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© 2026 Unraveling the Knots
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Unraveling the Knots (UTK) celebrates and highlights natural hair experiences ranging from lifestyle, history, controversies to beauty practices. Join us bi-weekly as we explore natural hair (in all its curly glory) and beauty while fostering a space of empowerment and authenticity.
84 Episodes
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For generations we were taught that natural hair care meant finding the right grease or the perfect topical oil. Today, the modern high-achieving (wo)man is facing a new challenge that a bottle cannot fix. In this episode of the UTK podcast we, dive into the world of neurocosmetics to understand reflects your nervous system. We explore the generational shift from focusing on external appearance to understanding internal biological signals. Listen to learn how to shift from reactive prod...
For decades, the conversation around aging was reserved for skincare, while hair was left to "quick fixes" and dyes. In this episode of the UTK Podcast, we are flipping the script. We dive into the science of molecular longevity to understand why 20-somethings are now seeking a "biological return on investment" for their hair. We explore how more women are shifting from reactive hair care to proactive scalp health. Learn why your body enters "survival mode" during burnout...prioritizing your ...
We’ve all spent a small fortune on deep conditioners promising miracle transformations, but what if the most potent hair treatment is currently sitting in your fridge? In this episode of the UTK Podcast, we sit down with author, nutritionist and natural hair coach Blessing Osunniyi, to explore the biological truth...your hair is a reflection of your plate, not just your product shelf. While we often prioritize topical "fixes," our bodies view hair as a non-essential luxury. Blessing rev...
The hair supplement industry is a $2 billion powerhouse selling dreams of overnight length, but what is the biological reality for your hair? In this solo episode of the UTK Podcast, we peel back the layers of aggressive marketing to reveal what your hair actually needs to thrive. From the specific roles of Biotin and Omega-3s to the critical necessity of blood tests over viral trends, this deep dive explores why a pill cannot fix a high-stress lifestyle. Tune to learn how to brid...
Is the current natural hair movement a perfect utopia or a complex shift across generations? This episode of the UTK Podcast dives into the reality of how our hair stories are shaped by the decade we were born. We explore the survival tactics of Gen X navigating Eurocentric beauty standards and the Millennial digital movement that revived our collective pride. From the impact of school hair codes on Gen Z to the future influence of AI on Gen Alpha, we break down why hair has never been ...
Transitioning from relaxed to natural hair can feel overwhelming, especially when conflicting advice creates more confusion than clarity. In this episode of the UTK Podcast, our host is interviewed by a member of the podcast crew to answer real questions from someone considering transitioning to natural hair. We break down what the transition phase truly involves, from managing two textures to understanding why moisture, gentle manipulation, and proper detangling matter more than chasing prod...
In this special end-of-year episode of the UTK Podcast, the script is flipped! A team member takes the mic to interview our host, Ganiyat, for a candid deep dive into her 2025 natural hair journey. Anchored by her word of the year, "Intentionality," the conversation explores the tension between making resolutions and breaking them specifically her vow to avoid salons. Ganiyat opens up about stylist training gaps after a protein treatment mishap. Tune in to reflect on your own hair habit...
Less is more...especially when it comes to beauty. In this episode, we chat with Dr. Tracey Hicks-Kearse, the science-backed beauty chemist with 22+ years experience in the industry. As the Founder and Chief Chemist of AcARRE, Dr. Tracey shares her “less products, more meaning” philosophy for natural skin and scalp care. Her approach is confident, empowering, and rooted in science. Tune in for an engaging blend of wellness and chemistry as Dr. Tracey demystifies minimalist beauty....
What does your skin say about who you are? In this powerful episode, Dr. Farayola, scholar, author, and global health advocate, joins us to unpack the deep links between identity and self-worth. From scalp care and natural beauty to public policy and Eurocentric beauty standards, Dr. Farayola shares how internalized beliefs and global systems shape how Black women are seen and how they see themselves. She speaks candidly about growing up with colorist comments, her mother’s fierce protection,...
