Unraveling the Knots

Mid-2026 Hair Goals Check-In: What’s Working & What’s Changing

At the start of each year, many of us set ambitious hair goals. Then life happens. In this episode of the UTK Podcast, Ganiyat shares an honest mid-year review of her natural hair journey, celebrating progress, admitting setbacks, and reflecting on the lessons learned along the way. From inconsistent deep conditioning and changing salon boundaries to surprising protective style decisions and learning to adapt hair goals to real life, this episode reminds us that healthy hair is built through consistency, flexibility, and self-compassion...not perfection. If you've ever skipped wash day, adjusted your routine, questioned a hair decision, or wondered whether you're still on track with your healthy hair journey, this conversation is for you. Listen for practical beauty and lifestyle tips, honest reflections, and encouragement to reset your goals without giving up on them. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2252525/fan_mail/new] Send your questions about Afro-textured/coily hair to utkinhair@gmail.com. Check out your natural beauty hub, ÈYÍ DÁRA Naturals [https://eyidaranaturals.com/] for natural hair care solutions. Follow us on instagram @utkpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/utkpodcast/]

Hair, Art and Masculinity Conversations with The Story Priest

For the first time on the UTK Podcast beauty community, we talk hair with a male guest. In this special 90th episode, we sit down with Nigerian screenwriter and director, Emmanuel 'Story Priest' Adejo  to explore hair, identity, masculinity and creativity. From navigating stereotypes to finding confidence in self-expression, Emmanuel shares thoughtful reflections on growing natural hair, building a creative career, and staying true to yourself in spaces that expect conformity. Tune in for a refreshing and deeply human conversation. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2252525/fan_mail/new] Send your questions about Afro-textured/coily hair to utkinhair@gmail.com. Check out your natural beauty hub, ÈYÍ DÁRA Naturals [https://eyidaranaturals.com/] for natural hair care solutions. Follow us on instagram @utkpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/utkpodcast/]

Are Hair Accessories Keeping You From Your Hair Goals?

From rubber bands and metal clips to fabric-covered elastics and slick buns, this episode explores how everyday accessories affects hair. We breakdown the mechanical and biological cost of tight, rough, or poorly chosen accessories, including breakage and hair loss. Tune in to learn how to choose better, style smarter, and protect your hair goals without losing your personality. Listen now and rethink your hair accessories. Download your free copy of the UTK-Podcast Hair Accessory Guide [https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/17cJKMmoxT5qt1ufoYaPaqd4aUIMiPo5u] for hair accessory tips to support your hair goals. References Bolduc, C., & Shapiro, J. (2001). "Management of hair loss." The Lancet, Vol. 357, Issue 9253, pp. 321-322. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(00)03630-1/fulltext [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(00)03630-1/fulltext&authuser=3] Draelos, Z. D. (2010). "Essentials of Hair Care often neglected: Hair Cleansing." Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, Vol. 9, Issue 4, pp. 312-315. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14732165 [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14732165] Khumalo, N. P., et al. (2007). "Traction alopecia is caused by hair care practices." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Vol. 57, Issue 2, pp. 221-230. https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(07)00583-1/fulltext [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(07)00583-1/fulltext&authuser=3] Miteva, M., & Tosti, A. (2013). "Traction Alopecia." Dermatologic Clinics, Vol. 31, Issue 1, pp. 107-117. https://www.derm.theclinics.com/article/S0733-8635(12)00101-3/fulltext [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.derm.theclinics.com/article/S0733-8635(12)00101-3/fulltext&authuser=3] Swift, J. A. (1991). "The mechanics of fracture of human hair." Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, Vol. 42, pp. 1-18. https://library.scconline.org/v042n01/ [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://library.scconline.org/v042n01/&authuser=3] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2252525/fan_mail/new] Send your questions about Afro-textured/coily hair to utkinhair@gmail.com. Check out your natural beauty hub, ÈYÍ DÁRA Naturals [https://eyidaranaturals.com/] for natural hair care solutions. Follow us on instagram @utkpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/utkpodcast/]

Our Crazy Hair Stories: Lessons, Regrets & Laughs

In this funny and honest episode of Unraveling the Knots, we share our craziest hair stories and lessons learnt. From a homemade gel experiment gone wrong to unexpected trims, painful hairstyles, questionable salon choices, and one very confusing “texturized, not relaxed” moment, this episode is full of the hair stories Naturalistas know too well. If natural hair stories, salon drama, hair mishaps, and honest conversations are your thing, this episode is for you.  Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2252525/fan_mail/new] Send your questions about Afro-textured/coily hair to utkinhair@gmail.com. Check out your natural beauty hub, ÈYÍ DÁRA Naturals [https://eyidaranaturals.com/] for natural hair care solutions. Follow us on instagram @utkpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/utkpodcast/]

Is It Really Safe To Tint Your Hair? The L’Oréal Hair Dye Controversy

Discover the shocking truth behind popular hair dyes and why your safety depends on where you live. This episode of Unraveling the Knots dives into recent findings exposing dangerous ingredients like methylene chloride in major hair dye brands. We explore the massive regulatory divide between the US and Europe, revealing why thousands of toxic chemicals are banned in the EU but remain on shelves in the US. Learn about the shift toward safer alternatives and natural hair color options like henna.  Tune in to empower yourself with the knowledge to make informed choices for your hair and body. References * Consumer Reports. (2026). "Consumer Reports Finds Toxic Chemicals in Every Hair Dye Tested, Calls for Immediate Industry and Legislative Action." Advocacy Consumer Reports.https://advocacy.consumerreports.org/ [https://advocacy.consumerreports.org/] * FDA. (2026). "Cosmetic Products Containing Methylene Chloride." U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 700.19.https://www.fda.gov/consumers/health-fraud-scams/cosmetic-products-containing-methylene-chloride [https://www.fda.gov/consumers/health-fraud-scams/cosmetic-products-containing-methylene-chloride] * International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). (2017). "Methylene Chloride, Trichloroethylene and Other Chlorinated Solvents." IARC Monographs, Volume 110. * Journal of Hazardous Materials. (2026). "Dermal Absorption and Percutaneous Penetration of p-Phenylenediamines (PPDs): Mechanisms and Implications." Journal of Hazardous Materials, Vol. 507, 141747. * Fortune Business Insights. (2026). "Hair Color Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, 2026-2034."https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/ [https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2252525/fan_mail/new] Send your questions about Afro-textured/coily hair to utkinhair@gmail.com. Check out your natural beauty hub, ÈYÍ DÁRA Naturals [https://eyidaranaturals.com/] for natural hair care solutions. Follow us on instagram @utkpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/utkpodcast/]