute to the specific, individual hair growth patterns passed down through genetics. For example, androgenic alopecia is a genetic form of hair loss in both men and women that is caused by hormones.
The possibilities are different for hairline breakage that's not caused by tension, such as medications, dryness, over-styling, friction, etc. Some of the tips I give my clients is to:
Shedding is natural and releases the hair straight from the follicle. With excessive shedding, you may see a dramatic change in density, just as you may with breakage. But with breakage, you will more likely to have shorter, blunt lengths of hair next to healthier, longer strands.
Take one step and day at a time, consult with a professional and keep positive thoughts as this can affect your results and experience!
This is specific to every client! However, I'll say if you're aesthetically ok with leaving your hair in its natural state, untied styling can be helpful and freeing for the hair and scalp.
When you are extremely stressed for some time, your body will be more focused on protecting you and not saving your hair! Hair is nonessential to our survival, and the body prioritizes our vital organs. With Stress, your hair and overall health becomes compromised.
For more about Mickiela, or info on how to reach her, visit MMSMITH.CO. And to get 20% off your next BabyTress.com purchase, use her code MMSMITHCO20 at checkout.
]]>The idea for Bebonia Curls was born in 2017 when I had an “aha!” moment. It was clear to me that there were no curly clip-in hair extension options for people who wanted to accentuate their look, even though the market was saturated with straight extensions. My personal experience and struggles with falling in love with my curls paved the way for me to create this amazing collection of curly extensions.
It’s an honor to be part of the beauty industry. I’m specifically proud to be part of the curly hair community, where I am starting to see more and more female founders of color disrupting the industry in innovative and meaningful ways. My goal is to set an example for minorities that it is possible to have a voice and an impact in the beauty world today.
Growing up, straight hair was always highlighted as being more elegant and desirable by beauty culture and American culture in general. It was tough for me to love my curls, especially when my sister had pin-straight hair. I remember having hair envy! Luckily, my parents loved my curls and encouraged me to wear my hair naturally. My personal experience of embracing my curls has helped Bebonia connect with the curly hair community because I understand the emotional struggle it takes to love your curls.
One of the most memorable rituals I recall from childhood was using ripe avocado and egg masks on my hair for shine! My mom was a huge fan of using this technique weekly to maintain hair health.
Not really. I always had frizzy unruly baby hairs! My first time was with you this past week, I loved the way it looked!
Janet Jackson!
Thanks! We appreciate the love. Our Bebonia drawstring ponytail is my fave product to use for protective hairstyles. It’s as simple as quickly wrapping your hair in a bun and fastening the ponytail on. Out the door in minutes!
I’m going to slick back my hair into a high bun, put on my Bebonia ponytail, and use my Baby Tress brush to style slick swooshes around my edges.
Music is key to my beauty ritual! It depends on my mood, but I’d say my go-tos’ nowadays are:
1) Sade - No Ordinary Love
2) Marc Anthony - Tu Amor Me Hace Bien
3) Drake - Passionfruit
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Before you begin styling, decide if you would like your bun to have a side or middle part or if you’d rather slick your hair back completely. Once parted and detangled, dampen your hair using a spray bottle to add a bit of moisture before using products and styling. The water will make the hair easier to manipulate and ultimately slick down.
Take a generous amount of your favorite edge control and apply evenly to the front and sides of your hair. Don’t be afraid to add secondary products, like a spritz or mousse, to ensure that your hair remains secure all day. As your hair begins to take shape and lay in the direction of the forming bun, run your fingers through any bumps.
Take your round bristle brush and smooth out your hair from roots to tips, following the direction that you would like your bun to be positioned. Apply more product as needed. While you brush, gather and grip smaller sections of hair until you are holding all of your hair in one hand.
Secure your hair in place using a hair tie. Use the palm of your hand to smooth down any frizz or flyaways. If you find any stray pieces or bumps, use as many bobby pins as you need to create a flawless finish.
Grab your 3-in-1 Edge Styler® and use the comb to separate your edges and face-framing pieces from the slicked portion of your hair. Apply edge control to the natural boar bristles and create your swoops and swirls. If you have the time, tie your hair down with a satin scarf to lock and seal.
Leave any tips and tricks for your slick buns in the comments and then sign up for The Swoop newsletter to get 15% off your first BabyTress.com purchase!
]]>If you’ve ever seen the viral #RubChallenge hashtag as you scroll through your Instagram explore page, customers are referring to Arcani’s Enthroned Edges Long Lasting Edge Control. This Black-owned product dries quickly after applying and is best known for staying in place even after rubbing your fingers across the hair. According to the 4C community, it is sweat-proof and lasts up to three days if your hair is wrapped at night.
