The Street Style Guide to Pulling Off Head-to-Toe Black

Variety is the spice of life (or at least, that’s the word on the street), but for those of us who prefer a more pared-down aesthetic (read: neutrals all day erryday), it certainly doesn’t come in the form of vibrant color and over-the-top prints. Ensembles devoid of color often get a lot of shade, but there are plenty of reasons to get behind the all-black-everything thang. Beyond being classic, black has an undeniably no-nonsense, wear-anywhere edge that can inject a serious punch of polish to tried-and-true outfit formulas and street style-approved GNO ensembles alike. The key to pulling off the monochromatic look in true It-girl fashion is to move outside the standard LBD box — think: pattern play, contrasting silhouettes and scene-stealing embellishments. Not convinced? We’re bringing you 13 It girl-approved getups that will make you consider coming over to the dark side.

1. Oversized Tee + Wide-Leg Trousers: A far cry from your go-to get-fit ensemble, where metallics and neon rule supreme, this A+ athleisure look is straight-up off-duty goals. Dress up a graphic tee and fresh white sneakers with classy wide-leg trousers and souped-up shades for an afternoon of errand running, followed up by happy hour with your crew.

2. Cropped Trousers + Off-the-Shoulder Blouse: Break up your black-on-black routine by layering a classic white button-down under a sassy shoulder-baring top for a serious dose of visual intrigue. Perfect for the office or after-hours shenanigans, the two-tone ensemble looks ah-mazing with geometric baubles and bold block heels.

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Taxis as a backdrop, always. 🚕

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3. Patterned Asymmetric Skirt + High Neck Top: Look to modern graphics like this eye-catching asymmetric skirt to add a dose of cool to your monochromatic ensemble. Bonus points for unexpected silhouettes that add an extra layer of drama.

4. Sleeveless Blazer + Tank + Skinny Jeans: When an LBD feels a little too over the top but your basic tee-and-jeans routine isn’t quite going to cut it, enlist this swoon-worthy ensemble to rack up the style points left and right. Dark wash denim feels downright DDG when styled alongside a sleeveless blazer, scoop-neck tank and a badass bib necklace. Throw a streamlined satchel and a swipe of bold red lipstick into the mix, and prepare to make jaws drop.

5. Sheer Sweater + Midi Skirt: To soften an all-black look, opt for separates with a ladylike feel, like a fluted midi skirt and a sheer Victorian-inspired blouse. Be it a dinner date with bae or an exhibition unveiling, this Insta-worthy outfit will stun.

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All black always wins 👌🏼

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6. Textured Culottes + Loafers: The key to pulling off an on-point black-on-black outfit? It’s all in the details. Fringe-trimmed culottes and bow-embellished flats add texture and drama to otherwise basic pieces for a day-to-night look that is guaranteed to double up those double taps.

7. Band Tee + Exotic Skirt: Unleash your inner rock goddess with an all-black look that offers no shortage of tough-girl edge. Bust out your best band tee and pair it with an exotic skirt and patent boots — don’t-mess vibes are sure to follow.

8. Athletic Trousers + Leather-Trimmed Tee: In any color but black, side-button trousers like Jen Azoulay’s Zara set would fall on the wrong side of style, but as part of an all-noir ensemble, the effect is seriously sophisticated — especially with block-heel steppers, minimalist baubles and a leather-trimmed tee in tow.

9. Belted Sweater Dress + Ankle Boots: Hit snooze a few too many times? A black sweater dress and statement boots are a straight shot to chic. Just add an eye-catching belt and a bright bag for a foolproof look that comes together in seconds.

10. Boyfriend Blazer + High-Waisted Jeans: When in doubt, put a blazer on it. Give Saint Laurent’s signature le smoking a hint of of-the-moment flair by pairing a longline tuxedo blazer with belted high-waisted denim, a ribbed turtleneck and sleek ankle boots. The result? A show-stopping ensemble you can turn to day or night.

11. Cropped Sweatshirt + Pencil Skirt: To jazz up an all-basics outfit, simply play with proportion a la Sofie Valkiers, who combined a black pencil skirt and cropped sweatshirt to stunning effect. Round out the outfit with elevated accoutrements, like a chain-link cross-body bag, delicate jewelry and statement shades.

12. Embroidered Lace Dress + Embellished Boots: For an epic night out on the town, not just any LBD will do. Upgrade your everyday A-line with quirky embellishments and delicate detailing that strikes the ultimate balance between elegance and edge. Badass boots, glitzy ear cuffs and don’t-care hair are obligatory.

