We started with two simple beliefs that continue to be our guiding principles:
By following our belief in the importance of providing black and melanated skin and hair with all-natural nourishment, we were able to win your support and loyalty, as you come to see that the proof of our words was in the products themselves. Small retailers online and in physical locations began selling our products in the last few years. Recently, you learned that the majority of our products can now be purchased through Superdrug.com! This was a huge win for us We are so grateful for your support over the years because it has helped make some of our dreams come true.
But, it has also been very difficult to stay in business since 2021. Brexit, inflation, lack of investment, rising costs of raw ingredients, fulfillment and transport have all made it difficult to stay in business. We have done the best we can by staying true to our vision.
But now we have made the difficult decision to say goodbye to ‘Bourn Beautiful Naturals’
Please join me on Instagram Live, Wednesday at 16:00 (4PM) GMT/ 11AM EST for more on this decision and what comes next.
Recently we celebrated World Vegan Day. There is a lot of controversy connected to veganism. However, at its core veganism is a lifestyle choice made by individuals that leans toward more sustainable health and environmental outcomes. Thanks to increasing popularity, there have been more vegan friendly products and goods that have emerged even within the last decade.
The 10 Million Black Vegan Women Movement was launched in 2020 providing some eye opening information about how a vegan lifestyle can benefit Black women specifically. Generally, Black women have higher rates of diabetes and heart disease. Veganism is proven to decrease hypertension, obesity, and high cholesterol by introducing more nourishment and less toxins into the body.
Veganism is more than what you put in your mouth
Choosing veganism does not simply correlate to dietary restrictions. The practice of selecting vegan, natural, and plant-based products can touch all areas of your life. Beauty supplies, clothing, and even cleaning products in your home can all meet a cruelty-free, vegan standard.
The benefits of making more selective choices in terms of career, relationships, and finances can significantly influence your quality of life - so why not apply that to the products that you use on your skin and hair? Think about the harmony of melanin and keratin that your skin and hair is composed of. The natural processes that make you you are delicate and deserve the highest form of care. For all of the brands out there that prioritize efficiency and easy marketing over crafting high quality, vitality supporting products, there are a handful of vegan lines that are committed to keeping things as natural as possible.
98*% of our products are vegan, with cruelty free ingredients. entire product line is complete with vegan products made with all-natural ingredients. So the next time you make a purchase, think of whether or not that product aligns with your core values. Brands that are meant for you would not require you to compromise! We commend the international vegan community for not being swayed by what is conventional and requiring businesses to be more mindful and creative with their product development.
Conscious consumption is absolutely the way of the future. Explore our products and see how easy it is to make the transition. We raise the bar with you in mind!
*The Bentonite Clay & Goat's Milk Mask and So Sensitive Rose Facial Moisturiser contain goat's milk powder for its powerful natural source of lactic acid.We believe things happen exactly when they are supposed to, even if they are 'late'. Originally planned for late September 2022, has now been confirmed as of Tuesday, 1st November. Customers in the UK can now shop the majority of our products at Superdrug.com!
]]>Seasons may change, but the health of your skin certainly does not need to! As the weather grows colder it’s important to adjust your skin care routine accordingly. Cold air is more dry and contains less humidity. The threats to skin health do not stop there. You are also spending more time in heated indoor environments which can dry you out even more. We all have faith that black don’t crack, but that does not mean we should take our naturally radiant skin for granted.
Here are some important steps to shield your skin from the bitter cold:
We unconsciously rely on a stable temperatures and humidity levels during spring and summer to keep our skin glowing. Try to stay natural this year and continue to rely on organic products to maintain a healthy balance. There is no reason to depend on synthetic products when nature offers everything you need to keep your skin happy! A harmonious skin care routine that includes the right balance of exfoliating, cleansing, moisturising, and protecting will keep your skin supple regardless of the temperature. What’s more is that our products are naturally scented with ginger, cinnamon, fruits, and essential oils that will instantly bring you back to the tropics, helping to bring a bit more warmth to the cold seasons.
Thanks for reading! Continue to check our blog for the latest regarding black self care products, rituals, and stories.
Why is it that our body’s most vital systems are often something that we neglect or view as a nuisance? I admit I am even more passionate about this as I grow older. Earlier this year I lost a good friend from secondary cancer after she survived breast cancer when she was diagnosed back in early 2020. Nicole, like my younger aunt, Sherene, were both diagnosed with breast cancer in their mid-30s. So, I know that attention to our internal systems need to become a matter of routine, but it does not have to be scary.
To wrap up Breast Cancer Awareness month this October, we wanted to shed light on a self care ritual that, in some cases, can be life saving. Breast awareness is not synonymous with self breast exams, which were popularized and eventually deemed unhelpful as they seemed to increase fear in women. Statistically, Black women in the UK do not have higher rates of breast cancer than other races. However, disparities do come to light in terms of awareness, screening, stage of diagnosis, course of treatment, and survival rates.
Suffice it to say: it helps to know your body before seeking medical attention.
So what does breast awareness look like?
1. Look at your breasts once a month in the mirror. Overtime, you should be able to recognize any significant changes that might require professional intervention.
2. Check your breasts, ideally at the same time each month. The optimal window is 3-5 days after the first day of your period.
Below, we’ve attached a graphic from Every Day Health to help you get an understanding of how to check your breasts and what exactly you are looking for.
The thought of cultivating awareness, in any realm of your life such as health, career, or relationships, can be daunting. Still, would you have it any other way? We think you should take pride in everything that is YOU by caring and striving for your personal best.
