Celebrity Coverage
The Mielle Pop-Up Salon in the Olympic Village is the first of its kind for textured hair – Essence
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Even as the 2024 Paris Olympics come to an in depth, the world’s biggest Black athletes are still winning gold. But in between the history they’ve made — the first all-Black podium in women’s gymnastics and the all-Black mixed U.S. 4x100m team breaking a world record — the business of Black beauty has also broken its own barrier.
For the first time at the Olympic Games, Mielle organic products has been named the official textured hair care partner of this 12 months’s Games. “This is the first time a textured hair care brand has offered products and high-quality ingredients at the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” founder Monique Rodriguez tells ESSENCE. The beauty and hair care salon in the Olympic Village, run by French stylist Raphael Perrieremploys a number of stylists who specialize in textured hair, giving athletes greater access to hair services.
“It’s important for Black female athletes to have access to textured hair products because there’s been an underrepresentation,” Rodriguez says. “Historically, Black female athletes have always been subject to a lot of scrutiny and criticism for how they wear their hair on the court, on the court, no matter what they do at the Olympics.” The most decorated gymnast of all time, Simone Biles, struggled with unsolicited opinions in connection along with her escapes, in the meantime Venus Williams has been historically punished over her famous beaded braids.
WITH hair discrimination forcing black athletes to evolve to Eurocentric beauty standards resembling former ban on swimming caps for natural hair, Mielle helps break down racist, unfair expectations at the Games. “Access to high-quality products can directly affect their level of self-confidence“which impacts their overall performance,” he says.
To do that, Olympic athletes can review Salon Lookbook select their service, which incorporates curly, textured hair, facial and nail care. For example, “there’s a styling option called ‘Smooth Start,’ which is a smooth style for anyone with relaxed hair,” she explains. “It’s a one-hour service that features a shampoo and conditioner, and [then] our serums and Mielle thermal protection products for every styling.”
Another service called “Champion Curl” is for athletes with textured afro hair that is washed after which styled with Mielle Avocado and Tamanu Curl Protector, Curl defining mousseAND Super Hold Edge Gel“I got to experience it myself and have curls without the frizz,” she says. Curling athletes, resembling track stars Vashti Cunninghamheptathlon Taliyah Brooksand WNBA Ambassador Mielle Aja Wilson all visited the salon during the competition.
Given their performances and appearances around the world, “one of the biggest concerns about hair is of course maintaining it to keep it looking its best,” says Rodriguez. “Being on some of the biggest stages in the world is a major concern for athletes, and the lack of access to the right products and the right stylists is a huge issue,” she continues. “We wanted to be a brand that understood the need and filled that gap.”
Now, as the 2024 Olympics wrap up next week, athletes can leave the Olympic Village feeling more included. “Being the first textured hair care brand to be there is a really huge milestone,” she says. “It’s a really exciting moment because I know my brand is going to reach so many people and make them feel confident and excited to perform at their best.”
With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is predicted to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Nineteen Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.
Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.
From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.
In case you missed it, take a have a look at 17 of the perfect celebrity beauty moments from the week below.
This holiday season, a few of the most talented Black music artists are reimagining the sounds of Christmas. From the soulful sounds of gospel legends to the contemporary kind of rising stars, these albums offer something for everybody who wants so as to add splendor to their celebrations. Whether it’s fresh takes on timeless classics, moving original songs, or reissues of beloved favorites, these projects bring joy, warmth and a way of community to everyone.
Jennifer Hudson makes her holiday debut with a track that mixes powerful vocals and heartfelt melodies. CeCe Winans brings a spiritual touch and Coco Jones adds her unique talent. Celebrating her thirtieth anniversary, Mariah Carey returns to the zeitgeist, and the reissue of Boyz II Men offers the right, cozy soundtrack.
As you decorate the halls and meet your family members, let these albums fill your space with music that uplifts, inspires and sets the right holiday mood. Here’s a more in-depth have a look at Black artists bringing joy to the world with their Christmas 2024 releases.
Coco Jones – “Coco by the Fireplace”
Rising star Coco Jones is heating up the season Coco by the hearthher debut Christmas album. The collection features soulful interpretations of holiday classics and introduces original songs that highlight her dynamic vocal range.
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Jennifer Hudson – “The Gift of Love”
Releasing her first album in ten years, Jennifer Hudson delivers Gift of Lovea set of 15 tracks showcasing her powerful vocals on classics similar to “O Holy Night” and “Winter Wonderland”. The album also features original songs, including “Almost Christmas,” a collaboration with Common.
CeCe Winans – “Joyful, Joyful: The Christmas Album”
Gospel legend CeCe Winans presents Joyful, joyful: the Christmas albumher third summer project. The 12-track album combines familiar favorites with latest originals, all with Winans’ signature joyful expression.
Anthony Evans – “The Greatest Gift”
Anthony Evans delivers The Greatest Gifta Christmas album that mixes soulful melodies with inspiring messages, perfect for raising your holiday spirit.
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Mariah Carey – Merry Christmas (thirtieth Anniversary Edition)
Celebrating three a long time since its original release, Mariah Carey’s iconic album Happy Christmas The album returns with a special anniversary edition. This reissue features remastered tracks and rare live performances, confirming the album’s status as a vacation staple.
Boyz II Men – “Christmas Interpretations” (reissue)
Classic Boyz II Men Christmas Album, Christmas interpretationsreceives a reissue that brings harmonious renditions of holiday favorites back to the fore for a brand new generation to enjoy.
Jonathan McReynolds – “Red and Green”
Offered by contemporary gospel artist Jonathan McReynolds Red and Greena vacation album that mixes traditional Christmas carols with modern gospel influences, providing a fresh tackle the music of the season.
Images by Dave Benett/Getty
Earlier this week, Model of the Year nominee Anok Yai appeared at the Fashion Awards gala at London’s Royal Albert Hall. And regardless that the night ended there controversial joke for this yr’s award, the look of her hair stood out, as did her skilled achievements.
Paired with an archival John Galliano gown from 1994, her hairstyle was as avant-garde as the supermodels of the day – and was the most groundbreaking look of the night. On the foundation, a pixie cut with micro-mushrooms framed her sculpted features, and the sides stopped just at the tip of her eyebrows.
However, the summit took an unexpected turn. Almost like a headdress, straight, long strands gathered at the top of the head, overlapping right into a bow. The look was romantic and evoked the essence of Mugler’s Alien Hypersense, of which it’s the face. “I carry a bottle in every purse, it’s an addiction” Yai said in front of the red carpet.
The iconic outfit was repeated by Rihanna, who two days later arrived in an identical style at the thirty eighth annual Footwear Awards Gala in New York. With slight moderation – longer, blunt bangs and full updo – hairdresser Nafia Biała used an identical technique. Could this be the hottest hair trend of the season? These two icons actually suggest that.
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