13. Slip Dress + Denim Jacket: When your weekend uniform starts to read meh, call upon your darkest duds to revive your just-chillin’ repertoire. Take style cues from Marie von Behrens and rock a slinky lace-trimmed slip with a rugged denim jacket (bonus points for sassy patches and embroidery) and patent boots for late-night drinks or boutique hopping with your besties.

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Paczki Day is coming up on Tuesday, March 1, and what better way to get in the spirit than with some Instagram inspiration. If you haven’t tried Paczki yet, you’re missing out *big time.* These Polish pastries — which are similar to donuts — are a MAJOR staple around this time of year (along with spring detox recipes and Easter dessert recipes). Traditionally, they were made in Polish households to use up all manner of dessert ingredients before the start of Lent, and even today, Paczki Day is still a pretty big deal in cities with large Polish populations, like Chicago and Detroit. Here are 11 of our favorite pics of this seasonal creation.

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1. Classic Paczki

First off, let’s start with a description of what Paczki actually ARE. They’re not dissimilar to a jelly donut, but they’re made from an even richer deep-fried dough spun from eggs, sugar, fat, yeast, and milk.

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2. Soft on the Outside, Sweet on the Inside

Paczki are traditionally stuffed with fruit or cream fillings, ranging from sweet to uber sugary (savory flavors need not apply). Some of the most traditional fillings include plum and rosehip jam.

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3. Don’t Skip on the Filling

These Paczki are PACKED with delicious filling. The filling itself is sweet and gooey, while the dough is coated in a light, flakey, sugary glaze. Um, yes please.

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4. Chocolate on Top

Perhaps less traditional than some, these tasty Paczki are drizzled with a sweet and chocolatey glaze. Conventionally, they’re glazed with a sugary, citrusy finishing.

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5. NOT Sugar-Free

These bad boys are rolled in a crystal coating of white sugar. They’re decidedly NOT for dieters. Bring on the sweetness!

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6. Stack ’em Up

Paczki on Paczki on Paczki. Need we say more?

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7. Bun Basket

Bring your neighbor a friendly basket of delicious homemade Paczki. It’ll be a total throwback to simpler times, and your neighbor will not be able to resist the pull of that super-powdery confectioners’ sugar on top.

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8. Ready for Glaze

So THIS is how they do it. These pastries are piping hot and fresh from the oven, and they’re ready for a delicious vanilla glaze.

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9. Real Fruit and Nutella Paczki

To mix things up, why not try incorporating fresh fruit and/or Nutella into your otherwise traditional Paczki? Case in point: These AH-mazing looking dough balls.

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10. Apricot Dreams

You can barely tell from the pic, but these Paczki are actually stuffed with delicious apricot preserves. In fact, you can feel free to use jam or preserves from whatever fruit you like, from strawberries to blackberries and beyond.

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11. Cousins in Sweetness

Paczki and donuts are basically cousins when it comes to the family tree of desserts. Both deep-fried, often filled, and usually glazed, they’re truly the stuff of sweet dreams.

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Greta Gerwig's Narnia has generated some buzzy casting rumors over the last few months. Charli XCX, Daniel Craig, and even Joseph Quinn have all been a part of the rumor mill (but considering I've been waiting for news on this adaptation since it was acquired by Netflix in 2018, I'm not mad about all the chatter!). And the latest Narnia casting rumor has cause more conversation on the internet than anything else. Meryl Streep might be voicing Aslan.

Here's everything we know about the Aslan & Meryl Streep casting rumor in Greta Gerwig's Narnia movies.

Is Meryl Streep in the Narnia cast?

Meryl Streep is reportedly in talks to voice Aslan in Greta Gerwig's Narnia movies. The casting rumor first broke on March 31, leading some people to wonder if it was an early April Fool's Day joke, until Deadlineconfirmed the rumor on April 3. Fans of the book have called the choice everything from "interesting" to "cruel," and the conversation revolves around one particular question: are they making Aslan female?

A lot of Narnia fans were taken aback by the rumor about Meryl Streep because of the fact Aslan is an allegory for Jesus (referred to in the Bible as the Lion of Judah) — especially since Aslan's mane is such an integral part of the series, and lioness' typically don't have manes.

