Here at The Cosmopolitan Black Beauty Hub, we absolutely do not gatekeep, so when we get a chance to quiz some of our favourite Black women about their go-to beauty products, tips and treatments, we don't hold back – after all, that's how our Little Black Beauty Book franchise was born. All the tea on our favourite star's life in beauty, served hot.
This week, we caught up with Mikai McDermott, creator and founder of The Linen Service & ground silk...
What does Black beauty mean to you?
Black beauty is confidence, creativity, and being able to show up as myself. Growing up in a Jamaican household, I was surrounded by strong women in a culture that owns its beauty. I treat my skin, features and hair like something valuable, because they are.
Favourite skin or beauty treatment?
The regenerative Neo-Gen Plasma treatment at Dr. Karen Doherty’s chic Shoreditch clinic. Dr. Karen’s whole philosophy is about subtle, natural results, enhancing what’s already there rather than changing you completely. I trust that approach over anything heavy or overdone. Deeper skin tones need someone educated and gentle. She explains everything, works conservatively, and respects natural structure. I never feel rushed or talked into things.
What’s your wash-day routine?
A hydrating routine: I start with Redken All Soft Mega curls shampoo and conditioner. I detangle with a Denman brush, follow with Redken Anti-Snap leave in, the Acidic Bonding Curls leave in and seal it all with Argan 6 oil also from Redken. I then proceed to dry and style.
Redken Redken DUO All Soft Mega Curl Shampoo 300ml & All Soft Mega Curl Conditioner 300ml
Redken Extreme Anti-Snap Leave-In Treatment for Damaged Hair, Reduce Appearance of Split Ends, with Protein 250ml
I’m a hair professional, so I know exactly what coily textures need to stay healthy. This routine gives my curls real hydration and strength. I use products that support and strengthen hair bonds and this combo never lets me down.
Go-to hair salon or hairdresser?
I actually have 3 really great salons that I go to: Ama’s Hair Salon at 26 St Ann’s Rd, London, N15 6DT; Spencers/Mabels at 481 Roman Road E3 5LX and Charlotte Mensah 347 Portobello Rd, London W10 5SA.
After writing my piece for a publication about the salons that keep our community alive, I’m even more protective of my hair. Salons are safe spaces and community hubs. I’ve worked with people who tried to tame my coils instead of celebrating them, and I’m not interested in that energy. I only sit in chairs run by stylists who care about technique and health.
Have you had any bad hair experiences and if so, how did that feel?
Yes. A stylist once used way too much heat and left me with damage that took months to grow out. It was frustrating, because I care about my hair and I put time into keeping it healthy. When someone doesn’t handle it properly, it feels disappointing. It’s a reminder of why trusting the right stylist matters.
Skincare product you can’t live without?
Suprafade keeps my skin bright, balanced, and helps control any dark spots before they even show up. It’s one of the few products that gives me visible results, so it’s a staple in my routine.
Body treatment you love?
I love laser treatment for KP (strawberry skin). It evens out the texture on my arms and gives me smoother skin without all the constant exfoliating. It’s one of the few things that actually makes a long-term difference, so it’s become part of my routine.
Your biggest beauty splurge?
Hair extensions from my brand ground silk and the Dyson Supersonic hairdryer. Groundsilk lets me switch up my look without putting my curls at risk, high-quality hair as adornment, not damage. Paired with the Dyson, I get speed, smoothness and longevity while my real hair stays protected and thriving. It’s the smartest way to look polished and still honour the health of my natural texture.
Cheapest beauty obsession?
Cetraben Natural Oatmeal Cream as I have mild eczema, and it keeps my skin calm, moisturised, and irritation-free without costing much. It’s simple and it works.
Makeup mishap memories?
Working at the MAC counter with a really really bright undereye (using NC42 lol) and Heroine lipstick without any lipliner. A deadly combo in the early days of a real beauty lover...
Your makeup bag wouldn’t be the same without…
Danessa Myricks Beauty Water Powder Serum and Universal Blurring Balm. This primer combo had my makeup looking flawless after a 14hr day in Lagos, Nigeria. DMB is top 2, not 2!
Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.