Breast awareness does not have to feel like a mundane obligation. You can integrate it into your monthly routine by taking the time to stand in front of the mirror, truly taking yourself in, and appreciating your body for the magnificent organism it is. To make it a truly healing experience, you can incorporate any one of BB Natural's body velvet creams or oat lotions to prep and nourish your skin before comfortably checking your breasts.
Oftentimes, our daily lives cause us to neglect our pysical body. No matter if you choose our Body Velvet Supreme Moisturiser, Oat Rich Aloe Silk Lotion, or Cocoa Sugar Body Polish Scrub, be sure to take your time and enjoy the experience of cultivating optimal physical health.Taking a moment after your shower to moisturise your skin can return you to consciousness, serving as a reminder that it is a gift to be in your skin, not to be taken for granted. As we grow older, we need to remember that more than ever.
]]>We believe that our hair does not define us. Rather, our hair is an extension of the self that encourages us to create meaningful rituals around personal expression and self care.
October is both Breast Cancer Awareness Month and BlackHistory Month. We would be remiss if we did not mention one individual whose honesty and awareness empowered an entire generation of Black men and women.
India Arie
It feels both trivial and important to acknowledge that a lot has been said about Black women's hair throughout the past centuries. However, arguably, not one statement carried more relevance and truth in recent history than India Arie’s anthem “I Am Not My Hair”.
Coming from a Black woman, Ms. Arie took possession of the narrative around what it is wear Black hair as both a part of our identities as well as accessories.
“Good hair means curls and waves? No
Bad hair means you look like a slave? No
At the turn of the century
It's time for us to redefine who we be”
The song tells a tale familiar to all Black women. The years of experimentation, resulting in breakage, hair loss, and for some “the big chop”. Many of us go through such pains to tame our hair only to damage it past the point of saving.
Since the song was released in 2006, Black women have made leaps and bounds in asserting our own standards of beauty and self care within the cultural landscape. More products and styles have emerged in support of a more healthy approach to haircare. Yet still, there are many harmful products out there being used, leading some to develop very serious health issues. Earlier this month, we published a blog detailing some of the most harmful ingredients lurking in products regularly marketed toward those with textured hair.
Contrary to popular belief, India Arie did not have breast cancer herself. Rather she was inspired by Melissa Ethridge’s 2005 Grammy performance, when she went onstage with a clean shaven head following chemotherapy treatments. Arie took the opportunity to incorporate this perspective in her anthem, telling us all that despite what beauty standards might imply, our worth is not dependent on our manes, and hair is not something to live or die for.
“Breast cancer and chemotherapyTook away her crownin' gloryShe promised God if she was to surviveShe would enjoy every day of her life”
As Black women are becoming tossing aside harmful myths about beauty, it is important to be conscious of the fact that we cannot truly move on until we recognize that the products we are being sold are just as toxic as the ideas that have been put in our minds. India Arie's influential song was a self-love song before the term was even popular, and when there were fewer safe haircare products on the market.
If you missed our previous post where we review carcinogens found in beauty products, be sure to check it out and refer to it as a guide. Fortify your self care routine with all-natural, non-harmful, products. We have developed a product
line that has been designed to prioritise your health while providing the support you need to make your wildest hair dreams come true.
]]>As we enter the Autumn and winter seasons, let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit 5 iconic looks that you can recreate with our all-natural products at home.
Here are our top 5 hairstlyes for cold weather:
If these iconic looks could stand the test of time, you can make it to spring! Spice things up when the cold hits and have fun getting creative with your looks. Our products are all-natural and can be used daily for styling and upkeep without building up on the scalp and hair.
October is both Black History Month & Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As a brand that makes hair and skin products that include all-natural, non-carcinogenic ingredients, we wanted to take the opportunity to reflect on the fragile resilience of our bodies and how selecting the right products can support a longer, healthier life.
Studies have shown that on average, Black women use more hair care products than any other demographic. Additionally, products marketed towards Black women contain more toxins than those marketed to other groups. Since Black hair has been misplaced at the center of cross-cultural debates, styles that seek to contain the curl and control the kinks have been popularized over natural and protective hairstyles for well over a century. In the last few years it has become a trend for some with natural hair to use a chemical relaxer to permanently straighten the hair.
The products developed to detangle, smoothe, straighten, strip down, and contain Black hair are full of harmful ingredients. Over the decades many women and young girls have been diagnosed with hormonal imbalances and breast cancer as a result of using harmful products.
Chemical relaxers are just one example of products we so readily put on our crowns. A worrying majority of haircare and beauty products marketed directly to Black women contain carcinogenic ingredients, from shampoos and cleansures to moisturisers, conditioners, and gels. As a result, the Cancer Research UK and Public Health England reported that, in England, Black women are almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than White women - and not because we are genetically predisposed.
With the right information, you can minimize your exposure carcinogenic ingredients and protect yourself by choosing the right products.
Here are the top 5 carcinogenic ingredients you should avoid:
Parabens are on the top of our list of things to avoid. They are most commonly present in beauty products such as moisturisers, hair care products, and shaving creams. They are used to preserve the quality of the product and prevent bacteria from arising. This ingredient is continuously used in popular products despite the fact that parabens have been linked to breast and skin cancer.
Found on labels as:
Ethyl paraben, Butylparaben, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Isopropylparaben, others-paraben-terminated compounds
Triclosans are also used to minimise bacterial contamination. Look out for this toxin in body washes, toothpastes, and soaps. High levels of trioclosans can affect your hormones and have been linked to skin cancer.
