Highbrow Hippie Blog

We talk a lot around here about our favorite hair care products, routines, and rituals. As Black women, weekly hair rituals have been a part of our experience for as far back as we can remember. From at-home hot oil treatments, scalp massages, and hair steaming to protective styling and DIY hair masks, we've seen and done it all. Not only are these routines a way for us to care for our hair but they're an opportunity to slow down and focus on ourselves as well.

About last night…always such an honor to paint THE painter! Esteemed artist (and our Spelman College sister) Calida Garcia Rawles, attends the 11th annual LACMA Art + Film Gala. Fun fact…last week while Calida was in my chair she mentioned that her gown for the event may not arrive on time. I told her to keep me posted, and I would help her with a backup. Fast forward to a few days ago, she came to the atelier to try on dresses, and this Christopher John Rogers dress that I had in my closet fit her perfectly. I originally ordered it for another event, and it wasn’t tailored in time. Even the shoes were a perfect fit. It couldn’t have had a better debut on a more beautiful human, inside and out, and apparently I may have a backup career as a stylist?

Yesterday, during our weekly meeting we chatted about what wellness means to us. What we're drawn to in order to make ourselves feel good and also what we turn away from. A good nights sleep, laughter and plenty of water, yes. Toxic positivity and people who say one thing, but then do something else, no.This space is filled with people telling us what to do - what to eat, what supplements to take, how to think, what workouts to do. Often times not doing any of it themselves. It can be challenging to navigate sometimes, however, at the end of the day all that matters is what works for you.

Fall is my favorite time of year. The crispness in the air, the changing leaves (yes, even here in LA!) and the darkening evenings ushering me to bed by 9. This slow transition towards Winter invites us to slow down after the busyness of summer and prepare ourselves for the slower days ahead. It’s also my favorite time of year to assess my beauty routine and double down on all things moisture before the challenges of dry winter skin and hair set in. In addition to doubling down on moisture, I’m really paying attention to streamlining and finding products that do double duty. 

When we started Highbrow Hippie back in the day, we always said it was where beauty and wellness intersected. As time continued, we added a third pillar to our brand - conscious living. The idea of having a lifestyle brand is nothing new, but adding texture to the type of lifestyle is. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​To us conscious living means being intentional and thoughtful about how you live. At the core of this is awareness, starting with yourself. Becoming self aware is the foundation of conscious living and moving outwards from there to your immediate surroundings and the world at large. ​​​​​​​​