Photo of author Ayana Herndon

Ayana Herndon

POPSUGAR Contributor

Ayana Herndon is a New York City-based freelance writer and graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. She has a passion for amplifying voices of color through her writing, which spans fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. Her work has appeared in PS and Women's Wear Daily.

Latest Posts From Ayana

Are We All Sweating on Antidepressants?

Jul 13, 2026

Are We All Sweating on Antidepressants?

This summer, I expected to spend my time lounging at the beach, enjoying rooftop parties, and taking long walks in nature.

PSA: This Is How Often You Should Be Drinking Liquid I.V.

Aug 5, 2025

PSA: This Is How Often You Should Be Drinking Liquid I.V.

Liquid I.V. is the tiny pouch that packs a punch, having become a go-to hydration tool for fitfluencers and next-day hangovers alike.

How to Crash Out Mindfully

Jul 18, 2025

How to Crash Out Mindfully

We've all been there.

What Experts Really Think About Prime, the Bad Boy of Energy Drinks

May 26, 2025

What Experts Really Think About Prime, the Bad Boy of Energy Drinks

With colorful cans and fun flavors like Strawberry Watermelon and Ice Pop, Prime Energy seems harmless enough.

6 Foods To Help You Poop, According to Gut Health Experts

Nov 25, 2024

6 Foods To Help You Poop, According to Gut Health Experts

If you're constipated, chances are you know the uncomfortable struggle of sitting on the toilet for hours, straining your muscles to pass poop and experiencing abdominal pain.

I Tried AI Therapy For a Week — Here Are My Honest Thoughts

Jun 26, 2024

I Tried AI Therapy For a Week — Here Are My Honest Thoughts

As a millennial, I find it embarrassing to admit that I'm not excited about the increased presence of AI.

Oladotun Idowu Is Giving Young Black Professionals a Space to Find Mentorship

Jun 9, 2021

Oladotun Idowu Is Giving Young Black Professionals a Space to Find Mentorship

As a full-time employee at Twitter in internal events, the CEO of her own company Sisters in Media, and an alum of the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, Oladotun Idowu has proven herself a positive and unstoppable force to be reckoned with.

How Shan Boodram, a Black Sexologist, Is Changing the Narrative Around Sex For Young Women

Apr 8, 2021

How Shan Boodram, a Black Sexologist, Is Changing the Narrative Around Sex For Young Women

Shan Boodram is a Black woman sexologist, author, and new mom who has become many people's go-to guru for all things intimacy, including mine.

From Legendary Black Athletes to Rising Stars, Here Are 10 Moments in Sports That Brought Us Joy

Feb 12, 2021

From Legendary Black Athletes to Rising Stars, Here Are 10 Moments in Sports That Brought Us Joy

Black History Month is as good a time as any to highlight the achievements of Black athletes, and inspire the next generation to dream even bigger.

Goddess Bath Rituals Are My Ultimate Form of Self-Care — Here's How They Helped Me Manifest My Goals

Feb 11, 2021

Goddess Bath Rituals Are My Ultimate Form of Self-Care — Here's How They Helped Me Manifest My Goals

In the middle of 2020, which was also finals week for most of my fellow college students, everyone I knew was really feeling the weight of the pandemic, including me.

I Suffer From Racial Trauma, and If You're a BIPOC, You Probably Do, Too

Jan 25, 2021

I Suffer From Racial Trauma, and If You're a BIPOC, You Probably Do, Too

Social media has completely transformed the way we communicate with one another, and that includes how we share information about the injustices that happen in our society.

These Black-Eyed Peas Are So Good, You'll Promote Them From a Side Dish to the Main Dish

Jan 8, 2021

These Black-Eyed Peas Are So Good, You'll Promote Them From a Side Dish to the Main Dish

Black-eyed peas are a soul-food staple.