Found in labels as: Isopropylparapen, Isobutylparaben, Propyl parapen, Butylparaben, Phthalate, BHA, BHT, E321, E320
Silicons are used in shampoos, balms, and creams as well as in hair relaxers. In haircare products it is added to make your hair shinier and easier to detangle. Silicon forms a thick layer around hair and skin, preventing you from breathing and naturally clearing out residue or build up, ultimately blocking your endocrine system from functioning properly.
Found on labels as:
Cone-Compound Compounds: Dimethicone, Methicone, Trimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Amodimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone Siloxane –
Compound Compounds: Cyclopentasiloxane, Polydimethylsiloxane Conol – Compound Compounds: Dimethiconol preservatives.
These compounds are used as detergents or emulsifyers in shampoos and cleansers. When used together or in combination with parabens, these compounds create Nitrosamines which have been proven to be carcinogenic and are able to penetrate the skin.
Found on labels as:
Diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA)
Mineral oil is synthesised from crude oil, making it essentially the same as car fuel or oil. Despite the name, it is not “oil”, rather it is a plastic! As this plastic cannot be absorbed, you are left with a smooth, glossy look on both skin and hair. However, mineral oil creates a barrier that prevents natural ventilation. Mineral oils are also often contaminated with carcinogenic compounds. Mineral oils and Petroleum jelly are ingredients found in hair relaxers.
Found on labels as:
Petrolatum, Petroleum Jelly, Paraffin Oil, Mineral Oil, White Petrolatum, Petrolem. Oil, Paraffinium
Now that you have the information, you can use this guide to look through your beauty products and see if you can find any of the above ingredients. You put so much effort into leading a healthy life; there is no need to have carcinogens in your bathroom cabinet or on the rim of your tub! We have an entire line of skin and haircare products that value the beauty of Black hair and melanated skin. We prioritise health without cutting any corners, only using the best ingredients nature has to offer and supporting all-natural beauty.
You can also check out our Ingredient Dictionary which can help you better understand ingredients that may appear unfamiliar to you. You can always contact us if you have any questions.
]]>Transitioning from summer to winter can be tough on our skin and hair, especially for those with melanated skin. This is why we promote not only natural ingredients to put in our hair and on our skin, but we believe that to have healthy skin and hair, we need to take a holistic approach.
It's time to re-examine what needs to change in our routines as the weather gets colder. So here are our top 4 ways to maintain incredible skin and healthy hair during the colder seasons.
Not only will these 4 practices help you to maintain healthy skin and hair, but you will also notice that they will have a positive effect on all aspects of your life, including your mood and energy. With the light being scarce in colder months, these routines are crucial to keeping us grounded and balanced.
We would love to hear about what works for you, so feel free to share your story or message us on Instagram @bbnaturalsuk.
We are so very delighted that the Vanilla Spice version of our Oat Rich Aloe Vera Silk Lotion has been named the 'best scented lotion for dry skin' by The Strategist's panel of dermatologists. First garnering this title in 2021, Oat Rich Lotion has been recently crowned again in July.
Made with finely milled oats, aloe vera juice, faire trade shea and cocoa butters, Oat Rich lotion is designed to calm and moisturise very dry, irritated skin. It is quite an achievement that the fragranced version of Oat Rich Aloe Vera Silk Lotion is being lauded. It also exists in a child-friendly fragrance-free version.
The lotion exists because when Kadian moved to the UK, she was diagnosed with eczema on her face for the first time. When she went to her GP to treat it, she was given a lotion ladened with petroleum, mineral oil and few hydrating, soothing properties. Suffice it to say, this cream did not help her.
So, she developed her own solution. When it comes to treating irritated skin--be it eczema or extreme itchiness--oils and butters are not enough because alone they cannot hydrate the skin. Water-based such as rose hydrosols, aloe vera juice, etc. when emulsified with oils and butters lend dermis layer the elasticity and relief it needs when skin is tight and itchy.
If you are used to using butters on your skin, as the cold weather approached h/ere's our recommendation: try a light, but effective lotion like Oat Rich Aloe Vera Silk Lotion first and then layering on a layer of your butter.
Tell us how you get on!
]]>Throw back to 2010 when I did a big chop.. I must say, It was way more than just a hair cut.
To me, my big chop represented change, resilience, authenticity and most importantly, acknowledgement and acceptance of myself. I was literally returning to my roots.
I know a lot of women have reservations about having short hair. Especially if you grew up in the Christian church, we were taught that long hair was closer to God’s glory. And also that longer hair was more feminine and desirable. My mom put my first relaxer in when I was seven years old. That was her choice, not mine. I was excited about starting over again without chemicals because this time the choice was mine.
Some of my less melanated friends and collegues would ask, ¨what’s so scary? It’s just a hair cut¨. This question was understandable to some but for many people with hair types like mine, it wasn’t so easy. And women who have tighter curls than mine find it even harder! My grandmother also expressed doubts about me having short hair; she was unsure about how I would look. With this feedback, all kinds of thoughts crossed my mind such as,
¨would I be accepted?¨
¨would I still be attractive?¨
¨will I still be seen as professional?¨
¨how do I care for my natural hair when it grows out?¨.
You see, we were never really taught how to love our natural self because of conditioning that occurred for generations. That’s why it’s scary. It’s scary admitting that you don’t fully know who you are.
On the other end of fear, though is LOVE, and when I decided to not let the fear keep hold of me, I did it! I cut away all of the dead ends and emotion baggage that no longer served me.
