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Mielle Organics is a pioneer in the natural hair care industry, launching in 2014. But before founder Monique Rodriguez became an entrepreneur, she was a registered nurse for nine years. "So, I merged my background in physiology with my love for healthy hair care, beauty, and education to develop a product that would not only reconnect women with their hair but create a safe space to share experiences," she says.
Launching what is now known as Mielle Organics didn't happen overnight, and came at a difficult time in the beauty founder's life. "After the loss of my son, I started a journey of discovering what I truly wanted in life and also nursing my hair back to health. I shared that journey on social media and received a large following that developed into a haircare community."
Mielle Organics
FOUNDED BY: Monique Rodriguez, 2014
BASED IN: United States
PRICING: $$
BEST KNOWN FOR: Organic hair products
MOST POPULAR PRODUCTS: Almond Mint Oil and Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner
FUN FACT: Mielle Organics has 11 different collections.
Other Brands You'll Love: SheaMoisture, Carol's Daughter, Briogeo
With her husband, Melvin—the COO of Mielle Organics— by her side, the brand launched its first product, the Advanced Hair Formula, in 2014. Within seven years, the brand has grown into a global, multi-million dollar company with orders in 87 countries around the world. "He has been by my side during this journey every step of the way," says Rodriguez. "We’ve known each other since we were teenagers, so to have my best friend and spouse support me during this journey’s ups and downs has kept me grounded all of these years. Owning and operating a business isn’t always glamorous. To have the support of my family behind me has allowed me to hold onto my vision for Mielle Organics and made this process 100 percent worth it."
With 11 product collections on the market, Mielle Organics is running with full steam. But the brand still takes the time to prioritize giving back and advocating for our next generation of changemakers and entrepreneurs. "We are helping to close the racial wealth gap in the Black community through the education initiatives of our global More Than a Strand Fund," Rodriguez shares. "We have become a company that uplifts Black women entrepreneurs, breaks glass ceilings, and proves to the next generation of young Black and Brown girls that they too can live their dreams and get to this point in life."
As both the company and the haircare industry evolve, Rodriguez stays true to her core values. "From the beginning of our journey, our values have been about embracing one’s natural hair and beauty," she tells us. "Hair has always been the core of a Black woman’s experience. So, as more and more women grew to embrace their natural coils and identities, we naturally provided healthy haircare experiences during that journey. So I believe that our evolution as a company being in tune with the beauty industry’s evolution for more inclusivity was an organic process."
Read on for our favorite Mielle Organics products.
Almond Mint Oil
Formulated with organic sweet almond oil and mint, this oil became a fast favorite for naturals and curly folks everywhere. With almond oil at the helm, the protein helps seal the hair cuticle and lock in moisture while reducing breakage and shedding and soothing the scalp.
Babassu Oil and Mint Deep Conditioner
Made with babassu oil derived from Amazonian palm fruit, this treatment packs a moisturizing punch thanks to the concentrations of sterols and tocopherols in the formula. Enriched with fatty acids, natural oils, and complex amino acids, your hair and scalp will thank you for the ultimate moisture boost. If your hair needs more than 15 minutes of conditioning, add a plastic cap and heat for 30 minutes of TLC.
White Peony Leave-In Conditioner
This lightweight leave-in conditioner is jam-packed with botanical extracts, glycerin, peppermint, and argan oil to help seal and smooth the hair cuticle, protecting it from heat damage, frizz, and flyaways.
Avocado Hair Milk
Formulated with aloe vera gel, glycerin, and organic avocado oil, this hair milk smooths and softens on days when the hair needs a little extra moisture or a mid-week refresh.
Rice Water Hydrating Shampoo
Having a staple shampoo on hand that rinses away buildup and hydrates is a must in any hair routine. Made with the protein-rich ingredient rice water and yuzu—a citrus plant grown in Japan, Korea, and China—this shampoo adds shine and helps reduces split ends.
Detangling Co-Wash
Not in the mood for a full-on washday? Do your curls just need a refresh? Then, add a co-wash to your routine. A co-wash is great for both cleansing and conditioning simultaneously, and this sulfate-free formula does just that. Formulated with coconut oil, shea butter, and silk amino acids, you are sure to co-wash your way to a cleansed scalp and healthy, hydrated curls.
Pomegranate & Honey Curl Defining Mousse
Whether you're rocking curls or a protective style, mousse is always a great styler to keep on deck. This shea butter, pomegranate, honey, apple, aloe, and jojoba oil-infused non-sticky mousse offers excellent hold for type 4 hair and, best of all, moisture. Adding it after a gel or cream will lock in moisture and set your curls.
Pomegranate & Honey Curling Custard
Made with type 4 hair in mind, this hydrating, curl-defining formula infused with pomegranate extract, honey, coconut, and babassu oil smooths away tangles and controls the shape of each curl. For the best application and results, first, apply leave-in to freshly washed hair, then divide hair into small sections to ensure you coat every strand. If you have low porosity hair, be sure your hair is soaking wet when applying any styling product.