No matter what the time of day, hair care is always on the minds of Tashni Dubroy and Tiffani Lash. Whether it is creating products to restore moisture in hair or add more definition to curls, the duo is continually working toward ‘Natural Blend of Beauty and Satisfaction.’

Dubroy and Lash, who both graduated from N.C. State in 2007 with doctoral degrees in chemistry, co-founded Tea and Honey Blends, a hair care line designed for women with ethnic hair types.

Dubroy, a native of Jamaica, said her interest in hair care started when she was about eight years old.

“My mom was a hairstylist and she would always mix natural products together and put them in her customer’s hair,” Dubroy said. “I would watch her use unique ingredients like Aloe Vera and eggs and avocados.”

Dubroy never knew that chemistry could be used in cosmetology until she took a chemistry course in high school. Her interest in the subject was sparked from there. Lash, who said she has always enjoyed doing other people’s hair, developed an interest in hair care products during her teenage years.

“My parents told me that I needed to go to college to learn something,” Lash said. “I decided to study chemistry to learn more about cosmetic science. A person’s ideals may change over time but they will always have one true passion.”

Both women received their undergraduate degrees from small institutions. When they decided to further their education, Dubroy and Lash attended NCSU to pursue their doctoral degrees.

Dubroy, an organic chemist, studied electromagnetism, which is electron coupling in an organic system.

Dubroy gives a lot of credit to her adviser, David A. Shultz. “If it weren’t for Dr. Shultz, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Dubroy said. “He helped me get funding for graduate school and has a lot to do with my success.”

Lash, who came to the University to pursue interdisciplinary studies in chemistry and chemical engineering, said that she remembers the time she spent at N.C. State rather fondly.

“I loved my experience here because it was non-traditional and I had a lot of flexibility,” Lash said. “The University has such a welcoming environment and I was never pigeonholed.”

Lash and Dubroy met while studying at N.C. State University. When they became friends and study partners, the tandem realized something: they both had very similar visions for creating hair care products for ethnic hair.

“Our relationship was very serendipitous,” Lash said. “We worked very well together and would study until late at night. There was so much synergy.”

The pair began conceiving the idea of Tea and Honey Blends in 2006. According to Lash and Dubroy, the first step in the process began with conducting some initial research around the business aspect of cosmetology.

After several years of hard work their line launched in 2009 with seven products. The Tea and Honey Blends products are placed into three categories: Hair Catalyst System, Silk Protein Special Teas, and Naturals Collection.

“Our Hair Catalyst System is designed for healthy hair,” Lash said. “It includes our Tea Tree shampoo and conditioner as well as our leave-in conditioner.”

Silk Protein Special Teas has two products, Gleam and Sparkle. Gleam repairs split ends and eliminates frizz while Sparkle has silicones that protect hair against heat and humidity.

“The Silk Protein Special Teas act as a spiraling aid,” Lash said. The Naturals Collection contains a Curl Definer that is formulated to nourish damaged hair with split ends and enhance curls. The Herbal Nutrient Oil restores moisture.

Courtney Hinson, also an alumna of NCSU and avid Tea and Honey Blends customer, was introduced to the line several months ago. Hinson was able to try the products before they went public and Tea and Honey Blends are now the only products she uses.

“The shampoo and conditioner do a great job when it comes to moisturizing,” Hinson said. “Gleam makes my hair shine and all the products smell great. I would definitely recommend these products.”

Although the target market was toward women with ethnic hair types, Dubroy and Lash have heard that black women are not the only ones to use their products.

“Caucasian women use the shampoo and conditioner in less volume than African American women. The products work for all types of women,” Dubroy said. “We are thrilled to have such an unexpected and expanded clientele.”

According to Dubroy, while many hair products use relaxers that contain sodium hydroxide to alter the natural state of hair and chemically straighten it, products from the Tea and Honey Blends line do not contain harsh chemicals.

Lash and Dubroy decided upon a name for their company from the main ingredient in Tea and Honey Blends, tea tree. Tea tree is an antimicrobial agent used to treat dry hair. Other ingredients include soybean oil and natural extracts.

“Going green has become such a trend. We chose tea and honey because they are both natural ingredients,” Lash said. “The name works for people.” With the success they have had thus far, Dubroy and Lash hope to expand their product line in the future.

“We want to include body care products,” Dubroy said. “We want to have something for men and children to use as well.”

Tea and Honey Blends is sold at retail locations in Raleigh. Products can also be found at Tea and Honey Salon in Durham and online at teaandhoneyblends.com. Dubroy and Lash will be at the Women’s Empowerment Expo, which is being held at the RBC Center March 20.