Through this I found peace, communities of like-minded women, and self- love.
A healthy hair journey starts with a healthy relationship with yourself.
At 6PM BST on Sunday, we have Lekia, the founder of Project Embrace, giving some practical advice for self-love and confidence. I will be in conversation with her about the hard topics that are sometimes hard to broach online.
secure your ticket today by Bourn Beautiful Naturals
“It is my mission to encourage other young girls, especially black young girls gain the confidence to believe and say with conviction, “I AM ENOUGH””
— Lekia , Founder, Project Embrace
You do not want to miss this! If you have not signed up for your FREE Ticket here
Have you joined our 30-Day Healthy Natural Hair challenge yet? If you are familiar with BB Naturals, you know that we are NOT in the habit of pushing "miracle" products or so-called "growth hacks". We know that healthy hair is an essential component on the way to long hair, but length is not important to everyone. So, if you want to get real information that's going to help your natural hair journey, be part of a curated Facebook Group, experience weekly LIVE workshops with experts and win some prizes along the way, then sign up here:
Here's what you can expect:
About The Event
The Free 30-Day Healthy Natural Hair challenge is an online event that's all about helping YOU create a healthy, loving relationship with your natural hair within the next 30 days. It’s about time, right!?
WHAT IS COVERED?
Each week will be covering a different topic from experts all over the world. Some of the topics we will be covering are:
You’ll be challenged to think about your WHY and dig into who you truly are beyond the physical
COMMUNITY:
Not only will you be connected with women from all over the world in the live sessions, but you'll also have full access to the exclusive Facebook Group.
By the end of the 30 days, you'll know how to:
Competitions & prizes
Throughout the 30 days, there will be opportunities for you to win prizes worth $1000s, giveaways and exclusive offers.
LIVE EVENT:
This event is NOT pre-recorded. It's 100% LIVE which means that we can answer your questions in real-time! How cool is that?
However, if you miss a day, you can request the team to send you the recording at hello@bournbeautifulnaturals.uk. If approved, you will be sent the recordings via email after each session.
Due to this event being hosted on Zoom, we have limited spaces so get your ticket today. You DO NOT want to miss this!
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What’s your name, where are you from, and what do you do?
Hey! My name is Mia, I’ve been travelling the world for over 8 years, but I currently live in Bali, Indonesia. I am a certified Vegan Chef and the founder of Wild Roots Clothing & Good Karma Decor.
How long have you been growing your locs for?
I’ve been growing my locs for over almost 2 decades!
What is a misconception people have about your locs?
Since I’ve been in Bali, some people think that they’re fake and not natural.
What do you love the most about your locs?
Um, I love its versatility. I love that it just goes with the flow. I can put it up, put it down. I love its low maintenance.
¨What you put on your hair and then your body is still a part of you, you know? So, it's good to be conscious of both.¨
Have you ever considered chopping it all off?
I never considered cutting it off truly. I've considered cutting lengths off, but not all the way off, but I can see myself with an Afro. I'll always be natural, for sure. Before locs, I used to have corn rows.
What was the most embarrassing hairstyle you’ve ever had?
When I had a perm, oh man! When I was in my senior year in high school, I was saving up the whole year and letting my hair grow out because I wanted to start my locs when I was 18. Then, my aunt made me get a perm and an upstyle for Prom. It was like a jerri curl with a swoop up for prom. I was like, oh my gosh, I had to wear a dress. I think I wore a dress maybe three times my whole life. And I had to wear this dress and this up style, and it was just so not me. It was horrible.
If your hair had a name and a personality, what could she be called, and what would her personality be like?
I never thought of a name for my hair. That's so funny. I think it needs to be a unisex name, though. I think the personality would be similar to mine. A free spirit, free flow, open. I’ll have to get back to you with the name, though!
You should try out Bourn Beautiful Naturals Loc-it-in Moisture. It’s a moisture spray for your locs. What does it smell like to you?
That's a beautiful name. It smells. Um, I love it. It smells like a black woman.
It smells natural, very fruity, and It smells kind of sweet. Not too heavy. It's kind of light. This is nice and non-greasy.
Yes. I love that. I'm all about natural products. What you put on your hair and then your body is still a part of you, you know? So, it's good to be conscious of both.
Thank you for chatting with us, Mia! How and where do we find you?
It was great chatting with you, too! You can find me on Instagram. It’s @yoshisantoofficial
Watch the full interview here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ff5cIDKEVds
PSST… We are delighted to announce our Loc-It-In Moisture Spray is a finalist in the haircare category of the Health & Wellbeing Awards 2022!!
This spray was developed with a loctician to soothe itchy scalps with calming lavender, and hydrate locs and loose curls without making them greasy and weighing them down. We have our fingers crossed for the awards ceremony at the end of July 2023.
Wish us luck!
Team BBN
It's Sun Awareness week, so we are bringing you another useful post before you're off on our holidays this season.
Don't be fooled by cooler, drizzly weather right now. According to Severe Weather Europe, the UK is set for a scorching summer. Whilst I am a summer baby who loves to feel the sun's kiss on her skin, with warmer temperatures comes the risk of increased sun exposure and health deterioration caused by extreme temperatures. The danger is not just for the elderly and young children. In no time at all you can find yourself suffering dreaded heatstroke. Learn what it is, how long it can take to properly recover from it, and how to avoid...after the break.
I have grown up in climates far hotter and humid than the UK. Places with year round sun (Jamaica) or guaranteed sunshine in the summer (Washington, D.C.). I never became overheated or had the sun alter the internal temperature of my body until I lived in the UK!
