by Nina King
If you’re struggling to find products that will allow your locs to thrive and grow, you’ll love OOLI Beauty: A plant-based hair care system formulated just for locs. We caught up with founder Jessica Pritchett to learn more.
1. What is OOLI and why did you start it?
I started OOLI for two reasons: lack of product efficacy and the problem of product waste when it comes to locs. Over the almost 20 years that I’ve had locs, I’ve purchased products that just wouldn’t work. The natural hair community has lots of products for loose naturals but barely any for locs. What was out there either dried out my hair, or produced buildup which is truly a pain to remove. I wanted to create a line where people with locs wouldn’t have to waste money trying to find the right products. It’s all right here at OOLI.
2. What products/ingredients are most important for maintaining locs?
Good shampoos: One for cleansing and one for clarifying to remove product buildup. You’ll also need a daily leave-in conditioner to keep your locs from drying out. As far as ingredients, I love aloe vera, black cumin oil to combat thinning, and silk amino acids to lock in moisture.
3. For someone considering locs, what should they keep in mind when it comes to maintenance?
A few things: locing your hair is a process and a study in patience. It’s definitely a commitment if you start them without extensions like I did. It’s important to not use products that dry your hair out, or cause unsightly buildup at the root of the loc. Finally, don’t over twist/palm roll if you can help it. Less manipulation will prevent thinning of your locs at the root.
4. Your #1 styling trick for keeping locs looking flawless?
Make sure to tie your hair up with a satin scarf or sleep on a satin pillowcase at night to save your fresh twist and keep your hair on point.
Shop OOLI here.