What if your hair routine was also a public health conversation? In this episode of UTK, we sit down with Dr. Osadebe, an infectious disease epidemiologist, veterinarian, and public health consultant with 17+ years of global experience, including work with the CDC and WHO. She shares her personal natural hair journey, from relaxing to transitioning to her natural hair, and connects it to her expertise in public health. Together, we explore why hair is more than style, it's considered a social determinant of health.

Dr. Osadebe unpacks the hidden risks in common products, the lack of regulation in the beauty industry, and why Black women often face unique hair-related health challenges. With powerful stories and science, this episode bridges the gap between self-care and public health, inspiring us to make safer, informed choices. 

Tune in to discover how your hair is both personal and political...a reflection of wellness, resilience, and community.

In this inspiring episode of Unraveling the knots, we welcome natural hair model Alaina Miller to share her journey of embracing her curly hair in the fashion industry. From getting bullied in high school for her natural hair to strutting the runway with confidence, Alaina’s story is a testament to resilience and self-love. Alaina opens up about learning to care for her own hair (she hasn’t been to a salon in 8 years!), busting myths about Black hair length and texture, and standing up to industry pressures to straighten or chemically treat her hair. Alaina reflects on how her thick, natural hair became an asset in her modeling career and how her dad’s early encouragement boosted her confidence. She also highlights the importance of seeing more darker-skinned women represented in beauty.

This episode is packed with empowering advice on hair health, confidence, and owning your natural beauty. Tune in to @UTKPodcast for an uplifting, honest conversation that celebrates  personal and hair strength.

In this UTK episode, Jumoke, a Nigerian American professional and mom, shares her powerful journey from relaxed hair to bold hair cuts and the flourishing locs she wears today. She opens up about the realities of maintaining long locs, balancing convenience with care, navigating generational differences in hair practices, and even teaching her daughter to love her natural hair. With honesty, humor, and heart, Jumoke reminds us that hair is more than style…it’s what comfort and soothes you.

Captain Tobi Almaroof, a Nigerian-American Muslim woman and U.S. Army captain, shares how she proudly wears her natural 4C hair under her hijab, defying expectations in the military. In this inspiring episode of Unraveling the Knots, she opens up about navigating strict Army grooming regulations that once banned locs and twists. She highlights the Army’s recent shifts toward inclusion...from finally permitting religious head coverings and protective styles in 2017 and how those changes helped others embrace their identity in uniform.

Captain Almaroof shares her experience balancing hair care with career and life demands. She exemplifies courage and authenticity. Tune in for an empowering story of resilience and self-acceptance that will inspire you to honor yourself, no matter where you are serving or working.

In this heartwarming episode of Unraveling the Knots, our host chats with her vibrant step-mother, Ameena, to explore a lifelong natural hair journey rooted in culture, resilience, and self-love. Originally from Jamaica, Ameena shares candid stories of growing up with rich hair care traditions. She reflects on the significance of family and community in Black hair care (like why Jamaican Black Castor Oil is a staple in almost every Jamaican home) and recalls how weekend wash days felt like bonding rituals. 

Tune in to this delightful episode for laughter, nostalgia, and uplifting wisdom. Whether you’re a natural hair newbie or a lifelong curly girl, Ameena’s story will leave you feeling supported, seen, and inspired to love your own hair journey a little more.