When the White Witch sacrifices Aslan on the Stone Table in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, she shaves off his mane in an attempt to shame him and strip away his identity as King of Narnia. Lucy Pevensie hiding her face in his mane in Prince Caspian plays a huge role in bolstering her courage and faith, and the mane even comes into play during The Last Battle before (spoiler alert) Narnia gets destroyed.

'Narnia' fans have a lot of opinions about a female Aslan.

The most iconic visual of the Narnia series, arguably more than the wardrobe or the lamppost, is Aslan's mane. "If it’s true that Aslan has been changed to a female lion in the upcoming film, it’s deeply troubling that the filmmakers would make the choice to visually distance itself from The Chronicles of Narnia as it has always been known to its fans and the public imagination," one Narnia fan wrote on NarniaWeb. "It would be hard to look at a decision like that and not think that they were deliberately disassociating from the Narnia canon."

Another fan on NarniaWeb points out that having Meryl potentially voice a male Aslan "would be a fine way to convey the genderless nature of the soul. Aslan transcends all of that and was never bound by the idea of duality in the way that the ‘fallen’ believe they are."

@bereckerwentviral for his claim that fans who are upset about the casting simply "hate women" (yes, some of the backlash to Meryl's casting rumor has been atrocious). "I would like to officially say that if I die, I would be more than honored if Meryl Streep were to play me in my biopic, she’s the greatest to ever do it," he said in the comments.

"Meryl was hired based on merit. She’s the best," another Instagram user said in the comments.

However, Netflix hasn't confirmed Meryl Streep as Aslan.

Disney/Walden Media

Let the record show that, as of writing this story on April 7, Netflix hasn't actually confirmed anything about the movie outside Greta as director and Atonement cinematographer Seamus McGarvey as Director of Photography. Whether the film is a The Magician's Nephew adaptation, whether Daniel Craig is playing Uncle Andrew, and whether Meryl Streep is actually voicing Aslan are speculation at this point.

As one viral tweet puts it, "Increasingly convinced Greta either has no idea what she wants to do with this movie or has a vision so incredible nobody else can see it." Stay tuned for official casting announcements!

What do you think about the Netflix Narnia casting rumors so far? Let us know on Facebook.

Summer hair is all about laid-back looks, but even our favorite easy hairstyles need a bit more structure when it's time to go back to work or school. Updos can add serious style and personality to an outfit, and are a fun way to keep your look constantly changing. From unique takes on the braid to soft curls and edgy accessories, these hairstyles will make you excited to get ready!

Milkmaid Braids

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All you need to do for this easy hairstyle is braid your hair into two braids, wrap them across the top of your head, and pin behind your ear. Pull out some face-framing pieces to complete the look.

Sleek Pony

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There's nothing chicer than a high pony. Add some texturizing spray to give it a messy finish or keep things sleek with some hairspray.

Sock Curls

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We know that curling your hair with socks sounds crazy, but it really works! You'll get voluminous curls with a fraction of the effort.

Add A Headband

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Headbands keep your hair out of your face and add serious style to your outfit. Pearls, bows, velvet — there's plenty to choose from!

Top Knot

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Top knots are fun because they can be sleek, messy, curly, or straight, and they always look good.

Pin It Back

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We know that having short hair can leave you with only a few styling options. Accessorize with some cute bobby pins for a chic and edgy look.

Braided Low Pony

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A mini braid makes this easy hairstyle anything but boring. Scoop your hair into a low pony and braid a small section. Wrap that around the elastic and then secure with a pin. Voilà!

Dutch Braid Bun

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A braided bun is a great option for keeping your hair out of your face and off your neck. Not only is it cute enough for work, it's also practical enough for cleaning and working out.

Loose Waves

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We're pretty sure that this look will never go out of style. Add some clips, a headband, or leave it as is.

All Natural

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Rock those curls!

Mini Pony

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A half-up ponytail adds the perfect amount of spice to your look.

Rope Braids

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Swap your normal updo for a half-up look that has the right amount of detail. Try fishtail braids, rope braids, or French braids.

French Twist

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This classic 'do is a lot easier than it looks. Just make sure you have enough bobby pins!

What's your go-to easy hairstyle? Follow us on Pinterest and subscribe to our email newsletter for the latest beauty content from B+C!

TV is a wild place right now. We've got crazy White Lotus theories, Netflix extended Nicole Kidman's once-limited The Perfect Couple into an anthology series, and Simone Ashley teased our favorite characters are reuniting for Bridgerton season 4.

