Back in June, Sally Beauty introduced their new program Sally Beauty Cultivate — For Women by Women as a business accelerator program. The four semi-finalists are still competing for their chance to win $25K, distribution on Sally Beauty’s website and mentorship through the Cultivate Program. However, Ceata Lash, creator of PuffCuff, has won the Sally Beauty President’s Innovation Award!

PHOTO: Sally Beauty

The PuffCuff was created out of Lash’s need to find a hair accessory that not only helped her achieve the styles she desired with her naturally thick, curly hair, but also protected her curls from damage.

"I remember the days of going to work with my hair cinched up into a puff by a shoestring, causing havoc around my edges and giving me horrendous tension headaches. Desperately in need of a solution, I couldn’t find anything that could hold the volume of my thick curly textured hair without causing damage, breaking or resulting in taking 2 high powered painkillers by the end of the day! After much research, planning, and prayer my idea to create the PuffCuff came to fruition. The journey hasn’t been easy but it has been so well worth it! I now look forward to embarking on my new journey with Sally Beauty," Lash said in a press release.

As the recipient of the President’s Innovation Award, Lash’s PuffCuff will be sold in Sally Beauty stores across the country, as well as worldwide on their website. The retailer will also help the PuffCuff to accelerate company sales, manufacturing/distributing capabilities and press/marketing support.

"We are excited to award PuffCuff with the Sally Beauty President's Innovation Award, and we look forward to continuing to delight our customers who are looking for unique hair tools like the PuffCuff in our stores," said Jamira Johnson, Vice President of Digital and Innovation at Sally Beauty.

While the PuffCuff was changing lives before the Sally Beauty deal, the boost will help the "gentle, durable plastic, and easy-to-use design that supports hair growth" hair clip reach higher heights in the hair-retail world.

As the accessory continues to gain traction and we await the official launch of the PuffCuff through Sally Beauty, our eyes are also on the four semi-finalists. One winner will be selected on August 12th and you can vote for your favorite here.

Ready. Set. Boss. Our daily email is pouring out inspiration with the latest #BlackGirlBossUp moments, tips on hair, beauty and lifestyle to get you on track to a better you! Sign up today.

Afro puff