Infused with natural ingredients such as argan oil, shea butter, and pure honey, Creme of Nature’s newly formulated edge control will give your 4C hair the moisture it requires. The non-greasy formula will hold your edges down for up to 24 hours all while conditioning, adding shine, and maintaining your sleek style without any buildup.
Iamblessedhands Superior Edges Edge Control is a Black-owned alcohol-free product that contains all-natural ingredients. Despite its fast-drying quality, this edge control is not prone to flaking and does not require reapplication.
If you’re tired of having to keep your scarf on in the car before arriving at your destination, this product is perfect because the extreme firm hold is almost instant upon application. Lay your edges down without worrying about residue, frizziness, or greasiness.
Hicks hair care products have remained a staple in Black households and beauty supply stores since the 70s, making this a must-try product. The water-based Edges Pomade temporarily straightens and smooths your edges, keeping it firm and in place for hours.
The name says it all. She Is Bomb Collection Fast Drying Edge Control’s paste-like texture locks all of the flyaways in place without leaving a white cast or flakes. Apply a small amount of product to your edge styler and use it on damp clean hair for the best results.
It’s impossible to walk into your local drugstore without seeing ORS’s Olive Oil products, and for good reason. The extra hold edge control is made with wheat protein that will protect the hairline and prevent breakage all while keeping your edges sleek and controlled in all kinds of weather.
Leave a comment below with the edge controls that you’ve been raving about in the group chat then sign up for The Swoop newsletter to get 15% off your first BabyTress.com purchase!
]]>Laying edges and taming flyaways is as much about skincare as it is about hair care. Keeping your Edge Styler® clean is essential for keeping a healthy scalp and calm forehead. Boar bristles brushes are the best at distributing natural oils down the strand because they have properties similar to human hair. Over time, however, product build-up in the bristles and comb can lead to bacteria or fungi that cause breakouts and the thinning or loss of edges.
In addition to cleaning your hairline during your nightly skincare routine to remove old products and excess sebum, keeping your styler clean makes for easily laid edges whenever you want them. Learn how to keep your Edge Stylers® fresh and extend the life of your favorite edge brush below:
It’s simple, just grab a few things & head to the sink:
Remove your Travel Cap, then from here:
We recommend cleaning your Edge Styler® as often as you would clean your makeup brushes. You can also gauge it based on how often you lay your baby hairs. This generally falls between 4 to 10 days and is unique to everyone’s beauty ritual.
Use the Travel Cap! Keeping it covered when it’s not in use is the best way to keep the edge tool free from the gunk.
While very minimal shedding is normal with natural boar bristle brushes, if the bristles begin to fall out in chunks or if the comb prongs begin to break and fall out, it’s time to upgrade your beauty arsenal.
Now that you’re well versed in caring for your beauty tools, put your friends on. Get $5 towards your 2nd Edge Styler® when your friends shop Baby Tress using your link!
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Understanding the ingredients you use for your hair helps you to nurture it better and natural ingredients are a great place to start.
Castor oil is well known in communities of color for its hair thickening properties and it’s particularly useful for hairline fullness. Aloe vera and biotin are also often mentioned in hair and edge discussions, so they’re also worth considering to incorporate into your day-to-night hair ritual.
We also know that essential oils like tea tree, peppermint, rosemary, and flaxseed all have stimulating features that can be used along with protein or carrier oil treatments to help revive your tresses. These daily treatments are specifically designed to help strengthen your strands, and protect it from breakage.
Taking care of your scalp creates a healthy environment for your hair to truly thrive.
That’s why regular scalp massages are helpful, along with daily oil treatments, in stimulating blood circulation to your scalp, which in turn aids in promoting hair growth for your luscious locks.
Using oils to massage your scalp after a cleansing also helps your roots and works at tackling dryness, dandruff, and any flakes around your baby hairs.
The tools you use to care for your edges can really impact how well it grows. Our Edge Styler® includes a Pointed Tip designed to gently section hair. On top of this, it features a Comb Side and Natural Boar Bristles to creatively and softly detangle and swoop your baby hairs.
Styling your edges with a tool not explicitly designed for your delicate tresses could have harmful long-term consequences. And no one wants to lose their edges.
So, at Baby Tress, our edge control brush is specifically designed for your hairline. Now you can rest assured that you're using the right tool for the right purpose when laying your edges. And you have a whole community behind you, cheering you on as you journey to flourishing edges!
A few tips we have for you when using the Edge Styler® is to be as gentle as possible and soften the bristles if needed with hot water. Click here for the tutorial.
We also highly suggest cleaning this edge tool regularly to prevent product build-up and remove debris. Lastly, you should also wash all the product from your hairline while cleansing the skin before heading to bed. This helps you to achieve that clean, sleek look that we all know and love.
We've all heard of the term ''protective hairstyles'', but did you know that some of these are actually far from protective and can damage your hair when used too frequently?
