Iconic Hair
Dudleys walked so Mielle could run.
Defining what makes a beauty product reach cult status is an imperfect science.
Does it come after we can look back with (somewhat) fond memories?
Or is it something unintentionally assigned by the people lapping up a new launch at light speed?
This eerie skill becomes particularly clear when taking stock of Black hair products.
Unlike other, forever exploding beauty niches, textured hair products remain a relatively young category.
Word of mouth quickly spread throughout the country, solidifying Dudley as a Black household name.
Among the newest cohort of natural haircare brands, Mielle Organics recently demonstrated the power of cult-like support.
We wore different haircuts.
So you had to have a relaxer.
You had the finger waves, pump waves, crunch waves and pineapple waves.
You had all these different styles and it required you to wear [straight hair].
As wearing natural curls returned to favor, methods for avoiding heat styling did as well.
So much so that hair extensions have transformed into a product category of their own.
Ampros recognizable black jelly was once the most popular for its versatility.
We lived in Ampro gel, says Everett.
When you went to the beauty supply you always saw women standing at that product.
Slowly, Eco Style began to take over as the reigning gel of choice for curly and textured hair.
One thing people didnt like about Ampro was the brown residue it left behind, suggests Everett.
[Eco Style] was able to swoop in and market to the new natural hair bloggers.
We used what we had access to, she says.
Lusters Pink Lotion was a staple in my Black experience.
Flat irons and other hot tools have endured throughout the years, and Everett doesnt see them going anywhere.
However, edge-tamer brushes are quietly making a name for themselves.
Until recently, styling baby hair was achieved using toothbrushes and non-specific tools.
New, dedicated edge brushes from brands likeBaby TressandPattern Beautyillustrate the impact of Black hair needs.
However, the experts believe a constantly shifting focus still leaves cult spots open for the taking.
We are going more clean, we’re going more holistic, says Bergamy-Rosa.
This article was originally published onJuly 6, 2023
