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.

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Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyndavis1/

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🤿 Dive into the science:

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.

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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.

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✨ Connect with Claire:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clairenohuxtable

Teachbase: https://www.teachbase.io 

Teachbase Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachbase.io

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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 new look, wondering how they would react. And she shares how seeing a teacher wear natural hair for the first time made her curious and excited to try it herself, at a time when natural hair was almost never represented in media.

Claire is funny and animated, so this conversation will bring laughs and fresh energy while reminding us that hair can be both playful and powerful, a crown we shape to show who we are.

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Connect with Claire

Teachbase: https://www.teachbase.io

Teachbase Instagram: @teachbase.io

Connect with The Tight Curls Project

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TightCurlsProject

Follow on Instagram: https://instagram.com/tightcurlsproject

Brand design by https://heyzanda.com/

Before we dive deeper into the world of tight curls, meet the host who’s bringing it all together!  

✈️ From traveling the globe with hairstyles that work in any climate to finding joy in solving problems that touch people’s everyday lives, Shadia’s story is filled with creativity, science, and heart. She also shares why this podcast was born and what it means to build a trusted space for tightly curled hair knowledge and community.

Watch the episode on Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/@TightCurlsProject

Follow The Tight Curls Project on Instagram:

Brand design by https://heyzanda.com/

What does it look like to redefine standards and lead with authenticity in medicine and in life?