Jess West, Lead Editor

Jess West, Lead Editor

Jess West is the Lead Editor at HomeWise Review and has a special passion for hair and beauty. She loves finding products that help women feel put together, confident, and cared for, even on busy days when life feels anything but polished. Her editorial style is grounded in practicality, clear research, and a focus on what works in real homes, not just in marketing copy. As a wife and mom of two, Jess brings a family-first perspective to every review, with a strong interest in beauty products that deliver real value, simple routines, and results you can actually notice.

Olive Oils for Hair: How to Use Them Well

Best Olive Oil for Hair

Top daily EVOO for fine–medium hair California Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil Light and clean EVOO that detangles gently and adds soft shine without weighing down hair. Check Price on Amazon We may earn a small referral fee Beautiful hair loves fat—specifically, the fatty acids and antioxidants in a good extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO). […]

Best Oils for Black Hair Growth (and Retention)

Best Oils for Black Hair Growth

Best for sealing & retention Pure Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO) Locks in moisture and strengthens fragile ends to keep coarse, high-porosity hair healthy and breakage-free. Check Price on Amazon We may earn a small referral fee Healthy, thriving natural hair is mostly about retention—keeping what you grow. The right oils help you do exactly […]

Hair Oils for Fine Hair That Do Not Grease

Best Hair Oils for Fine Hair

Lightweight heat protection Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil Delivers glossy, frizz-free shine while safeguarding fine hair from heat up to 450°F with just a drop. Check Price on Amazon We may earn a small referral fee Looking for a budget alternative? Verb Ghost Oil If your strands go flat the second you look at an oil, […]

Hair Cream for Curly Hair That Actually Feels Good

Best Hair Cream for Curly Hair

Top for deep hydration SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie Delivers rich moisture and slip to define and soften Type 3 curls and Type 4 coils while taming frizz. Check Price on Amazon We may earn a small referral fee Curly hair loves moisture, slip, and flexible hold. If you’re fighting frizz or flatness, […]

Retinol vs Retinal: Which One to Start With?

Retinol vs Retinal

Best for Effective, Gentle Retinoid Start Retinal 0.05% Serum Delivers faster, visible texture and tone improvements with soothing support for sensitive skin experienced with retinol. Check Price on Amazon We may earn a small referral fee Looking for a budget alternative? Retinol 0.2% Cream Most of us reach for “retinol” when we want smoother texture, […]