The Tight Curls Project

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

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

What happens when your products leave your scalp more irritated than nourished?In this episode Claire is back, and we dive into her most pressing hair challenge: scalp irritation after wash day. Together, we explore what might be behind the problem and how to adjust routines for more comfort and scalp health, all while keeping style intact. If you have ever faced scalp irritation, this episode may help you troubleshoot your own routine. Tune in for insights you can use right away. ✅ Help more

What does it look like to treat your hair as a space to play, experiment, and express who you are?In this episode, I sit down with my friend Claire, an award-winning math educator who is now a university instructor and entrepreneur. From fades to purple fauxhawks, Claire is never afraid of a major hairstyle change. Twice she chopped it all off and started fresh, embracing each new look with confidence. She tells the hilarious story of walking into a classroom of middle school students with her bold

Before we dive deeper into the world of tight curls, meet the host who’s bringing it all together!  🎥 In this episode, the spotlight flips to Shadia Oshodi as she’s interviewed by guest host and intern, Amiah Burgess. Shadia shares how a curious kid who loved arts and crafts grew into a bioengineer with a passion for hair care, especially for tightly curled textures. ✈️ From traveling the globe with hairstyles that work in any climate to finding joy in solving problems that touch people’s

Do you ever wear braids or care for a little person who does? Then listen up! This episode kicks off our braids care series with the ultimate guide to keeping your scalp healthy before, during, and after braided styles. Host, Shadia Oshodi, is breaking down the real science, like and turning it into easy, practical steps you can use right now. What you’ll learn: - Why hydration balance and your scalp microbiome matter - Which oils help (and which harm) - How to keep flakes, dryness, and

What does it look like to redefine standards and lead with authenticity in medicine and in life? 🇰🇪 Born and raised in Kenya, Dr. Chemtai Mungo went from boarding school to UC Berkeley, where she quickly noticed she was one of the few Black women in the room. Instead of conforming to conventional expectations, she chose to wear her natural hair proudly, inviting the world to adapt to her, not the other way around. 🌎 Today she’s a doctor and global scientist focused on preventing cervical cancer