Ilaria Glow was founded by Mehnaz Hawa, following a personal journey shaped by balance, intention, and self-care.

After spending six years in civil engineering, Mehnaz began experiencing hair fall linked to the demands of a high-pressure work environment. In search of a solution, she created a hair oil for personal use — a simple ritual that offered both physical results and a sense of calm. Experiencing the benefits firsthand inspired her to share the formula with others.

What began as a personal solution soon evolved into Ilaria Glow’s hero product — the Glowy Grail Hair Oil, a blend of seven essential oils designed to support healthy, nourished hair. The product later went on to receive national recognition, winning Best Hair Oil at the 2025 Glamour Beauty Awards.

As the brand grew, so did its vision. The same principles that guided the haircare range — gentle formulations, effective ingredients, and everyday usability — naturally extended into skincare. This expansion allowed Ilaria Glow to support both hair and skin through calm, intentional routines, without straying from its original purpose.

Building the brand alongside everyday life, markets became a turning point. Participating in her first market in November 2022 introduced Mehnaz to a community that deeply resonated with the brand’s values. That experience ultimately led to a pivotal decision: stepping away from engineering to pursue Ilaria Glow full-time.

Today, Ilaria Glow offers thoughtfully formulated hair and skin essentials, proudly made in Cape Town. Guided by real experiences, customer feedback, and a gentle-first philosophy, the brand continues to grow — grounded in care, consistency, and intention.

The name Ilaria, meaning joyful, reflects the heart of the brand and the feeling behind every product: self-care that feels considered, comforting, and quietly uplifting.

— Mehnaz Hawa
Founder & Director, Ilaria Glow