Refinery29

Our Hair, Our Stories Ft. Lacy Redway and Jesseca Dupart

The Go Off episode, timed for Black History Month and sponsored by Target, brings together Unbothered’s senior entertainment director Kathleen, brand‑partnership lead Sandy, producer Jess, and entrepreneur Jessica Harris Dupart to discuss the evolving narratives of Black women’s hair. Dupart, whose Kaleidoscope Hair line now shelves at Target, shares how a client’s sudden hair loss during a relaxer treatment sparked the creation of her “miracle drops” and a broader inclusive product suite. The conversation maps a generational arc: early memories of salon‑day relaxers, the painful realities of chemical damage, the decision to “go natural,” and the pandemic‑driven surge in DIY hair education. Kaleidoscope’s portfolio now addresses every stage—from shampoos for chemically treated strands to curl‑enhancing gels—while fostering a community through a dedicated Facebook growth group. Participants stress that hair choices, whether straight, curly, braided or weaved, should be celebrated rather than policed. Memorable moments include Kathleen’s recollection of seeking Beyoncé‑level straightness as a child, Jess’s description of a “big chop” that left her with a patchwork of textures, and Dupart’s anecdote about a client’s circular bald spot that propelled her into product formulation. The host’s reminder that social media can both inspire and bully underscores the need for authentic, supportive spaces. The episode signals a broader shift in the beauty market: retailers are courting inclusive, culturally resonant brands, while Black consumers demand products that honor their full spectrum of hair experiences. Kaleidoscope’s Target partnership exemplifies how niche, community‑built brands can scale, influencing industry standards for representation, product development, and consumer empowerment.