Summer is upon us, and as nice as it is to feel the warm sun beaming on your skin, your hair may not feel the same. With warm weather comes unwanted frizz, dry ends, and hairstyles that fail no matter how hard you try to keep them intact.
[SEE ALSO: 5 Ways to Liven Up Your Hair Game This Summer]
We know that not all haircare products work for everyone, so we compiled an assortment of some of our favorite queer-owned haircare brands. Try all or just one for great hair days all season.
NOTO Botanics
NOTO Botanics is a gender-inclusive, clean cosmetic line made from vegan and cruelty-free ingredients. Founded by a first-generation professional makeup artist, NOTO Botanics strives for community and customer-reviewed results while maintaining its sustainability initiatives.
Although the brand primarily focuses on makeup, they also have some fantastic products for hair. Their Basil Yarrow Hydrating Mist is a gentle cooling spray created from a blend of essential oils designed for hydration on the go. Whether sweat is dripping down your forehead or your hair needs a much-needed boost, the basil yarrow mist is friendly for both your skin and hair. With over 50 positive reviews, customers rave about the clean smell and the therapeutic feeling it leaves behind.
Kaleidoscope
For those of us who want to maintain long, luxurious hair this summer, Kaleidoscope products have just about every tool needed to grow out your hair. CEO Jessica Dupart founded Kaleidoscope with a dream and a pair of scissors, and has transformed the company into a six-figure business available for purchase in national stores such as Target, Sally Beauty, and CVS. One of the brand’s most popular products, Kaleidoscope Miracle Drops—also known as the liquid gold of hair care products—is infused with cooling peppermint and essential oils to enhance blood circulation to help hair growth. Some say they see results in as little as four weeks, so if you order today, you’ll be ready to impress everyone at the first barbecue of summer.
[READ MORE: Halle Bailey’s Best Beauty Looks]
Alder New York
Alder New York, a clean vegan skincare line created from science-backed ingredients, is best known for being a hormone-inclusive company intended for all hair and skin types. Their store consists of everything from soap dishes to a cleansing facial brush, and all their products are vetted by a third party (Environmental Working Group) to ensure environmental safety. Alder’s 100% natural texture powder restores hair’s volume and absorbs any sweaty oils. Made of shave grass and sea clay, this dry shampoo doesn’t leave any visible residue. A little goes a long way and is perfect for the upcoming busy months.
Vernon Francois
Hairstylist and entrepreneur Vernon François is best known for his career as a celebrity hairstylist to names such as Lupita Nyong’o, Solange Knowles, and Elaine Welteroth. On top of styling some of the most sought-after celebs, he also founded VERNON FRANÇOIS Haircare, which he created in 2016 for curly and afro hair textures. The line ranges from hair accessories to finishing products and has won a number of awards over the years. Our favorite product for summer is his Re-Vamp shampoo catered towards damaged and dry hair. If you plan to spend half of your summer in a pool or laying out in the sun, the Re-Vamp shampoo will quickly become your best friend with its non-stripping formula aiming to nurture your hair back to health.
Mantl
Specifically catered toward bald men, Mantl was founded by Queer Eye star Karamo Brown out of frustration in finding products that worked for his skin and scalp. With the motivation of changing the face of baldness, Mantl’s products are designed to add an additional layer to your scalp for protection against the harsh summer rays. Their Invisible Daily SPF 30 was perfected to leave zero pesky white streaks behind and make it safer to walk outside without fearing sunburn. Its lightweight, transparent gel texture is perfect for reapplication and is designed to mattify on the skin.