Picture it: 23 C degrees (74 F), in the quaint gardens of Tate Britain Museum in London on a July day. The shaded areas of the garden were cool enough for me to seek a sunny spot to enjoy the sunshine whilst my wife stood in line for lunch. I sat in that spot for no more than 10 minutes. I must confess that I was also not wearing Sun Factor Protection (SFP) of any sort that day. I felt no immediate effect such as sweating, or extra hot. Nothing. It was not until a few hours later, when the outside temperature had fallen slightly, that I started sweating profusely (which I don't normally do). I was disorientated, and stricken with violent vomiting. I was weak, exhausted and confused about what had happened to me. This continued into the next day with me unable to hold down any food or drink. It took me three days to fully recover from this by resting and eating plain bread. Turns out what had happened to me was heat stroke!
A heatstroke is when the environmental temperature causes your body's internal temperature to rise to over 39 C degrees (103 F). For reference, the human body's normal internal temperature is 37 C degrees (98.6 F). Once the body's temperature is outside its optimal range, it starts to send emergency signals that it is in danger.
These are the most prominent signs, the majority of which I can attest to suffering:
I'm going to save this one for the professionals. Because heatstroke is a medical emergency, it's best to call an ambulance or get to the hospital. However, in the event that you have not lost consciousness, be sure to drink cool water (not ice cold--this will constrict your blood vessels and make things worse) and immediately seek a shaded, cool area until you can get medical attention.
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At BBN, we have been inspired by pivotal women who have made our 5 years in business more impactful than we could’ve imagined. So, it is with a heavy heart that we share that our friend, Dr. Nicole Andrews, succumbed to her battle with cancer this March.
In addition to being one of the kindest, most thoughtful and light-radiating people I knew, she's also an enormous inspiration behind Bourn Beautiful Naturals. Nicole was one of the first friends I truly bonded with after moving to the UK. It took me a few years to feel that connection with someone here. It has been just over a week since I received that horrible early morning phone call about her death, but it is still hard to believe this earth is no longer blessed by her presence. We are all poorer for it.
Nicole and her husband, Dr. Kehinde Andrews (my PhD supervisor and now colleague in Black Studies at Birmingham City University) treated me like family. Our PhD journeys intersected, and we shared lunches together during that time and long after she was finished. I remember wondering if I could achieve what she did in her Viva Voce: gain a pass with no requests for revision (spoiler alert: I had very minor corrections to make). She encouraged me through a difficult time, in 2015, when I had to seek medical intervention for my mental unrest. She was understanding, and optimistic as ever.
The last time we had lunch in early 2020, I did not know it would be the last time. Did not know a pandemic would hit, keeping us apart physically. Did not know Nicole would be diagnosed with breast cancer early into the pandemic, let alone have to undergo so many run-ins with the NHS system during its most in-capacious time. I'm not sorry, but f@ck cancer.
I battled with writing this blog post and sharing Nicole's impact on the existence of Bourn Beautiful Naturals before finally deciding that her influence is a living testimony to exactly what the values of this brand reflects: centring the needs and voices of Black women. As a nerdy confession, this brand is the living praxis of my Black Feminist philosophy: when you centre the needs of the most marginalised among us, everyone else benefits. Nicole is the reason Hair Too Balm exists. She wanted an emollient she could. use on her children's hair. What she did not want: wax, mineral oil, petroleum, thick gloopiness or an oil in a bottle (too messy). What she did want: something with filled with natural goodness, a thing easily rubbed through her palms, safe for her children and herself. It would not have occurred to me to make Hair Too Balm without her request. Today, it is consistently in the top 2 of products we sell and is beloved by many hair types for different purposes.
Nicole was the first person to offer me money for the products I made as a hobby. For £20, in 2015, I gave her 6 or 7 things I had made. She tried some and gave others to friends and family to try. She came back to me and insisted that I turn my hobby into a business. I was reluctant, but she persisted for a year. During that time, her advice also helped improved what is now Oat Rich Lotion (it evolved, in part, from a belly butter for a pregnant friend. She ended up using it for that purpose, too!). She saw something in me and my products. I finally had the courage to listen to her, and the inner voice which told me I had nothing to lose except respect for myself if I did not try. December 2016 I took a low-stake's chance to sell some products at a local Christmas fare to a demographic that was not my target. People bought things and I was amazed. When I told Nicole, she was not amazed because she had already known the thing that took me to long to realise: I'm onto something.
I will miss her, our lunches and our WhatsApp chats. May she rest with the ancestors. Ashay.
Nicole's husband, Kehinde, has asked that Nicole be honoured by donating to her Race for Life page at Cancer Research UK
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My beautiful 'babies' got me a Mother's Day gift. I may not be a mother to human children (sorry, Pope), but I have all the maternal instincts for these little hellion Maltese-Shih Tzus--Bobigny (gift giver) and Livvie. They got me the perfect gift. I won't spoil it *wink*!
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You're reading this because I promised you a few anecdotes from the past 5 years of being in business. Read on...
1. Samuel L. Jackson may have touched my products?
First I attend university with his daughter, Zoe (no, we weren't friends), and now THEE Samuel L. Jackson shopped a Christmas pop-up BBN was a part of? This past December BBN took part in the Janet's List Pop-up featuring curated items from women of colour-owned British brands. It took place at the Ham Yard Hotel in London. Janet refuses to say what he actually purchased (privacy and all), but he bought plenty of things and spent significant time in the shop. Just thinking about him gifting or using one of our items thrills me.