And we're in for even more news and crazy viral moments because these April TV shows are some of the best yet. And don't worry if you haven't finished all those March shows yet; they're not going anywhere ;).

Here are the best 12 TV shows you can stream in April 2025.

Pulse — Stream on Netflix Now

Anna Kooris/Netflix

3rd year resident Danny Simms gets thrown into leadership when Chief Resident Xander Phillips is suspended, and a hurricane sends the hospital into lockdown. Now the ER is simply trying to get through the storm — and all the secrets about Danny and Xander's relationship aren't making things easier.

Pulse premieres April 3 and stars Willia Fitzgerald, Colin Woodell, Justina Machado, Jack Bannon, Jessie T. Usher, Jessy Yates, Chelsea Muirhead, Daniela Nieves, Néstor Carbonell, Jessica Rothe, Santiago Segura, Ash Santos, and Arturo Del Puerto.

The Handmaid's Tale season 6 — Stream on Hulu April 8, 2025

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The Handmaid's Tale season 6 promises "something big is about to happen" in its first look as June works to take down Gilead. And I totally believe it since June finally reunited with Serena and Noah at the end of season 5.

The The Handmaid's Tale season 6 premieres April 8 and stars Elisabeth Moss, Bradley Whitford, Yvonne Strahovski, Max Minghella, O-T Fagbenle, Samira Wiley, Ann Dowd, Madeline Brewer, Amanda Brugel, and Sam Jaeger.

Hacks Season 4 — Stream on Max April 10, 2025

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Hacks season 4 finds Ava and Deborah at odds — and threatening to spill some serious tea to get what they want. But that's showbiz, baby.

Hacks season 4 premieres April 10 and stars Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder.

Your Friends & Neighbors — Stream on Apple TV April 11, 2025

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Hedge fund manager Andrew Cooper is dealing with his divorce and losing his job when he decides to steal from his wealthy neighbors. Only then does he realize just how dangerous their secrets really are.

Your Friends & Neighbors premieres April 11 and stars Jon Hamm, Olivia Munn, Amanda Peet, Mark Tallman, Hoon Lee, Lena Hall and Aimee Carrero.

Doctor Who — Stream on Disney+ April 12, 2025

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Doctor Who is back for another set of adventures as the Doctor works to get Belinda Chandra back to earth — and fight the mysterious force keeping the TARDIS from returning home.

Doctor Who premieres April 12 and stars Ncuti Gatwa, Varada Sethu, Millie Gibson, Rose Ayling-Ellis, Christopher Chung, Rylan Clark, Alan Cumming, Anita Dobson, Freddie Fox, Michelle Greenidge, Jonah Hauer-King, Ruth Madeley, Jemma Redgrave, and Susan Twist.

The Last of Us season 2 — Stream on HBO and Max April 13, 2025

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Five years after the events of The Last of Us season 1, Ellie and Joel are safe in Jackson — but secrets from their past and a ruthless new threat could ruin everything. Not to mention all the infected.

The Last of Us season 2 premieres April 13 and stars Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Gabriel Luna, Rutina Wesley, Kaitlyn Dever, Isabela Merced, Young Mazino, Ariela Barer, Tati Gabrielle, Spencer Lord, Danny Ramirez, Jeffrey Wright, and Catherine O’Hara.

Government Cheese — Stream on Apple TV April 16, 2025

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This comedy series follows the dreamy Chamber family in 1969, whose world gets turned upside down when Hampton Chambers returns home from prison.

Government Cheese premieres April 16 and stars David Oyelowo, Simone Missick, Bokeem Woodbine, Adam Beach, and Sunita Mani.

Law & Order: Organized Crime season 5 — Stream on April 17, 2025

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This offshoot of Law & Order follows the beloved Elliot Stabler and the Organized Crime Control Bureau as they handle the most intense dealings in New York City.

Law & Order: Organized Crime season 5 stars Christopher Meloni, Danielle Moné Truitt, Ainsley Seiger, Rick Gonzalez, Dean Norris, and Jason Patric.

Ransom Canyon — Stream on Netflix April 17, 2025

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Yellowstone fans will love this Netflix show, which follows three ranching families in Texas as they wrestle with destiny, secrets, and crime.

