Natural Hair Care and its Products- What’s Black-Owned and What’s Not
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That natural hair care industry is experiencing consistent growth with no signs of slowing down or stopping. In 2016, it was estimated that consumers spent $2.56 billion dollars on natural hair care products alone and that the natural hair care industry was worth upwards of $760 million. As a naturalista, you may have some concerns with who the companies are behind your favorite natural products. Are your natural hair products black-owned- or not?
You may be surprised to find that many of the top products you find lining the beauty supply, drug store major retail and big-box shelves aren’t black owned. You also want to pay attention to the ingredients. Just because it says it’s formulated for natural hair doesn’t mean the ingredients are natural and don’t contain carcinogens. Some of these include parabens and fragrance- which can contain several carcinogens that go unnamed and are simply categorized as “fragrance”.
Natural Hair Care Products that are NOT Black Owned
Carol’s Daughter (The company was purchased by L’Or’eal in 2014)
African Pride
Smooth N Shine
Dark and Lovely
African Best
Crème of Nature
Dax
Soft & Beautiful
Just for Me
Dr. Miracles
ElastaQP
Ultra Sheen
Optimum Care
Doo Gro
Natural Hair Care Products that ARE Black Owned and Exclusively Contain Natural Ingredients
Miss Jessie’s
Kinky-Curly
Sienna Naturals
Camille Rose Naturals
Mielle Organics
CURLS
Madam C.J. Walker (Owned by Essence Ventures, which own SheaMoisture, Nubian Heritage, and Madam C.J. Walker)
You’ll notice that the black-owned list is shorter than the non-black owned, but the products are phenomenal, cater to all textures of natural hair and customers rave about them. With just a little bit of research, you can assure your dollars are going back into black-owned companies and not lining the pockets of major retailers. These retailers consistently utilize marketing tricks, visuals, and verbiage to make consumers think their products contain natural ingredients and are black-owned. If you aren’t certain, always read the label and research the company itself to find out who owns it.
Author: Qiana Williams
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Mielle just sold to proctor and gamble
why is design not on the black owned list
Need only black owned business for my hair for growth and non- breakage.
I don’t see a date stamp on this article and the earliest comment I see is for 2018. I’m almost sure there are new Black-owned products on the market now in 2021. Can you update this article for 2021? Thank you so much!!!
Good point. We’ll have to revisit/update this list!
I went to several stores such as Walmart, Target, Sally’s Beauty Supply and not one of these stores sold Creme of Nature relaxer
Many years ago there used to be an emblem on the back of black owned hair care products.
Yes, I remember this too. I had wondered why the Black manufacturers would drop this consortium. It definitely took away the confusion, and it would boost their sales.
Natural Hair Products, “What’s Black Owned and What’s Not” is a very revealing article. I must say, I was surprised to see that so few are and not many have the best ingredients. I have been a Naturalista for a good seven years now, although I have changed back and forth over the years and I always have a difficult time with hair products. Now I know why! I found it much easier to only use conditioner for a very long time. I have to admit, I have been recently washing and conditioning my hair with E’Tae Natural Products specifically Carmelux and for the first time my hair does not feel dry and it looks very healthy. I am interested in knowing how this product holds up with the others listed. Sincerely, Wynne Shaddock Andrews