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LaLa Anthony & Her Hair Care Empire

  • Writer: Ashley Slade
    Ashley Slade
  • Dec 22
  • 2 min read

LaLa Anthony's Foundation Constructued for "INALA"

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In an era of celebrity-backed beauty brands, La La Anthony has carved out a unique space by returning to the basics—specifically, the ancient tradition of rice water.1 Her brand, INALA, isn't just a business venture; it’s a personal solution to a problem millions of women face: hair damage and thinning.2



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The Origin: From Kitchen Sink to Beauty Empire

The story of INALA began during the 2020 pandemic.3 Like many, the actress and entrepreneur found herself with extra time and a growing concern over the health of her hair.4 Years of high-tension ponytails, heat styling, and constant manipulation on TV sets had taken a toll on her edges and overall hair density.5


Searching for a solution, Anthony turned to the centuries-old tradition of using rice water—a practice popularized by the Yao women of Huangluo, China, known for their exceptionally long, strong hair.6 After experimenting with DIY rice water fermented in her own kitchen, she saw "dramatic results."7 Recognizing the messy and often odorous nature of DIY batches, she spent two years working with experts to stabilize the formula, leading to the launch of INALA in early 2022.8


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The Name: "INALA" is La La’s real name, Alani, spelled backward.9 In various cultures, the name also evokes a sense of "place of peace."10

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The Signature Formula: The "Power Potion"

The brand’s flagship product is the Power Potion, a leave-in scalp and hair treatment designed to strengthen hair at the follicle.11 Unlike the fermented rice water made at home, INALA's version is odorless, shelf-stable, and scientifically enhanced.12


Key Ingredients

  • Signature Rice Water Complex: Rich in amino acids and inositol (a carbohydrate that repairs hair from the inside out).13


  • Biotin: A B-vitamin known to support keratin production and improve hair health.14


  • Arginine: An amino acid that helps increase blood flow to the scalp, encouraging growth.15


A Ritual for Every Hair Type

While Anthony is a prominent figure in the Black community, she has been clear that INALA is inclusive of all hair types and textures.16 The product line has expanded beyond the initial serum to include a full "Rice Water Ritual":


Product

Purpose

Power Potion

Daily leave-in serum for growth and edge repair.

Reset Rinse

A weekly pre-shampoo treatment to remove buildup and fortify strands.

Triple Threat Tonic

A 3-in-1 spray that hydrates, strengthens, and adds shine.

Crown Polisher

A lightweight finishing oil to seal in moisture.


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Why It Resonates


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INALA stands out because it focuses on scalp health as the foundation for beauty.17 Anthony often speaks about the "Strand Story"—the idea that every person’s hair journey is unique and deserves care. By focusing on nourishment rather than just styling, she has tapped into the "skin-ification" of hair care, where consumers treat their scalp with the same rigor they apply to their faces.


Today, INALA is a staple in the clean beauty space, sold through its own platform and major retailers like Thirteen Lune, continuing to prove that sometimes the best innovations are those rooted in ancient wisdom.

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