In this episode of Unraveling the Knots, we sit down with Kaitlyn Schneider, a biological engineer turned skincare brand founder of Aeston West, who’s passionate about blending science with beauty. Kaitlyn shares how she went from the lab to the spa, applying her scientific savvy to skin wellness. She explains why our hair can act as a “barometer” of internal health and how our skin reflects what’s happening inside us, from nutrition to stress. Kat also opens up about her mission to embrace a...
In this episode of Unraveling the Knots, we sit down with researcher-entrepreneur, Asha Kabirou, who beautifully blends science, spirituality, and community building. Asha shares her personal natural hair journey. She explains how simplifying her routine (think gentle care and consistency) helped her embrace her hair’s natural beauty and strength. With 6+ years at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Asha brings some serious science to the conversation. She breaks down the evidence on caf...
What if your hair routine was also a public health conversation? In this episode of UTK, we sit down with Dr. Osadebe, an infectious disease epidemiologist, veterinarian, and public health consultant with 17+ years of global experience, including work with the CDC and WHO. She shares her personal natural hair journey, from relaxing to transitioning to her natural hair, and connects it to her expertise in public health. Together, we explore why hair is more than style, it's considered a social...
In this inspiring episode of Unraveling the knots, we welcome natural hair model Alaina Miller to share her journey of embracing her curly hair in the fashion industry. From getting bullied in high school for her natural hair to strutting the runway with confidence, Alaina’s story is a testament to resilience and self-love. Alaina opens up about learning to care for her own hair (she hasn’t been to a salon in 8 years!), busting myths about Black hair length and texture, and standing up to ind...
Send us Fan Mail Send your questions about Afro-textured/coily hair to utkinhair@gmail.com. Check out your natural beauty hub, ÈYÍ DÁRA Naturals for natural hair care solutions. Follow us on instagram @utkpodcast
Captain Tobi Almaroof, a Nigerian-American Muslim woman and U.S. Army captain, shares how she proudly wears her natural 4C hair under her hijab, defying expectations in the military. In this inspiring episode of Unraveling the Knots, she opens up about navigating strict Army grooming regulations that once banned locs and twists. She highlights the Army’s recent shifts toward inclusion...from finally permitting religious head coverings and protective styles in 2017 and how those changes helped...
In this heartwarming episode of Unraveling the Knots, our host chats with her vibrant step-mother, Ameena, to explore a lifelong natural hair journey rooted in culture, resilience, and self-love. Originally from Jamaica, Ameena shares candid stories of growing up with rich hair care traditions. She reflects on the significance of family and community in Black hair care (like why Jamaican Black Castor Oil is a staple in almost every Jamaican home) and recalls how weekend wash days felt like bo...
In this illuminating episode of Unraveling the Knots, we’re joined by the brilliant and beloved Dr. Seyi Oni a board-certified internal medicine physician, aesthetics specialist, and natural hair advocate to break down two often misunderstood hair loss conditions: traction alopecia and Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA). Dr. Oni draws from years of clinical expertise and deep care for the health of Black women to guide us through the science of hair loss...from identifying early ...
Join us for an inspiring new episode of Unraveling the Knots’ “What’s Hair Got to Do With It?” series as we sit down with Folu Seton, a communications PhD candidate, seasoned educator, and savvy digital strategist. With her trademark sass and confidence, Folu shares a deeply personal story of hair, growth, and self-acceptance. Though she currently rocks a relaxed style, Tolu’s heart is with her natural roots. She takes us from cherished childhood memories to mastering DIY styles, and through ...
In this episode of Unraveling the Knots, founder Shile Bello, opens up about her own natural hair struggles and successes. Shile is a wedding planner and founder of one of the leading DC based event planning firm, RAE Affairs. She explains how she transformed relaxed strands into gorgeous hair and confidence. As a professional, mother, and woman deeply rooted in authenticity and beauty, Shile shares the ups, downs, and surprises that shaped her natural hair journey from relaxer hair horror st...
Join us for an empowering conversation with Dr. Folake Kofo-Idowu, physician and natural hair advocate, as she shares her journey from chemical relaxers to embracing her crown. This episode is truly special as we kickoff our inspiring hair series...'What's Hair Got to do with it?' where we sit down with women and listen to their hair stories. In this episode of Unraveling the Knots, we dive into the science of hair health, the toxic beauty standards holding women back, and how natural h...
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