Issa Rae & Hannah Diop on Beauty Rituals, Self-Care & What’s Next for Their Clean Haircare Brand Sienna Naturals

From the get go, Diop was intent on addressing the specific needs of people with textured hair, without sacrificing scalp health with harsh and toxic ingredients. As such, each of the vegan, cruelty-free line’s hero products has been designed to tackle dryness, promote growth, repair damage and define curls—all without causing scalp irritation, eczema, dermatitis or sensitivity. In her own words, “It’s about bringing wellness to wash day.”

It’s been a major month for the two entrepreneurs. At the recent star-studded 15 Percent Pledge Gala in Los Angeles, they were announced as the recipients of the second annual Sephora Beauty Grant. As part of the honor, they received $100,000 in funding to further their mission, and as of this week, you can find Sienna Naturals located on the ‘Curly, Coily and Textured Hair Gondola’ at 178 Sephora locations nationwide, as well as online.

“Today’s customers are looking for something extremely clean, so I’m really excited to meet that momentum,” Diop says. “I’m excited to bring more women with textured hair to shop at Sephora and meet them there with product that is designed for them and that's relevant to them.”

Diop and Rae are particularly buzzing for people to try their newest addition, the lightweight and nourishing DNA Scalp Serum, which joined the Sienna Naturals family last month. For both of them, it’s become an integral part of their daily lives and self-care practices.

“[I cherish] my nightly ritual of using clean, natural skincare—I’ve been on a real skincare journey for the last four years,” Diop says. “Every night, I use the DNA Scalp Serum and put my hair in a bonnet. I’m teaching my daughter how to put her hair in a bonnet and put it in braids before she goes to bed, and show her how to really care for her hair and work on her goals with her. That really keeps me happy. I also practice yoga three times a week, because I really do believe that beauty starts with how you feel on the inside.”

“I recently became a runner,” Rae chimes in. “I love it. That’s become such a big part of my routine, in addition to journaling. My nighttime skincare and haircare routine is unmatched, too. I’m one of those people that rarely falls asleep with my makeup on—even on like the drunkest of nights! And I will always do my hair routine and wrap my hair in a bun.”

Another non-negotiable for Rae recently has been investing in regular facials. “I met this amazing woman named Maisha [Pullman; of Skin By Maisha] in the Bay Area. She is a wonderful esthetician and she’s taught me how to take care of my skin in the best way. If I have a big night coming up, I might treat myself to a facial during the day.”

As for when they have a big night on the cards, like the aforementioned gala, they can agree on one foolproof tip. “Bring in the experts, bring in the glam team and leave it to the professionals,” Diop laughs.

You can shop Sienna Naturals at Sephora now.