Ingredient Lists Do Not Have A Race! - People Have Asked Me Why I Use ‘White Pro

When you first start your hair journey there are almost always skeptics and naysayers. The misconception that black women can’t grow long hair is a myth that should have been put to bed long ago.

With proper precautions taken, the goal is achievable. A simple comment as “You wash your hair too much” is already aggravating enough. Meanwhile, I’m thinking these people should mind their own business. However, everyone is entitled to their opinion.

It goes to a whole other level when people have the nerve to ask me why I use white products in my hair. Excuse me, but umm, did you actually just say that? As I try to hide my look of disgust and confusion to such a question, I have to realize how one can come to a conclusion like that.

The stereotype

I’ll admit I have been guilty of this in the past. We all know the small “black hair section” we are granted in Walmart stores and Sally Beauty Supply.

Before I went on my hair journey, I was informed that if it was not Pink Lotion or Dr. Miracles, then I shouldn’t be using it.

That could not be any further from the truth. The fact that the stereotype goes “African Americans should use products that are geared towards them and Caucasians should do the same,” is really limiting when you think about it. Yes, stereotypes will not be going anywhere, anytime soon, but this one in particular is quite outlandish and I’m surprised it is even a thing at all.

Supporting black owned businesses

Just because it is made for “Black Hair”, does not mean it is black owned. Those are the cold hard facts and the truth will set you free! Originally, I was under the assumption that I was supporting the cause, when purchasing Luster’s and SoftSheen Carson products.

Little did I know, these are not black owned companies. Although at first glance, it may look like they are or maybe at one point they were.  I believe it is safe to say that if  they were, they no longer are.

Now, I’ll admit there are more and more Black Owned Businesses popping up overnight with custom shea butter* mixes and hair elixir’s waiting to be tried.

Among these are: Eden Body Works, Miss Jessie’s, Shea Moisture*, and Bronner Bros. just to name a few. To add conflict to measure check out the following list of products that are made for “Black Hair” but are not black owned.

Dax

African Pride

Hawaiian Silky

Doo Gro

KeraCare

Motions

Aphogee*

Creme of Nature

Mizani

African Best

Marketing

So why is it that certain products are geared towards your race? It makes more sense to me that you should market your product to the masses, increasing your sales.

Then again, from a business standpoint it is good to narrow down your target market.  I use to be afraid of trying products such as Herbal Essences and Aussie with the thought that it was pretty much guaranteed not to work for my hair.

I mean why try something when you have always been told it does not work anyway? Companies figure, you put a black woman on a box with long, flowing, beautiful hair, then the product will sell itself. Are they right?

Can it be called deceptive advertising? I have found that some so called “white products” have worked better for my hair than those that have been marketed towards me.

Although, it may be the furthest thing from our mind when at the checkout, marketing plays a huge role in the things that we buy. No doubt about it, that it does influence our decision, but should it be the ultimate deciding factor on what should work for our hair?

Does it really make a difference

For those who have tried a vast array of products on their hair journey, did you notice a big difference in whether it was a “black product” or “white product” you used? For, some the answer may be yes.

I know when I was a relaxed diva, I was a die hard fan for Motions everything! Not because it was marketed towards my skin tone but for the mere fact that it freaking worked for my hair.

Besides whose business is it to tell you what products you can and can’t use in your hair? If it is working for you, then that is all that matters.

A mentality that you should use products made for black people is an idea that is extremely flawed. Especially since it has been proven, that many of these companies are not even black owned.

It is all in the marketing that you are feeding into. In my opinion there is no such thing as white and black products. Just good product vs bad product.

If it works for you,  great, if not, don’t knock another person’s choice with a blatantly incorrect comment as you exchange hair advice. Your hair may be missing out on the best moisturizing conditioner*. To each their own though,, as long as it’s healthy, we should all be celebrating.