The Breakfast Club — Interview: Crystal Renee Hayslett on Launching ‘ORS Unapologetic,’ Hair Growth, and Building Her Brand

Podcast: The Breakfast Club
Hosts: DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, Charlamagne Tha God, Lauren Rose
Guest: Crystal Renee Hayslett
Air Date: April 13, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode features an in-depth and lively interview with actress, entrepreneur, and media personality Crystal Renee Hayslett. The conversation centers on the launch of her new haircare line, ORS Unapologetic, delving into the importance of embracing natural textures, hair health secrets, the business of self-care, and Crystal’s journey of authenticity, intentionality, and brand building. The hosts and Crystal discuss representation, the realities and myths of haircare, and the power of community, ownership, and legacy—infused with laughter, cultural commentary, and advice for listeners of all hair types.

Key Discussion Points

1. Launching “Unapologetic” with ORS

Timestamps: [02:41]–[04:54]

• Crystal shares her excitement about the launch, the year-long process, and her commitment to creating a product she believes in.
• Why “Unapologetic”?
  Crystal recounts a pivotal, personal story about FaceTiming her father with her natural hair, his reaction, and how it led her to embrace being unapologetic about her natural texture.
  • “...it took me to actually embrace my hair and really understand what worked for it... It allowed me to become more unapologetic and just really own it.” — Crystal Renee Hayslett [03:14]
• Collaboration with a Black female chemist was vital to ensure authentic, effective formulations for Black hair textures.
  • “That was important because understanding our hair textures ... I wanted to make sure that it was right for all hair types.” — Crystal Renee Hayslett [04:08]

2. The Product Development Journey

Timestamps: [05:54]–[07:58]

• Crystal describes hands-on lab work in Chicago, product testing, and a process of authentic refinement—using her own hair as a testing ground.
  • “I literally went in there with a doll head ... I can feel it and tell, this doesn’t have enough slip ... It did not work that first time, and we had to go back to it and get it right.” — Crystal Renee Hayslett [06:11]
• Emphasizes the science behind her line and her refusal to put her name on anything she doesn’t personally use.

3. Representation, Texture Conversation & Community

Timestamps: [08:13]–[13:14]

• Hosts and Crystal discuss texture diversity, the experiences of Black and biracial women, and stigma around “good hair/bad hair.”
  • “...a lot of the curly girls are biracial. They have like a different type of texture than the real Black girl ... Sometimes it’s like, I wish my hair was like that. No, your hair is beautiful.” — Crystal Renee Hayslett [10:26]
• Open acknowledgment of being underrepresented: “It’s for everybody. But also for the girls who don’t feel seen in that space where they put stuff in their hair and they’re like, it ain’t doing what it need to do.” [11:05]
• Respecting each journey: hosts share personal and family anecdotes around natural hair styles and struggles.

4. Hair Health, Maintenance, and Growth

Timestamps: [13:14]–[15:05]

• Tips on maintaining curls and recovering from heat damage:
  • “Heat damage ... I’ve had to do the big chop, because it’ll grow back, but it’s coming from the root, so you gotta get all the damaged hair off so it can really flourish.” — Crystal Renee Hayslett [13:19]
• Weekly deep conditioning, oiling, and the long process of wash and set (“takes about an hour and a half” with thick hair). [14:26]
• Real talk on product effectiveness for different textures, including for children and various curl patterns.

5. Ownership, Brand Building, & Vision for Legacy

Timestamps: [08:44], [10:01]–[10:22]

• Crystal explains how a simple Instagram partnership with ORS evolved into product co-development, business equity, and legacy creation.
  • “Ownership is everything. And you can’t build legacy without ownership ... If it’s not yours, there’s nothing to pass down.” — Crystal Renee Hayslett [10:01]

6. Pricing and Accessibility

Timestamps: [24:03]–[25:05]

• All products are under $22; Crystal emphasizes affordable self-care for her broad fan base (from teens to elders).
  • “We wanted to make sure ... everywhere in between it wasn’t ... and we’re living in times where everything is inflated. People are struggling. So I wanted to make sure when it comes to self-care...”— Crystal Renee Hayslett [25:04]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Whatever I put my name and my face on ... I need to believe in it.” — Crystal Renee Hayslett [07:27]
• “Your hair is beautiful, and with the right products, you can have your curls, too. We all have different curls, you know, but to be able to be unapologetic about it and own it was a big part of it.” — Crystal Renee Hayslett [10:33]
• “I be in there. ... Years of me, like, figuring this out.” (on wash-and-go routine, embracing the long learning curve) — Crystal Renee Hayslett [14:49]
• “We sat in front of a computer for hours ... We came with this saying ... ‘I’ve learned that caring for my curls isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection to my roots, my texture, and every woman finding her way.’” — Crystal Renee Hayslett [22:05]
• “Batana oil ... from Honduras. People don’t understand, honey, okay, it’s the real deal.” — Crystal Renee Hayslett [22:43]

Business, Teamwork & Glimpse into Crystal’s Multifaceted Career

Timestamps: [18:37]–[20:17], [25:23]–[27:44]

• Working with supportive executives:
  • “…there’s been nothing that I have brought to them where they weren’t like, okay, let me make a phone call ... whatever I want to do, whatever God has planned inside of me, they help make it happen. And this was just another one of those dreams.” — Crystal Renee Hayslett [18:57]
• Crystal’s expanding portfolio: acting, music, live podcasting, and more. Her community follows—and supports—all facets.
  • “Everything kind of like flows into every avenue that I’m doing. ... They pick up on everything. And it’s so many generations. It’s a blessing...” — Crystal Renee Hayslett [27:44]

Upcoming Events, Availability, and Community Connection

• Unapologetic is available at ORS.com, unapologeticors.com, and Amazon.
  [18:19], [28:45]
• Crystal will appear at the Black Effect Podcast Festival in Atlanta, April 25th, hosting a live podcast and a Unapologetic booth. [21:37], [29:12]
• Plans for product pop-ups, live podcast tours, and in-store launches: “This summer is going to be crazy. I’m excited. But sell it out, y’all.” — Crystal Renee Hayslett [29:06]

Tone, Vibe, and Final Impressions

• The episode maintains the signature Breakfast Club blend of sincerity, humor, and real talk.
• Crystal’s transparency and authenticity are celebrated; hosts and guest mutually affirm the beauty in natural hair, community, and Black entrepreneurship.
• The dialogue is affirming, inclusive, and witty—grounded in both personal stories and practical advice.

For Listeners

Whether you’re a fan of natural hair journeys, entrepreneurial hustle, or simply seeking a motivational boost, this episode is packed with wisdom, anecdotes, and actionable insight straight from Crystal Renee Hayslett—a true testament to living, creating, and loving yourself and your roots, unapologetically.