While I know we’re all still seething from SheaMoisture’s Hair Hate ad, let’s not forget that there have been some great moments in Black hair care advertising over the years.
While a lot of the Black-owned brands we love haven’t necessarily been able to afford TV ad spots, even some mainstream companies have managed to get the product and the message about the product right for the consumer that matters most: Black women. So before you say to hell with every hair care brand on the market and, unrealistically, promise to start making your own conditioners and oil treatments at home, take a look back at the moments brands actually got it right and celebrated Black hair and Black women.
Afro Sheen
Can you imagine turning on the TV today and hearing an ad say “Out of the midst of 3,000 years emerges today’s beautiful Black queen, naturally beautiful, radiant, she is Black essence, and her beautiful natural hair is her crowning glory?” Afro Sheen laid the groundwork more brands should’ve followed.
Sulfur 8
Sulfur 8 covered men, women, naturals, and relaxed in this ad spot with a catchy jingle — by ’70s standards — to match.
Ultra Sheen
This piece of marketing genius almost makes you forget it’s an ad.
Creme of Nature
Back in ’89, Creme of Nature was demystifying the myth Black women don’t — or can’t — work out because of their hair.
Dove
If you’re going to talk about curly hair hate across races and ethnicities, this is the way to do it.
Carol’s Daughter
Today’s commercials from the brand have us longing for the days their advertising truly spoke to their consumer — and included natural beauties like Solange.
Pantene
On top of the beautiful, diverse hairstyles on the brown women in this ad, did you catch the line, “To think that only beauty is slick or wavy is crazy”? #NailedIt
Luster’s Pink
Luster’s knew they couldn’t keep pushing perms in the midst of the natural hair movement, so they appealed to natural’s who still like to rock straight strands from time to time with their glosser.
African Pride
While a little deep, this African Pride commercial shows how you evolve as a brand and showcase the fact that you have products that appeal to every generation, every hair type, and every style preference.
Dark & Lovely
You see all the healthy curls, coils, and kinks in this hair color ad? I love that it started with a chocolate beauty with bright red coils.
While I know we’re all still seething from SheaMoisture’s Hair Hate ad, let’s not forget that there have been some great moments in Black hair care advertising over the years.