Ransom Canyon premieres April 17 and stars Josh Duhamel, Minka Kelly, James Brolin, Eoin Macken, Lizzy Greene, Marianly Tejada, Jack Schumacher, Garrett Wareing, Andrew Liner, Jennifer Ens, Niko Guardado, Casey W. Johnson, Philip Winchester, Kate Burton, Brett Cullen, Tatanka Means, Jaren Robledo, Justin Johnson Cortez, and Kenneth Miller.

Andor season 2 — Stream on Disney+ April 22, 2025

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Cassian is now playing a vital role in the Rebel Alliance's plans to take down the Empire. This Rogue One prequel is sure to break our hearts with its final installment.

Andor season 2 premieres April 22 and stars Diego Luna, Stellan Skarsgård, Genevieve O’Reilly, Denise Gough, Kyle Soller, Adria Arjona, Alan Tudyk, Faye Marsay, Varada Sethu, Elizabeth Dulau, Ben Mendelsohn, and Forest Whitaker.

Étoile — Stream on Prime Video April 24, 2025

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Gilmore Girls creator Amy Sherman-Palladino's new show Etoilé takes place in the high-stakes world of ballet. When two world-famous companies in New York and Paris run into trouble, they decide to swap their best dancers — and everyone's in for a world of drama. Here's the first look!

Etoilé premieres April and stars Luke Kirby, Charlotte Gainsburg, Lou de Laâge, Gideon Glick, David Alvarez, Ivan du Pontavice, Taïs Vinolo, David Haig, Simon Callow, Kelly Bishop, and Yanic Truesdale.

You season 5 — Stream on Netflix April 24, 2025

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Joe is back for one last season of You — and this time, he's looking at, well, you. And in the official trailer, he promises it "is the last time" he's going to be tested by love. I'm scared!

You season 5 premieres April 24 and stars Penn Badgley, Madeline Brewer, Anna Camp, Charlotte Richie, and Griffin Matthews.

Check out Jenny Han Just Teased A "Surprise" End To The Summer I Turned Pretty for even more TV hot takes.

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From winning multiple beauty awards to garnering genuine praise online, Beyoncé's haircare brand Cécred has passed the public's test and that's why I'm so excited it's finally available at Ulta (watch their cute announcement here)! Though I love going straight to Cécred's website to shop for goodies, I love how accessible it's become for customers. Whether you've been itching to try the award-winning Hydrating Shampoo or the Restoring Hair & Edge Drops that keep selling out (they're so worth it!), Ulta's made room in over 1,400 locations and online for them!

Keep scrolling to learn more about Cécred's launch in Ulta, discover Black women's experience with the popular brand, plus see my favorite picks!

Unveiling Cécred's Launch In Ulta

Cécred

Grace Ray, the CEO of Cécred shared how excited the brand is to launch in a major beauty retailer like Ulta in a press release. She said, "Expanding into retail just one year after the launch of Cécred is a powerful testament to the efficacy of our products and the deep connection we've built with our community," (via PR Newswire). She also said, "Our partnership with Ulta Beauty and their salons enables us to bring the Cécred transformation to more consumers of all hair types and textures and experience the benefits directly with a stylist they trust. Ulta Beauty shared our vision for how the brand would come to life in retail in an unprecedented way, and we can't wait for everybody to experience this new chapter with us."

Want to know if Ulta is equally excited about the partnership? Look no further than the retailer's CEO Kecia Steelman. She told PR Newswire, "Launching Cécred exclusively at Ulta Beauty is an exciting milestone for both of us and a reflection of our commitment to partner with brands that work for everyone. From our inclusive brand assortment and best-in-class services to the passionate associates delivering unmatched experiences on our sales floor and in our salon chairs, we offer the perfect landscape to introduce this brand in a unique and engaging way."

Not only that, but Steelman says Ulta feels "honored to co-create a vision that will delight" customers and "drive success" for them as well as Cécred.

Cécred

Additionally, Ulta Beauty and Cécred are offering an exclusive salon experience for customers. Stylists will be trained on how to effectively use products to offer the following services:

  • Cécred Scalp Revival: "Creates a foundation for healthy hair with a gentle exfoliation that nourishes your scalp, removes flakes and buildup, and helps keep your hair hydrated. This service includes a signature Cécred circulation scalp massage. It can be paired with any Cécred treatment and any finished style."
  • Cécred Protein Bounceback Treatment: "Features Cécred’s Fermented Rice & Rose Protein Ritual to help strengthen hair and make it 3x more resistant to breakage. The Cécred Moisturizing Deep Conditioner ensures a perfect protein-moisture balance, deeply nourishing hair while supporting everyday wear and tear."
  • Cécred Hydration & Repair Treatment: "Repairs and restores hair weakened by color, heat, chemical services, and extensions. This service includes Cécred Reconstructing Treatment Mask, which reduces damage in just one use, and Cécred Moisturizing Deep Conditioner to deeply nourish and maintain the ideal protein-moisture balance."