Regularly having tight hairstyles that pull on your edges can only do more harm than good. These styles include high buns, tight braids, weaves and lacefront wigs.
The solution to losing your edges is to wear these styles in moderation. Prioritizing styles that are soft on your scalp is also a way to avoid these harmful hairstyles. Twist-outs and other natural hair favorites, for example, allow space for your scalp and edges to breathe.
So, take note of how your hair is feeling. Ask yourself if you are gradually noticing less hair around your edges. If the answer’s yes, you can take this as a sign to ease up.
Following on from tight hairstyles, edge control should be used moderately. Product build-up on your baby hairs, scalp and forehead can lead to symptoms that mimic seborrheic dermatitis, scalp psoriasis, and eczema.
Again, remember to wash away all products when you’re doing your nightly skincare routine to clear away any old edge control gel.
There's no better time to give your edges rest than during the night.
Leaving your hair in a free state when you sleep, covered by a satin hair scarf, for example, eliminates any tension against your edges overnight. This then helps the longevity of your hair line; a goal we all have in mind.
If you’re currently suffering from hair loss, it may be worth consulting a trichologist or a dermatologist. They could help identify if you have a medical condition causing this. Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (or CCCA) is a hair loss condition that predominantly affects black women, for example. Being postpartum or using specific hair products are also other possible causes of hair loss.
Hair health is a major part of fulfilling flourishing edges. Just as you'd visit the doctor if you were concerned about your physical health, the same approach should be taken with your hair too! A medical expert can give you advice tailored to your situation to help your hair care journey.
We hope these tips aid you on your way to thriving edges when using the Edge Styler®.
You can also save 15% off your first purchase when signing up for The Swoop newsletter!
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The toothbrush used to be for baby hairs what the durag is to the 360 wave: a necessity for being fly. What they don’t have in common is thoughtful design. The tie-down cap (aka durag) was redesigned in the 1970s to simplify keeping styles fresh overnight, but for generations, we’ve continued using a toothbrush to lay edges. At Baby Tress, we knew it was time for the ritual of laying edges to also be lifted to its peak level of functionality, so we introduced the 3-in-1 Edge Styler® brush in 2018. We feel that our community deserves more than a toothbrush and that the culture of styling edges isn’t just about hair care - it’s about self-expression and legacy. The Edge Styler® exists to honor this legacy.
At the heart of our design process for the Edge Styler® was stylish utility. When our team first came together to sketch what became our first beauty tool, we explored the technique of swooping and swirling in each of our hair routines. We asked ourselves:
We also questioned what elevating our daily hair ritual would look like and how we could bring our collective vision to the beauty industry in a useful and socially-impacting way. The Edge Styler® is a truly innovative edge brush that combines design and functionality to give Black and Brown women a high-quality product for styling their baby hairs in an effortless way.
The Comb Side was designed with everyone in mind. Whether you’re natural, relaxed, wear wigs, or have locs, the comb side can simplify and elevate your hair routine.
Before you get to swooping, you can slick down your baby hairs with the Comb Side. This side is ideal for separating the edges from the hairline in preparation for defining your edges and creating a unique style. By using a bit of spritz, you can use this side to smooth flyaways and detangle. If you want to start locing your hair, this side’s got you too - use the comb to start backcombing small sections. If you wear wigs, this comb side is also perfect for blending frontals to create a natural hairline.
Natural Boar Bristles are key for evenly distributing edge control gel, swooping, shaping, and laying edges (and beards!). Because these bristles mimic human hair, they have a natural taper that is less likely to irritate the scalp like bluntly cut synthetic or vegan bristles can. Also, the natural boar bristles on our edge tool can be softened with hot water.
Get into the finishing touches without having to reach for a rat tail comb. Our flexible Pointed Tip was designed for gently detailing those finer, more independent strands. The pointed tip is also perfect for parting your hair for any style. Whether you want to get box braids or want a perfect middle part, this side will always leave you defined and keep everything precise.
Plus, it’s TSA friendly.
Our original, patented brush head was made for precision. While toothbrushes are made with wide flat brush heads for cleaning the surface of teeth, the Edge Styler® has a triangle or arrow shape that creates smooth even strokes through the hair each time. The pointed shape can be used for root touch-ups on color-treated hair or as an eyebrow brush that shapes and defines!
When we decided to add a Travel Cap, the aim was to give users a way to keep the Edge Styler® clean. Chances are there’s a mini stash of beauty tools in your purse, make-up bag, gym bag, travel bag, or all of the above. With the Travel Cap, 3-in-1 functionality goes everywhere while staying free of purse debris. Check out the Twin Set to refresh each of your beauty stashes.
Your edges deserve more than a toothbrush. The Baby Tress Edge Styler® is an innovative baby hair brush that is a celebration of where the culture of textured hair has been and where it will go.