2. Although we're based in Birmingham, UK, our first customers came from the EU and the USA!
Trading online from March 2017, it was not until summer that year that we were able to get samples of our products into the hands of potential British customers. Because I ran a very successful blog about the TV show, Scandal, at the time, which had a large American audience, they were the first to be introduced to the BBN brand. They had already bought into me, so they extended that to the brand and I'm grateful. Some of them are still my customers. Or course, our British customers are the overwhelming majority and have been since 2018.
3. I once received an Instagram DM from someone begging to buy the recipe to our Coconut Cream Deep Conditioning Hair Mask.
Best of all, it opened with the casual, 'Hey, sis...'. I blinked many times when I saw it to make sure I was reading that clearly. The sheer audacity made me speechless.
4. I started making products in tandem with my PhD studies
The mental stress and insecurity I experienced in the early years were relieved by my time in my home workshop formulating products to solve the hair and skin problems of my family and friends (as well as myself). Where the PhD was cerebral and overwhelming, formulation was creatively scientific and I could get immediate results. The PhD took 6 years (finished in 2021) to complete because I was also busy making BBN a success. This brand started as a wellness project for me and try to maintain that ethos in everything we bring you.
5. A customer once sent US a Christmas gift!
Can you believe? I am constantly blown away by how generous and supportive our customers have been. There were many things I did not know how to do when I started this brand, but I knew that providing you with great customer service was something I could confidently deliver. Everyone isn't an entrepreneur, but everyone is a customer, so I try to put myself in your shoes as much as *possible*.
Bonus:
Did you know that England is the 3rd country I've lived in? Born in Jamaica (hence the scent of our birthday candle!), I moved with my family to Washington, DC when I was 7. Much later, the British love of my life would see me settle down in Birmingham. I'm happy to be here.
Thank you all for being a part of our brand journey the last five years. We have plans to grow and bring our brand ethos and products to lots more people and countries.
Be Well,
Kadian
]]>Raynaud’s Disease is a blood circulation-related medical concern. It means that your extremities (hands and feet) do not receive proper circulation like the rest of your body does.
As a result of this, your fingers or feet can sometimes feel cold, numb, filled with 'pins and needles' sensation, and painful. They may even lose colour or sensation—despite wearing gloves or socks.
This contrasts with the rest of your body, which feels fine in comparison. This disease affects up to 10 million people in the UK, but many are in the dark that they even have a condition that needs to be treated with care.
When exposed to cold temperatures, it is normal for our blood vessels to become narrower. However, in a person with Raynaud’s Disease, the narrowing of the blood vessels is extreme.
As a result, normal blood flow, which we need for warmth, is severely constricted. This happens to parts of the body that are isolated from our main organs. The hands, feet, nipples and even ears commonly suffer from extreme narrowing of blood vessels when exposed to cold.
In addition to exposure to cold temperatures (including water), emotional distress (anxiety, trauma, fear) can also be a trigger for a Raynaud’s attack. Women are also more susceptible to suffering from Raynaud’s. Those of us with darker skin can suffer to the extent that we see our skin lose colour in areas attacked by Raynaud’s, whereas lighter skin will turn pink or even purple.
What are the dangers and how is it diagnosed?
If the above descriptions sound familiar to you, see your GP for a proper diagnosis. The earlier the better too because Raynaud’s presents more commonly before the age of 30. I have suffered with this disease since I was a teenager, but only in my 20s did I come to know what was happening to me was a disease.
Lack of attention to Raynaud’s not only causes ongoing distress in the mind and body, but more severe forms can lead to things like ulcers in the fingers. Though less common, Raynaud’s detection can also be an early indicator of a more serious concerns such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or other autoimmune disease. It is important to get diagnosed so that you can learn how to treat it.
If diagnosed with Raynaud’s, there is medication to help improve your circulation, which you should learn about from your GP or specialist. However, there are very practical things which can help you avoid the pain and distress of a Raynaud’s attack.
Do | Don't |
Keep your home warm and work environment warm. If this is costly, do so for rooms in which you spend the most time | Smoking already leads to the narrowing of our blood vessels, which is the enemy of Raynaud’s. Help yourself by limiting things that artificially narrow blood vessels |
Wear layers, with extra protective clothing on your hands and feet | Ingest too much caffeine. An abundance of caffeinated drinks and food (chocolate included!) can also contribute to narrow blood vessels |
Exercise regularly to improve circulation | |
Practice breathing exercises, including yoga | |
Eat a balanced diet not too heavy on caffeine |
First, if you are not familiar with the term 'Blue Monday', let me explain. It is a term used to describe a set of dismal things experienced by many people around a certain time in January.
The term and time of year were coined and calculated by Psychologist, Clifford Arnall. This year ‘Blue Monday’ falls on the 17th of January this year, but typically occurs around the third week of January. At this time, many of us are significantly affected by the following:
Here are the tips I shared to mitigate some of the above:
Truly! We are over the January hump, and that's a big thing. January is objectively the worst month (no disrespect to those celebrating birthdays– Happy Birthday, love you). The Omicron variant has been blazing through the population, which has made it even worse than it already is. It's dark, it's cold and you have all of 2022 to deal with. So, yes, 14 more days in the month is a giant achievement. We've made it this far.
No, not a lamp that is down in the dumps. I mean a lamp that has a white source of light that can stimulate natural daylight. Those of us who suffer with Seasonal Affective Disorder can benefit by keeping these sources of light near, as they help to stimulate a better mood and mental outlook.
