It’s safe to say that the beauty of black hair is endless. Despite being told for years that our multitude of hair textures and style options are less than beautiful, unacceptable, untamed, or even unprofessional, Black women have made a statement. We remain deeply connected to our hair. It’s rooted in who we are. Our childhood memories. Our vast history. Our forms of self-expression. Our crowns tell a story. It’s only right that we adorn them the right way, and Zigleys is leading the way.
A black-owned start-up based out of New York, Zigleys is a new company offering quality hair jewelry that can be worn with traditional black hairstyles. Premier, the latest collection, features distinctively crafted hair jewelry made from 18-karat gold and includes select pieces that are embellished with diamonds.
Looking to fill a void within her own personal jewelry collection, Zigleys founder, Daria Dana, was motivated to act on the thought. “I was putting on my jewelry from the beauty supply store – which was my only option – and I wondered why that piece wasn’t real, like the rest of my jewelry,” Daria shares. “I went online to look for something to buy but couldn’t find any. From there, I had the business idea, and it just took off.”
With the tagline ‘Jewelry for Your Crown, Fit for Royalty’, Zigleys maintains this approach with the design of each piece. “I think a lot about our ancestors during the creative process – kings, queens, royalty, regality. That’s the vibe I try to go for,” Daria expresses. The beauty of the pieces coupled with the deep messaging behind the brand has even prompted some to re-consider traditional wedding rings in exchange for Zigleys hair jewelry. “I think the idea is beautiful. For Black people, our hair is very important to us. We bond over it. For example, Black partners re-twisting each other’s hair, that can be a love language for some. I hope someone does it,” Daria expresses.
Zigleys stunning hair jewelry ranges from $1000 to over $5000 and can also be passed on as an heirloom, sharing a precious cultural message with generations to come. With a blend of different pieces and looks, buyers can expect to find a variety of ways to style their Zigleys jewelry. “My favorite piece is the Classic. It’s the biggest piece and has the diamonds embedded in it,” Daria says. “Depending on my outfit, I like to switch them in and out. I usually wear them in the front with two strands that frame my face, so it’s more pronounced and noticeable.”
As Zigleys continues its successful launch, consumers can be on the lookout for future hair care products and additional hair jewelry designs. “We’re currently working on a loc spray, and we just soft announced a future charm collection,” Daria reveals. “These will be one-size-fits-all, so you won’t have to measure your locs, braids or twists. With this line, we’ll also be including some gemstones as well as Platinum pieces.”
Zigleys is making waves and encouraging us to step out and adorn our crowns like royalty. “I love Black hair,” Daria voices. “When we start to understand the stigma behind our hair, it deepens our relationship with it because it’s a collective experience we’ve all gone through. That makes it more personal.”
Visit the online store at www.zigleys.com to explore the latest collection and follow Zigleys on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for the latest updates!
Rashida A. Marshall is the creator of AFIYA Magazine, a digital health and lifestyle publication for Black women. This creative venture grew out of her love for learning, teaching, and sharing valuable wellness information to help improve the quality of life. Rashida is also a Pilates and dance instructor specializing in women’s health.