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A Safe Space... is a class I started during "lockdown" as a way to continue doing what I love - hair - and also [a way to] help black women at home who felt lost since salons were forced to close. Pre-pandemic, I planned on teaching a mommy/daughter braiding class for moms to learn the basics in natural hair care. As a hair stylist that does not service children, I have always believed braiding and natural hair care is a skill all parents should have access to learning.
Its been a long and rough journey but haircare is something I have always been passionate about. It was/is very hard getting the word out about my products, services and offerings, especially competing with larger corporations. Stepping outside my comfort zone and reaching out to brands and building relationships has been key in growing in this industry.
Finding a friend in hair care has truly been helpful. I was blessed to find a mentor that truly wanted to see me soar. She helped me and also inspired me to make connections with others in the haircare industry while also growing my business.
I always start with products I use and love as a stylist in the industry. I also look at how clean the key clean ingredients are, their relationship with their community, and finally brand aesthetics.
Facebook is where we started, that platform hosts our private facebook group where I originally taught classes. I posted a social media flyer about my class, a client took it to her twitter account and it was shared by thousands. Eventually, it was being picked up by every major digital media outlet. Facebook still serves as our private community where we host Q&As and students share their progress.
How can they keep [their] hair hydrated.
Yes, I am very fortunate to have a mentor and also clients that have been very successful in the beauty industry. They would always lend an ear, a helping hand, and advice when it came to my business.
Our Real Jamaican Black Castor Oil is great for restoring and maintaining edges and almost all oils in the market of restoring edges include that key ingredient.
Yes, depending on the particular situation. A protective style without added hair may be recommended and we will always strategically leave out edges in protective styles, especially if they are damaged and styling might compromise their health.
I switch it up when it comes to styling my edges. As a type 4 girl, it's an entire process when it comes to "laying" my edges, so it's not something I do every day. I also like to give my edges a break. Real Jamaican Castor Oil is a part of my daily routine. I always apply a few drops and give a light massage, this same routine is included in my clients steam treatments.
There are a few edge controls all which are available on our website that I use when I am up for styling my edges with my Baby Tress brush, and I always use a satin scarf to tie my edges down and let it stay until they are set and dry. This allows me to wear my styled edges, and have them actually last throughout the day. I let my clients decide how they want their edges styled and, like me, some days they want baby hair art and some days they keep it simple.
I typically choose based on hair type for my clients and I always choose from my selection of edge controls. For some hair types, especially 2 & 4-type clients, depending on their request we may use a styling foam.
Be aware of your natural hairline, if they notice any changes in their edges they should be alert and take action. If there is any tenderness and hair loss without agitation it always a good idea to get advice from a dermatologist that specializes in hair loss.
Not necessarily. Any low manipulation style is good for helping to retain length. Most of the time if the client doesn't have bald spots the hair is growing it's more about giving the ends extra attention. Our ends are the oldest parts of our hair and more fragile. If we put our focus there and on keeping them healthy and happy, we will start to see positive changes in our length
Always ask what the styling process will be from the start of the service. What is their approach when it comes to maintaining healthy edges? For instance, at my studio all services start at the shampoo bowl as hair care starts with the cleansing process. We have a conditioning steam treatment available and we never sacrifice the health of the hair for a temporary style.
Reviews! Definitely look up your stylist before setting an appointment. Social Media gives us access to reviews 24-7 and if it feels right, book a consultation. A consultation is a great way to communicate your hair needs with your stylist and get a feel for if the stylist is a good fit for you. Ask to see pictures of their work, have them explain the process of meeting your hair goals, then decide from there if you want to move forward with booking your styling appointment.
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This past fall, we were approached by our friends at J. Hannah to join our creative forces in a winter visual project. We love J. Hannah because, in addition to their impeccable eye for thoughtful details, they stand for a timeless beauty that marries the contemporary and the classic. Just like the Edge Styler® was designed to be kept throughout one's everchanging ritual, J. Hannah pieces focus on craft and timelessness.
"We were honored to create this special film with Neyon earlier this fall - a truly collaborative process that came together after years of following each other's work. When we reached out to Neyon, she had developed the film's premise with the plan to "execute it myself from home...one thing led to another, we put together an amazing team, and decided to shoot in a friend's studio space [with a group of] other artists I adore..." We've long admired Neyon's beautiful work, how dance serves as its own communicative language through her movements and expression.
[Neyon] writes,
"As a child, I was quite shy, and had a hard time saying or expressing specific needs and emotions. Dancing & literature have always been my outlets, allowing me to [access] parts of myself I can't really tell in words. Tapping into deeper, more profound parts of body and soul through movement is what motivates me to continue to explore creatively."
Thank you to Neyon and our amazing team - so proud to collaborate with you all.
Love,
JH
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