Looking for some good textured hair advice? Aysha Sow has got you covered. For this digital content creator and Instagram star, hair is an essential part of her identity and style, whether she’s rocking Fulani braids or a flowing low pony. We talked with Aysha about natural hair care, the importance of protective styles, her skincare routine, and how she defines beauty.
TS
How did you get into digital content creation?
AS
I was born in West-Africa and raised in The Netherlands and Belgium. I first came to New York for an internship in January 2016. A few months later, in April of that year, I went to a natural hair event and that’s when I was first introduced to the world of social media. I started taking pictures shortly after that and also working with photographers to create content.
TS
How did you develop your personal sense of style?
AS
Living in New York, there is endless inspiration everywhere. Everyone has such a great sense of style in the city, and it definitely inspires me in a lot of ways. I also think with age, I have gotten better at knowing what I like and what works for my body type.
TS
Tell us about your current hair care routine.
AS
My hair care routine is very basic at the moment — I am trying to nurture my hair back to health after putting way too much heat on it last year. I will usually wash my hair once a week with shampoo (Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance), a conditioner (Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate), a deep conditioner (Eden Bodyworks Jojoba Monoi), and a moisturizer afterwards (SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil).
TS
What is the best piece of advice you’ve heard about caring for and styling natural hair?
AS
Stay away from heat and be patient with your hair!
TS
What do you wish more people knew about protective styles and their significance in Black history?
AS
I want people to know that there is always a meaning behind it. And that it took some of us years to get to where we are now: to love our hair the way it is, to love our bold protective styles the way they are. That it means a lot to us. It’s almost a part of our identity. We express ourselves with our hair, and it empowers us.
“We express ourselves with our hair, and it empowers us.”
TS
Tell us about your skincare routine. What are some skincare products you can’t live without?
AS
Currently, I cleanse with Fenty Skin Total Cleans’r and follow with Caudalie Vinopure Serum or Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution. Then I moisturize with Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream. That cream is a favorite of mine — I have probably ran through 4 or 5 jars already! Next I apply Sonrei Skin Gel Sunscreen, which is another absolute favorite. It’s like an oil, moisturizer, and SPF all in one. It doesn’t leave a white cast at all, applies super smooth, and feels so soft and gentle on my skin. Then I finish with Caudalie Beauty Elixir.
I have been taking it a bit easier on my skincare routine; it’s not as excessive as before. And I only do this once a day! If I have a long, busy day ahead, then I’ll usually do my skincare at night, to unwind. But if I am staying in and my day isn’t as hectic, I’ll take the time to do it in the morning.
TS
What is your go-to makeup look?
AS
I’m a very simple girl and I always go for an easy and quick makeup look. I don’t apply eyeshadow or highlighter nor do I “bake.” I really just stick with the basics: some foundation, blush and bronzer, and some lip gloss.
TS
What’s your self-care power move?
AS
Detaching from everything! I unplug every now and then, and just treat myself to a spa day at home, cook my favorite foods and play Snoh Aalegra in the background.
TS
In a few words, how do you define beauty?
AS
Over the years I’ve really come to understand that beauty has a different meaning for every single person. Beauty is whatever it means to you. To me, it means loving myself fully, with flaws and all. Accepting me for me.