Beginning May 18, Cécred Sundays will take place at a "select 200 The Salon at Ulta Beauty locations!" It'll be a recurring event catered to customers who are looking for a relaxation during their hair appointments, plus they'll receive a complimentary mini Temple Oud candle with any of the above services.

I'm all for it because Cécred's on par with brands like Design Essentials, Olaplex, Aveda, Kérastase and Mizani. It might sound biased, but I've sat in the salon chair enough times to know this isn't your average line. But don't just take my word for it.

I spoke with my community to learn more about their experience using Cécred and they were gracious enough to share their hair journeys as well as thoughts about how the haircare brand fits into their overall routine!

1. Carolyn Gray, Content Creator 

Tone Woolfe

My conversation with Caroyln felt like a huge breath of fresh air. There wasn't a need to code switch (something Black women often navigate when communicating in the workplace and otherwise) as we had an open and honest discussion about her hair journey.

"When it comes to hair, I had two amazing perspectives on two ends of the spectrum in my family. I had my grandmother on my mom's side of the family — which is Caribbean — and they were all about relaxing the hair, doing the hair, having the hair salon in the back of the house that everyone would come to. That was their perspective of having refined, relaxed, and always put together hair...Having this idea that's how hair should be," she says.

On the other hand, her grandmother in the Maryland had gorgeous locs who told Carolyn as a child, "Don't ever let them tell you that they're dreadlocks. Ain't nothing dreadful about them." Ultimately Carolyn got a chance to see one group of women who felt like afro hair or natural hair wasn't 'neat' while the other side of her family believed curly hair is beautiful in a spiritual sense.

This helped prepare Carolyn for working in the corporate side of the fashion and fitness worlds. "I had a short perm there [in fitness] and was spoken to about what types of hair was acceptable on the sales floor or not. I started relaxing my hair in high school because it took my mom hours to manage my hair in its natural state and she fell into 'It's just easier for me this way without having to always go to the hair salon,' thing."

Her relaxer lasted from ages 14 until 27, but she's always played around with colors, short cuts, weaves, and even made her own wigs at one point. Though she knew there was a stigma around natural hair, she's always made it a point to have fun no matter what hairstyle she has.

Denise Stephanie Hewitt

So when Beyoncé announced the launch of Cécred, Carolyn didn't hesitate to send the news to her hairstylist to see how she felt. Her hairstylist's response? "I'm gonna buy the [super] fan bundle! Whatever bundle there is, I'm buying it!."

Carolyn says, "Initially I wanted to get her perspective to see if this would be something to try on my hair. Like, what did she think about the legacy of Beyoncé and her affair with hair as well as her mother's history as a hairstylist." She also reminded me that fans were able to catch a glimpse of Cécred's formulas on a table in her documentary for Renaissance. "I was like, 'what is this gold liquid thing on that table,'" she recalls excitedly.

"I didn't have any negative feeling about it because her mom has been a hairstylist. She [Beyoncé] has to wear weaves and color and I always wondered how she maintained her hair. I also thought how she cares for her hair with all the performing and the things she has to do," she says.

Concerning all of the negative thoughts about Cécred and Beyoncé's hair, Carolyn admits that she was thoroughly surprised at what some people were saying. She actually experienced said negativity in person when she was a part of a panel about Black beauty, but this didn't change her excitement about trying Cécred.

"I feel like my hair looks really healthy and I find that I've had less hair breakage since I've been using it. The reality is that I feel this hair care collection — the entire collection — is replacing the other products I used to maintain my blonde hair and the health of my hair."

She took care to mention that she believes Cécred is on par with Olaplex and K18. "I haven't had as much dandruff either because of that scrubbing shampoo [Clarifying Shampoo & Scalp Scrub]. Good Lord, what kind of scrub is that," she says with a laugh. Her only initial gripe is that she wasn't a fan of the shampoo's scent because she has a sensitive nose, but she barely notices it now.

You can watch her full review of Cécred on YouTube.

