The Tight Curls Project

Braids Care: Rethinking Protective Styles

Braids are often called protective. But if that’s true, why do some of us notice thinning edges, breakage, or uneven length after take-down?   In this final episode of the Braids Care Series, we unpack what’s really happening when we wear braids. We talk about why growth and retention are not the same thing, how tension and friction affect the hairline, and what can quietly lead to damage over time. Most importantly, we cover practical ways to support healthier retention with braids, before installation, while wearing them, and during take-down. This conversation isn’t about avoiding braids. It’s about understanding the trade-offs so you can protect the hair you have and make choices that align with your goals. 📚 Episode References Molamodi, K., Fajuyigbe, D., Sewraj, P., Gichuri, J., Sijako, B., Galliano, A., & Laurent, A. (2021). Quantifying the impact of braiding and combing on the integrity of natural African hair. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 43, 321–331. ⁠https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12699⁠ [https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12699] Aguh, C., 90 Days to Beautiful Curly Hair (2023)   🔗 Connect with The Tight Curls Project: Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/q9Swb0naob8 [https://youtu.be/q9Swb0naob8] Subscribe to our FREE Substack: http://tightcurlsprojectpod.substack.com [http://tightcurlsprojectpod.substack.com/] Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tightcurlsproject/ [https://www.instagram.com/tightcurlsproject/] Brand design: http://heyzanda.com [http://heyzanda.com/]

In Its Element

What does it look like to really know your hair, care for it well, and enjoy it as part of your life? In this episode, I talk with Tiana about self-advocacy, focusing on what you have, and how that mindset can support confidence and ease over time. We also get into her Sisterlocks journey, what surprised her most after starting locs, and how her hair became a signature style that supports how she shows up professionally.   ✅ Help more people find us by subscribing to this podcast. We appreciate ya!   ✨ Connect with Tiana Elame Website: TianaElame.com [http://tianaelame.com] Environmental Answers: https://www.envans.org/ [https://www.envans.org/] Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetianaselection/ [https://www.instagram.com/thetianaselection/]   🔗 Connect with The Tight Curls Project: Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/q9Swb0naob8 [https://youtu.be/q9Swb0naob8] Subscribe to our FREE Substack: http://tightcurlsprojectpod.substack.com [http://tightcurlsprojectpod.substack.com/] Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tightcurlsproject/ [https://www.instagram.com/tightcurlsproject/] Brand design: http://heyzanda.com [http://heyzanda.com/]

Switching It Up!

This week I’m joined by Amanda, who brings humor, heart, and her rooted  confidence to the mic. Her hair story is rooted in family, curiosity, and a growing appreciation for how she was created, curls and all. Since her early days admiring the women at the beauty salon to finding inspiration from her favorite 106 & Park artists, she’s always treated hair as a space for creativity and self-expression. Now as a mom, Amanda is modeling that same pride for her daughter. We talk about styling in ways that highlight her natural texture and how representation at home shapes the way kids see themselves. She also shares the realistic weekly routine that’s helped bring ease into their family rhythm. It’s funny, fun and full of the kind of wisdom that lifts and encourages.   ✅ Help more people find us by subscribing to this podcast. We appreciate ya!   ✨ What Amanda's Loving: https://drinkbuji.com/ [https://drinkbuji.com/]   🔗 Connect with The Tight Curls Project: Subscribe to our FREE Substack: http://tightcurlsprojectpod.substack.com [http://tightcurlsprojectpod.substack.com] Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tightcurlsproject/ [https://www.instagram.com/tightcurlsproject/] Brand design: http://heyzanda.com [http://heyzanda.com]

Braids Care: Synthetic Hair, Real Talk

Synthetic braiding hair has been at the center of a lot of headlines this year, and many of them have sparked more fear than facts. This episode cuts through the noise and explains what synthetic hair is actually made of, what recent testing really found and what matters most for real-life wearers and stylists. Polymer chemist and inventor Ashley Davis joins to share what she’s learned from developing and testing braiding hair. We get into how to spot better quality hair, simple prep steps that make installs more comfortable and the kind of practical science that brings real peace of mind.   ✅ Help more people find us by subscribing to this podcast. We appreciate ya!   ✨ Connect with Ashley: Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplyash_xoxo/ [https://www.instagram.com/simplyash_xoxo/] Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyndavis1/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyndavis1/]   🔗 Connect with The Tight Curls Project: Subscribe to our FREE Substack: http://tightcurlsprojectpod.substack.com [http://tightcurlsprojectpod.substack.com] Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tightcurlsproject/ [https://www.instagram.com/tightcurlsproject/] Brand design: http://heyzanda.com [http://heyzanda.com]   🤿 Dive into the science: * Wong M. Is synthetic braiding hair giving people cancer? Breaking down Consumer Reports’ tests. Lab Muffin Beauty Science. March 27, 2025. Accessed November 1, 2025. https://labmuffin.com/is-synthetic-braiding-hair-giving-people-cancer-breaking-down-consumer-reports-tests/ [https://labmuffin.com/is-synthetic-braiding-hair-giving-people-cancer-breaking-down-consumer-reports-tests/] * Auguste, D., & Miller, S. L. (2020). Volatile Organic Compound Emissions From Heated Synthetic Hair: A Pilot Study. Environmental Health Insights. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6990612/ [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6990612/] *  Dangerous chemicals in braiding hair?. BeautySciComm. April 13, 2025. Accessed November 15, 2025. https://beautyscicomm.com/dangerous-chemicals-in-braiding-hair/

Sporting Curls

Between doubleheaders and early mornings, hair was just another task on Amiah Burgess’s list. That changed when she discovered how a new hairstyle can spark confidence and joy. Now a D1 Duke softball player and women’s sports advocate, she has turned hair care into self-expression and fun. In this episode, Amiah shares how community became the game changer for her game-day style and gave her courage to try new styles. We also talk about life as a student-athlete, championing women’s sports, and finding inspiration through the people around you.   ✅ Help more people find us by subscribing to this podcast. We appreciate ya!   Connect with Amiah: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amiaaahhhh/ [https://www.instagram.com/amiaaahhhh/] Shop her store: https://nil.store/duke/duke-amiah-burgess-5 [https://nil.store/duke/duke-amiah-burgess-5] Duke Blue Crew: https://www.instagram.com/dukebluecrew/ [https://www.instagram.com/dukebluecrew/] Connect with The Tight Curls Project: Subscribe to our FREE Substack: http://tightcurlsprojectpod.substack.com [http://tightcurlsprojectpod.substack.com] Follow on Instagram: http://instagram.com/tightcurlsproject [http://instagram.com/tightcurlsproject] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TightCurlsProject [https://www.youtube.com/@TightCurlsProject] Brand design: http://heyzanda.com [http://heyzanda.com]