Grooming & Glamour

GROOMING & GLAMOUR Background Knowledge

By Amanda Dahl | Photos by Maddie K Photography

The creators of St. Louis-based Heera Cosmetics recognized something was still missing from the beauty market in early 2020, so they got to work to bridge the gap they perceived.

“As first-generation Muslim Indian women in health care, it was frustrating for us to see products on the market that claimed to integrate Indian Ayurvedic ingredients to attain healthy skin or hair without proper scientific research,” Shereen Mohammed and Zoya Mohammed say. “We noticed a need for products that made sense scientifically, were accessible to all people and were easy to use on all hair types.” They continue: “Currently, many products that claim to promote hair growth don’t include ingredients that stimulate hair follicles and include ingredients that are known to clog pores. Our star ingredient – peppermint oil – is scientifically proven to stimulate the scalp to promote hair growth.”

The team behind Heera Cosmetics works within the health care industry; Shereen Mohammed is an osteopathic medical student and Zoya Mohammed is a pharmacist. This experience informs product design, as does the siblings’ Indian heritage, which ties traditional Ayurvedic medicine (an ancient Indian medical system that takes a holistic approach) with research backed by contemporary science.

“Self-care and wellness can seem unattainable to the average person,” the sisters relate. “This can be due to time constraints or other barriers. We want to make self-care accessible to everyone by eliminating those obstacles. With determination and diligence, we were able to formulate a hair care product that is easy to use and [offers] the same great, healthy hair benefits for all.”

Heera Cosmetics designs products that can be used daily or included in an at-home spa day, and they are also made to carry on the go. The formulas focus on versatility and effectiveness, with weightless application to all different hair types, and offer a non-greasy finish.

“We would not be where we are today if it were not for our St. Louis community helping us to spread the word about Heera Cosmetics,” the Mohammeds say.

The love underlying such support is shared in return, as the self-care line works with local wholesalers to create its packaging, labeling and T-shirts. All products are available to purchase at heeracosmetics.com or through the Heera Cosmetics Instagram page.

“Products on the market should be accessible and user-friendly for anyone interested in attaining healthy, luxurious hair,” Shereen Mohammed and Zoya Mohammed agree. “Our products do just that, and it is our goal to continue to provide products that help people of all backgrounds attain their hair and skin goals.”