Heritage By Airest

It was any ordinary day  that ended with an exclusive experience.  A one-on-one interview with Ms. Airest Newsome.  The divine sunshine of Heritage By Airest, a “back to basics” natural hair care line. Our meet up seemed  nothing shy of two old friends sharing hair experiences and “ahh haaa” moments on hair and life.   She spoke so candidly about her need for superb hair care, finding it and sharing it.

During our entire conversation, I couldn’t stop beaming at  her lustrous kinks.  Of course,  I asked to touch it.   Immediately I fell in love! It was cotton soft and free from the typical heavy feel some products leave in your hair.    Airest is a walking advertisement and testament to her back to basics hair line.

Check our some of our convo and how Heritage got its start.

 

 

How did Heritage by Airest get its start?

Heritage By Airest begin out of my personal necessity to care for my natural hair.  Although there are a plethora of natural hair products on the market none of them were exactly what I was looking for.  It had all gotten so complicated.  I desired a simple little routine.  I didn’t want to use 6 or more different products or brands just to get the look I desired. The three products I created, which now comprise the Heritage Hair Collection, was never supposed to be for the public- it was my little secret, and my way of simplifying my routine and being able to get consistent results for my hair.  Although I had no intention of ever selling my products, after about the 15^th request to place an order, I realized I couldn’t fight it anymore.  The demand was there.

 

 

 

Love the name “Heritage.” What is the meaning behind this for your
brand?

The name Heritage has a dual meaning.  One is obviously acknowledging and honoring men and women from a multitude of different nationalities and ethnicity’s who choose to embrace their natural hair texture.  The second meaning is the idea of simplifying something that has become so commercialized and complicated- “getting back to the basics” of natural hair care. Your cultural heritage is your foundation, the basics of what makes you who you are. Similarly, the Heritage brand is all about taking you back to that place where making the decision to go natural was about freedom and simplifying your lifestyle.

 

 

Please explain your 3 step process and include the names of each
product.

Caring for your natural tresses has never been so simple.  No more mixing different products together to make a “curly cocktail” or spending all day on your hair.  Our simple process includes only 3 products.

 

1.     The Heritage Cleansing Clay is an all-natural no-foam cleanser that does the job of THREE products in one.  This product replaces your shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in condition. It naturally detoxes the hair by gently removing dirt and oil while simultaneously detangling and conditioning the hair.  Our Clay increases hair manageability and effortlessly defines curls to make for easy wash and go styles. No sulfates, parabens, detergents, artificial preservatives, or dyes.  

 

2.     The Heritage Moisturizer is a light and airy blend of essential oils and organic shea butter. It fortifies hair strands and seals in needed nutrients in order to moisturize the hair from the inside out.

 

 

3.     The Heritage Flaxseed Gel is an organic styling gel that accentuates YOUR hair’s natural texture- Nothing more, nothing less! The Flaxseed Gel’s unique consistency and light-weight formula promotes curl “clumping” for optimal definition. The natural proteins found in organic flaxseeds help to nourish and strengthen hair strands while the addition of essential oils allow the hair to dry to a brilliant shine. Although our Flaxseed Gel was designed to make wash and go styling a cinch, it also delivers amazing results for twist-outs, braid outs, bantu knot outs, and roller sets.

 

 

What do you find are the most common hair woes in the community and
what does Heritage provide that can help with these problems?

The most common hair woe I notice in the natural hair community is having to choose between products that are good for your hair but don’t give impressive results vs. products that may not have quality ingredients but give good results.

Our products solve that issue.  Heritage products are all-natural and feature quality organic ingredients that deliver on the results side as well!
What is your natural hair story? Why natural and how long etc?

I don’t have a relaxer horror story.  I had extremely healthy hair and decided to go natural as a choice, not a necessity. I first had thoughts of going natural in 2003 when the show Girlfriends was becoming really popular.  I was in love with Tracee Eliss Ross and her full, curly hair.  When my mom heard me admiring her hair she said, “Well, you know your hair could be like that if you stopped getting relaxers.”  I had no idea! From that point Youtube and Nappturality.com became my second home!  I BC’ed two months later.

I was natural for almost 2 years and then when I started college I unfortunately turned back to the relaxer in an attempt to alleviate having to deal with my hair during my college transition.

In October of 2010 I once again got fed up with relaxing my hair.  My hair was still healthy, but I wanted the freedom of natural hair.  This time I transition for about a month and then cut all my relaxed hair off!  There was no going back this time.  I loved how individualistic natural hair is- a million naturals can be in one room and no two will have the same hair texture.  It was almost like relaxers uniformed us in a way that stripped our individuality.  Anyone can have straight hair, but no one else can have your exact curls, your kinks, your waves.  I have learned so much about caring for my natural hair and the health benefits of forgoing the relaxer.  It will be my 2 year natural anniversary this October and ever since I have started making and using my own products my hair has been growing uncontrollably and has never been so healthy!

Thank you Airest for introducing us to Heritage.  To learn more about the 3 step process and to buy products visit Heritage By Airest.  Tell a friend!