2. Brittany Waugh, Beauty Content Creator

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Brittany's hair journey is one that's void of putting chemicals in her hair. She says, "I grew up with a mom who prioritized healthy haircare. I spent the majority of my early childhood in natural hairstyles, only getting press and curls for holidays." The reason for is this is that her mom didn't want her to have damage from coloring her hair or relying on relaxers like she did. Brittany admits, "Even to this day, I am scared to use chemicals."

However, she used to experience pressure to alter her hair growing up. "I wear wigs often, but also wear my hair in a natural pineapple updo to the gym for convenience. In my house growing up, a new hairstyle every week or every two weeks was mandatory, so I have adopted that. However, as I get older, I don't feel as pressured to do this, but more so changing my hair for my enjoyment and wearing it how I feel comfortable."

Now that Cécred is on the market, Brittany shares that she was a little wary about trying the brand's products for personal reasons. "While I was of course excited because it was coming from Beyoncé, I am a person who rarely changes my routine. When I find products that work for me, unless something spectacular comes along and changes my mind, I stick with the products I know work for me."

She's gone on to embrace the brand and says, "I can truly tell that the entire line was well-produced and developed. I am someone who mutually deals with psoriasis similar to Beyonce, so finding products that help with that flare-up is rare. Their Clarifying Shampoo & Scalp Scrub with the Deep Conditioner have helped my scalp and hair more than the products I have been accustomed to."

She shared a brief BTS clip of her admiring Cécred's packaging along with a glimpse of her natural curls on TikTok!

3. Chelsea Hightower, Compensation Professional 

Chelsea Hightower

As long as I've known Chelsea, she's always worn her natural hair, and it never occurred to me to ask how she ever felt about it until now. "Growing up, I struggled to fully embrace my natural hair. Being a lifelong natural, I've mostly worn my hair in its natural state. However, as kids, our initial hairstyle choices often reflect our parents' or caretakers' preferences rather than our own," she reflects.

She also says, "My mom chose not to relax my hair when I was young, which greatly influenced my acceptance of my natural hair. However, for a long time, my choice was more influenced by circumstance than by preference. I found myself yearning for relaxed, straight hair, despite my mom’s efforts to encourage me to love my natural curls."

No matter how much her mom encouraged her, it was hard to not be influenced by what she was seeing. Chelsea says, "Most of the women and girls I knew had relaxers, including my mom and eventually my older sister. Despite receiving compliments and praise for my beautiful natural hair, I was still swayed by the prevailing trend of relaxed hair. It wasn't until 9th grade when my mom allowed me to relax my hair that I truly understood and appreciated my natural hair. That single experience of having my hair relaxed was enough to make me realize that I never wanted to do it again—I was mortified by how unnaturally straight and stiff it made my hair feel. I knew I’d be a natural girl for life after that!"

As much as she loves her hair, Chelsea admits that it hasn't always been easy to embrace it in a professional setting due to her own feelings about how she might be perceived. "While no one has explicitly told me to change or straighten my hair, I've felt an internal pressure. With a doctorate in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, where I've delved into research on fairness in the workplace and hiring practices, I've come across studies highlighting unconscious biases against people of color based on characteristics like hair," she shares.

Much of her studies and research revealed shocking documented evidence of the biases that POC face due to our hair, definitely playing a role in some of that pressure to conform. She's not afraid to admit that she even made the decision to wear her hair differently when interviewing for her first post-doctorate role. "This concern led me to wear a natural slick-back for some interviews, but for others, I opted for a straight-haired bob wig. Many Black women joke about the 'bait and switch' tactic of wearing a wig or weave for interviews and then revealing their natural hair once hired. That's essentially what I did. Now that I've secured my job, I feel more at ease wearing my natural hair. However, during the interview process, I felt the need to mitigate potential biases by altering my hairstyle."

Chelsea Hightower

When I asked her to share her unfiltered thoughts about using Cécred on her curls, Chelsea eagerly shared how her routine has changed since using the brand's products. "I was really impressed with the Cécred line when I first tried it out. I wanted to minimize bias as much as possible, so I made a conscious effort not to let my admiration for Beyoncé as an entertainer influence my perception of her hair products," she says.

This led her to compare Cécred with another hair care line she frequently uses. "I conducted a side-by-side comparison of Cécred and the other brand to judge Cécred’s performance fairly and without bias...the results spoke for themselves. The curls on the side of my hair treated with Cécred appeared shinier and had better definition on Day 2 compared to the side treated with the other brand. I shared my full wash day comparison on social media, and others agreed with my conclusion that Cécred outperformed the other brand." You can watch her comparison video on Instagram!