There's no need to spend money to take a class or invest money in equipment and materials (we're broke!). Turning your sights toward creativity can help stimulate joy and you may discover a new talent in yourself. A creative pursuit can be anything that you do that is considered artful, enjoyable and not something done under duress for others (your boss, partner, child, etc.).
If cooking is not something you do regularly, try making a new dish. If cooking is a regular obligation for your family, try writing, or putting together new combinations of the clothes you already have. Other pursuits could include creative writing, new hairstyles, painting, learning to sew, baking, and more.
Trying something creative is how I discovered I was good at formulating products. It's both a science and an art. We would not have Bourn Beautiful Naturals today if I never tried something new.
This one is very medicine-y because it seems boring and obvious. But some of us overlook the obvious and forget there are old standbys for a reason. Walking gives you a chance to soak up precious vitamin D (get outside because Rickets are on their way back!), you get fresh air, and you get your circulation going. A walk can do wonders for your mood and alert you to new ideas.
Take your sleep seriously. Running on a regular diet of 4-5 hours of sleep per night will leave you depleted, more irritable and more hungry. Don’t let #grinding allow you to neglect a vital human necessity: sleep. I’m not telling you what I think, I’m telling you what I know. Shout-out to new parents for whom this is a struggle. It gets better…I’ve heard 😅.
I find a sleep mist applied to my pillowcase a night has a good calming effect as I try to drift off. Try to read something of substance (not social media which is too stimulating), or listen to a book, a podcast or a sleep story you’ve heard before. The mind knows what’s coming and is therefore less likely to be in ‘alert’ mode. This helps facilitated relaxation.
If you’re like me, making lists of tasks to accomplish and then ticking them off can give you a sense of satisfaction. But it’s easy to get overzealous when creating our lists. Soon, we can find ourselves feeling like we’ve failed because so much of the list has been left unchecked.
Maybe it’s not your lack of motivation, but the fact that you made too long a list! Scale back and focus on accomplishing one big thing each day along with smaller things. If you get 70% of the way there, then give yourself that credit for getting that far. The other 30% can get done after a good night’s sleep.
It may also help to satisfy yourself first before getting to your list of tasks. It’s the opposite of what we’ve been told, but satisfying yourself first can help you to feel less resentful about the dutiful things you must accomplish.
I love the Calm app, but Headspace is also good. There’s also the Shine app that is more specific to Black and other POC who face specific struggles. Just 5-8 minutes a day of these apps can help you with focused breathing and mental focus. Sometimes I like to listen to The Daily Calm whilst I walk my dogs.
To paraphrase Adele—you had good intentions and the highest hopes. But sometimes major economic, political and sociological shifts can impact our lives, causing us to struggle to make changes in order to keep up. Life is hard, don’t make make it unbearable by being your worst enemy.
I hope some of those are helpful. Do let me know if you have others I missed.
]]>In the mid-2000s, some CGM proponents and the company Deva Curl took this further and began advocating for eliminating any shampoo from our curly hair routines. Even the sulfate-free ones. Gasp! Instead the suggestion was to wash with a silicone-free conditioner, or co-wash the hair in order to keep it from getting too dry and help it better retain it's curl.
Besides the fact that a 'cleansing conditioner' is an oxymoron, there are health concerns to consider with the long-term avoidance of hair cleansers. After the first few co-washes, the hair seems fine and can be softer, more defined, less frizzy. But because there is no cleansing happening, the scalp and hair are actually slowly building up ingredients and particles that are meant to be washed away with a shampoo or equivalent cleanser. For many long-term co-washers, this lead to irritated scalps, lifeless, weighted down curls, as well as dirt and bacteria that could have been avoided.
But why does this happen? Why can a silicone-free conditioner not replace any type of cleanser? That answer is a simple scientific one: the chemistry of a cleanser is negatively charged, meaning its job is to take things away from the hair (dirt, product build-up, environmental pollution).
A conditioner is positively charged, meaning its job is to add things to the hair vitamins, softening properties, anti-static, barrier repair). I am telling you this as a literal formulator of shampoos, conditioners and body washes as well as someone who tried the co-washing approach and ditched it after 6 weeks.
If you only used conditioner, you are constantly adding to the hair and scalp without balancing that by taking away some of the unsavoury things building up.
Using both a sulphate-free shampoo (-) and a conditioner (+) helps you create a neutral, or balanced environment for your scalp and hair. The former is a major key to heaving healthy hair.
Luckily we have absorbent clays to help us naturally cleanse our scalp and hair. Before science progressed to bring us liquid shampoo, our ancestors used clay and ash to help cleanse the hair. Rhassoul clay, from Morrocco, loosely translates as 'to wash', so it is literally made for cleansing. The powdered clay is easy to mix with water. Place in a bottle with an application tip and apply from the scalp down.
Cosmetics are an amazing combination of both science and art. There is an art to formulating a shampoo that will be a gentle cleanser, but also not strip the natural moisture out of our curls. Ingredients such as glycerine, coco betaine, sodium cocoyl isethionate, and oils are some of the ingredients listed in our shampoo to mitigate drying effects.
No matter how thick or long your hair is, always start with less than you think you need. Those of us with Afro-textured hair can sometimes be heavy-handed with the products! Try shampooing your hair in sections if it medium length or longer. Always begin at the scalp and roots of the hair with shampoo, when the hair is soaking wet.
Massage with the fingertips or a scalp massager like this one to help cleanse and stimulate the scalp at the same time!
