I founded Lanese because I couldn’t find a hair oil I actually enjoyed using.

Most of the oils I tried promised shine and softness, but felt heavy, greasy, or just not "right". Sometimes it was the texture. Sometimes it was the scent. Often, it was looking at the back of the label and seeing a million ingredients I couldn't even pronounce.

I wanted a finishing oil that completed the routine instead of competing with it. Something that worked across all hair textures, didn’t rely on silicones, and felt intentional. When I couldn’t find that product on the market, I decided to create it.

Inclusivity was always part of that vision. Too often, haircare is designed with one hair type in mind, forcing people to choose between performance and representation. I wanted Lanese to work across textures, from straight to coily, without requiring separate products or categories. Just high-quality haircare that doesn’t exclude anyone.

Scent also mattered more to me than I expected. Haircare feels personal, and fragrance plays a big role in how we feel throughout the day. I wanted scents that stayed close and set a tone, not something loud or overpowering. Especially because I live with chronic migraines, subtlety wasn’t optional. That’s how Island Dream, French Crème, and Marshmallow Cloud came to be.

I built Lanese independently. I was raised in a single-parent household in Hampton, Virginia, without industry access or shortcuts. Building this brand matters to me because I hope it shows what’s possible: that thoughtful, inclusive beauty brands can be built intentionally, and that founders who don’t fit a traditional mold still belong.

Today, Lanese sits at the intersection of clean ingredients, intentional design, and emotional well-being. I hope you love Lanese just as much as I do. 🤍

Dr. Niya Gray, DPT
Founder, Lanese Beauty