Shakira No Longer Wishes to Weep Over Her Hair

The singer launches a new hair care brand designed for severely damaged hair.

Courtesy of Isima

Understanding Shakira necessitates an appreciation of her hair. The Colombian singer is nearly associated with her flowing, hip-length curls, which she frequently integrates into her stage dance movements as if they were an additional leg. Until now, her curly hair-care regimen remained mainly enigmatic. The unveiling of Isima, the star's new hair product brand, reveals that Shakira has been utilizing it discreetly for the previous four years. “This line is exclusively for me, but I am pleased to share it now,” she informed ELLE.

I met with Shakira on the inaugural warm Friday afternoon in May at the New York City Edition hotel. She was clad entirely in baby pink—trousers, turtleneck, and even her makeup—but I scarcely observed this due to her extremely captivating hair. Experiencing it through photographs differs significantly from witnessing it in person. Her spiral curls were well-defined yet soft (as I can attest from her embrace), sufficiently long that she could sit on them if she chose (which she demonstrated), and interwoven with honey-toned highlights devoid of any brassiness (despite her claims of battling an orange tint in her hair).

A multitude of celebrities have established beauty brands, and I have conversed with most of them. However, few exhibit as much enthusiasm for their beauty lines as Shakira, who discusses Isima with nearly the same fervor as she does her two sons. This is logical, considering these things are essentially her creations. During our talk, she dispensed some Delicia Reparative Hair Oil into my hand and directed me to rake my fingers through my hair. “Assess whether it appeals to you,” she remarked, gazing at me anxiously. I have done so. Shakira elucidates the significance of this line for the Latin community, her post-performance hair care regimen, and the reasons her hair consistently generates controversy.

Regarding her enduring love with her hair

“It has been a relationship characterized by both affection and aversion.” I adore it. I require it. However, at times, it causes me considerable distress. It has caused me to weep profusely due to its inherent difficulties. I have been brown, blonde, and red-haired. I have possessed straight, wavy, and curly hair. I have utilized hair dryers, flat irons, curling irons, and various other styling tools. I utilize my hair throughout performances. I am currently on a tour across the U.S., marking my inaugural stadium tour. Observe the extent to which I incorporate my hair into the dance. I find myself literally using my hair to sweep the floor like a mop.

Discovering confidence via her hair

I cannot envision myself with such short hair. I once made that decision, and it was the gravest error of my existence. I require hair. Numerous women depend on their hair to enhance their sense of allure and self-assurance. Many of these women struggle to locate items that facilitate the natural styling of their waves or curls. They are perpetually undergoing keratin treatments that are quite detrimental. I can no longer undergo those therapies. My hair cannot endure it.

Regarding the development of Isima

“We have been diligently and systematically developing these products for an extended period.” I have been the initial subject for testing, and I am the appropriate individual to evaluate these items due to the complexity of my hair.

I have experienced numerous distinct appearances throughout my life and profession. My hair requires genuine answers due to its tumultuous history. It is exceedingly tough and challenging. I am one of those women who exits the salon in tears. I possess porous, compromised hair that is subjected to significant stress and stresses. Maintaining blonde hair is challenging. Occasionally, individuals excessively enhance their blonde hair, and I have done so in the past. Are you familiar with the American adage 'less is more'? In regard to my hair, abundance is preferable. I require additional resources. Provide me with additional information.

For years, I created my own formulations, visiting the pharmacy and requesting, ‘Can you prepare this shampoo for me?’ Could you prepare this conditioner for me? Could you incorporate these ingredients? I survived by creating my own shampoo and conditioners using inexpensive materials from a pharmacy. I concluded that this was not the appropriate strategy. Let us engage a professional team. Through my contributions and critiques, we iteratively refined each concept until I achieved complete satisfaction.

As one of the few hair care products established by Latina founders

“These products have been influenced by numerous Latin individuals who, like myself, urgently require products that address their hair's intricate needs.” I am part of a group of women who have been marginalized for an extended period. The Latin community has considerable diversity. We embody a confluence of diverse heritages and cultures. Various hair types are observed, ranging from straight to wavy, curly, tightly coiled, and combinations thereof. This collection is influenced by the diversity, as well as the requirements and obstacles that women like myself encounter daily in their pursuit of hair health. For Latinas, hair holds significant importance. It constitutes an integral aspect of our identity.

“Are you familiar with the American adage ‘less is more’?” In regard to my hair, abundance is preferable. I require additional resources. Provide me with other resources.

Courtesy of Isima

Regarding her post-show hair regimen

“Following a performance, I require a thorough shampoo.” Subsequently, I must provide nourishment for it. Consequently, we developed a product such as Super Bomba [a hair mask]. It addresses many needs. A healthy scalp is essential, as it is the foundation of overall hair health. Subsequently, it is essential to restore the ionic and hydrogen bonds; so, we incorporated the substance GluconaBond, our proprietary formulation designed to repair hair bonds from the interior to the exterior.

Regarding her hair regimen before to the show

Immediately after exiting the shower, I use Curls Don’t Lie [a curl cream]. I cannot exist without it. I admire its name. I have devoted my entire life to seeking a solution that enables me to wear my curls organically and define them without a stiff texture. It must exhibit a bouncy and supple texture, rather than a wiry one. This curl defining lotion provides all of that, has a pleasant fragrance, and simultaneously heals my hair while in use. It is not merely a cosmetic style product; it also smooths and imparts luster. I also applied a small amount of Delicia Reparative Hair Oil, which is the most exceptional oil I have ever encountered. I let my hair to air dry, after which I create four braids. I braid my hair, subsequently release it, and then apply this oil as a last touch to minimize frizz. When necessary, my hairdresser performs more shaping using a curling iron. The oil provides protection due to its heat-resistant properties.

“I find myself literally using my hair to sweep the floor like a mop."

Fragrance as a medium for self-expression

I appreciate aromas that are appetizing yet simultaneously convey my femininity and self-assurance. The fragrance of Isima goods is, to me, flawless. The composition includes peonies, freesias, vanilla, musk, kumquat, and apple blossom, creating a sensuous fragrance. I have never received so many accolades on my fragrance. One may possess considerable beauty; nonetheless, an unpleasant odor is detrimental. There is no alternative.

Regarding the name Isima

“Isima is an exceptional quality.” It signifies greater importance. It appeared to me as an ideal and straightforward method to demonstrate that this line endeavors to provide all those answers to actual individuals. Isima. It occurs at the conclusion of words, such as lindísima, guapísima, or empoderadísima. This is why the moisturizing shampoo is named Riquísima. The moisturizing conditioner is labeled as Suavisima, signifying 'suave.' Rico Suave. Each possesses a charming little name.