Ironically, Chelsea immediately loved the scent of Cécred's products, differing from Carolyn's experience. "Being a scent enthusiast, I appreciate the subtly perfumed fragrance of the products. My favorite product from day one has been the Reconstructing Treatment Mask. Everything about it, from its consistency and scent to the softness it imparts to my hair, is *chefs kiss*! This product recently won the 2024 Women's Health Beauty Award for Best Hair Mask, confirming its quality. It's definitely a product worth trying!"

The only issue she has right now is that she wishes the brand offered more styling products, but we'll see what happens as the year unfolds! Knowing Beyoncé and team Cécred, we could see even more surprises unfold this year. They're already scored huge by being in Ulta, so there's no telling what's next!

My Favorite Cécred Picks Found At Ulta

Ulta

Hydrating Shampoo

If a shampoo claims to be hydrating, I'm all over it because my hair's texture craves moisture. While I wasn't sure what to expect from Cécred's Hydrating Shampoo, I cleared my mind of any preconceived fan bias I may have had prior to using it.

The first thing I noticed is how my coils immediately became bouncy after washing the first section of my hair. That's always my first clue that wash day will go well, so I was excited when that happened.

By the time I finished using the shampoo, my hair was bouncy and incredibly soft.

P.S. It has a slight fragrance, but I actually like it!

Ulta

Hydrating Conditioner

I don't alway use a conditioner after washing my hair, but I wanted to try Cécred's Hydrating Conditioner to see if it paired well with the Hydrating Shampoo. Once again, I applied the product to each section of my hair and let it saturate my strands for five minutes. Once I rinsed it out, I became convinced that I'd found new staples for my wash day.

Ulta

Reconstructing Treatment Mask

I love applying hair masks because they give my coils extra TLC, but this Reconstructing Treatment option has put my regular go-to products to shame. It has Cécred's "patent-pending Bioactive Keratin Ferment" in it which helps pump the brakes on damage and improve hair's overall shine.

I honestly didn't notice if my hair seemed shinier after using this, but I didn't notice as much shedding once I rinsed it out. That's a huge plus for me!

Ulta

Restoring Hair & Edge Drops

Last but not least, Cécred's Restoring Hair & Edge Drops have earned the hype in my opinion. Unlike other serums or growth oils, its texture isn't super thick. In fact, it almost has a watery consistency so you don't need a lot. It doesn't burn and feels like you're applying something handmade by God.

In other words, it feels really good and makes you want to cradle the bottle after you're done making sure your scalp isn't neglected.

My Final Thoughts About Cécred

Jasmine Williams

Whether I'm wearing my natural hair or protective styles, I value using great products to care for my hair no matter what style I'm wearing. As a Black woman, I've faced criticism for having relaxed hair, a pixie cut, braids, sew-ins and more, so I can only imagine how it feels to have Beyoncé's status and watch others decide you're not well-versed enough to have a haircare line.

However, I've searched through hundreds of comments on Cécred's Instagram and there's an overflow of examples of how well the brand works on a variety of hair textures. From people who suffer from alopecia or are looking for products that keep their hair moisturized, Cécred is keeping customers in mind.

P.S. I still can't believe how bouncy and soft it made my coils. The proof is literally in the pudding of the shampoo and restoration mask, so I highly recommend using it!

Cécred's 'A Deeper Understanding Of Hair' Campaign

Wieden+Kennedy for Cécred

Just when Cécred couldn't get any better, they decided to parter with the popular creative company Wieden+Kennedy to also launch a new campaign called A Deeper Understanding of Hair!" A dedicated video on Instagram dives into Cécred's manifesto and it sums up how inclusive the brand is. From specialized hair treatments to the immortal silk press, the brand knows that hair tells a story.

Hair isn't uniform and should never be treated as such. I love that Carolyn, Brittany, and Chelsea dove into their varying experiences and upbringings to share how it all helped shape the way they approach their hair today. I'm also a huge fan of the way they separately champion Black women, giving themselves and others permission to truly love their hair — natural texture and all — without succumbing to the idea that they have to fit into a certain beauty standard.

And while this could all come together without Cécred, isn't it wonderful the way Beyoncé's brought us all together? (And made our hair look and feel good while doing it?) I think so, too!

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This post has been updated.