Bring the foam from the roots down the rest of the shaft before rinsing with warm (not hot) water. Your hair does not need to squeak to be clean. If it still feels a little greasy, then apply a little more shampoo to the part of the hair that needs it. Don't over shampoo your scalp.
If you're highly visual like I am, here's a short Reel from Instagram showing the ideal way to shampoo curly hair.
What are your thoughts on shampooing?
]]>By definition, protective for natural hair such as braids, wigs, cornrows and twists are intended to prevent against breakage and, in turn, promote length retention.
These two factors working in tandem is what can appear to "make your hair grow" when wearing these styles.
However, one of the factors that has the biggest impact overall on the success of protective styles for natural hair is: how well your maintain them.
These two factors working in tandem is what can appear to "make your hair grow" when wearing these styles.
However, one of the factors that has the biggest impact overall on the success of protective styles for natural hair is: how well your maintain them.
So, here are 3 ways you can improve how you maintain your protective styles at any time of year.
Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. As important as it is to hydrate curly, coily and kinky hair strands and to keep them moisturised, it is equally important for your scalp too, if not more so – but how do we keep our scalp hydrated when wearing protective styles?
When wearing protective hairstyles, our hair is often in more partings than usual to create small sections for braids or twists. This leaves our scalp exposed and more susceptible to dryness and irritation, including sun burn in hotter climates.
It also means that our scalp is often more accessible than usual and can be hydrated more easily. Misting your scalp liberally with a water-based product such as our Loc-It-In Moisture Spray is a great way to moisturise and soothe your scalp before it dries out and as often as you need to.
You can also try misting it on a microfibre towel, and wiping the dampened fabric between your partings for older styles, or if your scalp is more sensitive to itchiness. It was one of the most popular tips shared in our Ditch the Itch event, so catch the replay here.
Some of the most effective protective styles for natural hair are those that can be worn during a period of two weeks or more. This prolongs the amount of time between styling sessions where our fragile curly, coily hair strands are being manipulated.
Therefore promoting length retention as it reduces the frequency of breakage experienced from styling – but only if you can adequately maintain your style as it ages. You don't necessarily have to abandon a protective hairstyle before you are ready.
You can give braids, locs and twists a new lease of life by tightening areas of new growth, re-twisting or braiding looser areas or stray strands with our Curl Crush Flaxseed & Marshmallow Gel.
It is especially effective for the ends of your hair when twisting your natural hair on its own.
The beauty of protective styles for natural hair lies in their versatility. You can achieve braids with or without the addition of a whole world of colourful and unique braiding hair types or wig styles. These additions make it all the more important to lock moisture into you natural strands.
Once they are hydrated with Loc-It-In, or even Curl Crush, you can follow up with our Hair Too Balm. It's a potent buttery blend and so you can enjoy enhanced shine with even a light layer on your strands.
The three of these products can either work on their own to help you get the most out of your protective styles and how you maintain them. Or they can work together as our Braid & Loc Maintenance Trio, which comes highly recommended by loctitians.
I used to religiously straighten my curls twice a year, so I could flaunt my length and just change things up for a bit. I moved away from doing this a few years ago, and now it’s been a full two years since I have straightened my hair. I do not miss it. Here’s why.
Naturally kinky-curly hair is already vulnerable to variables like the weather. Is it windy today? Cold and dry? Well, what’s the humidity like? Rain?
I love my hair, but sometimes
I am fairly lazy when it comes to styling. I care more about keeping my hair moisturised and tangle free, than I do about changing my hair style on the regular. I don’t have the time or inclination. Keeping up a temporary straight style means I have to be careful of my edges every time I wash my face.
Not only that, I still have to wrap it and tuck it away, so that I can avoid re-applying heat to sections that have reverted or gone kinky. I have to walk on eggshells with how careful I have to be with straightened hair. It’s too high maintenance!
The ends of my hair split faster than the sun in a British winter, when I flat iron it. So...
I don’t have to get inches of my hair cut off as often now that I don’t straighten it. I do still apply heat 1-2 times a year for a stretched look, but I use a lower heat setting and the tension method.
Whenever I would straighten my hair, right away I would be flexin' in the mirror and looking like
But then a couple days later, I’d be bored and missing the volume that comes with my natural curls. I'd be questioning why I even bothered.
This may seem brattish of me, but I
I grew to hate getting compliments on my straight hair from people who otherwise never said ish about my curls. I would think "oh NOW I’m attractive to you? Oh NOW my hair is acceptable?"
Among the worst comments would be: “Oh, you straightened your hair! You should wear it like that more often!” At moments like that, I would internally scream in Black power fist, while smiling on the outside like "as God is my witness, you gone take this Black birthright on my head because I ain’t goin' nowhere."
No, I don't think I am allowing others to dictate how I wear my hair. I realised I just don't care that much about the straightness of my hair for the reasons mentioned above.
When I first noticed I wasn’t so eager to straighten my hair anymore, I searched myself for my original motivations. Sure, I used to think that straight hair = sleek, or formal hair (white European beauty ideals are super entrenched, y’all), and thus would straighten my hair for special occasions. But there were other, more superficial reasons.
I realised that I was primarily straightening my hair to revel in my length once or twice a year. But... micro braiding my hair once a year gives me the same opportunity, and is way more flexible!
Micro-braiding gives me all of the length straightening would afford, minus the split ends and high maintenance. It lasts a lot longer, too. The only drawback is the amount of time it takes for installation and take down (~30 hours 😥). 30 hours in exchange for 8-10 weeks of wear is pretty good in my book.
What about you? Do you like straightening your hair, or are you meh on it?
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