Madam C.J. Walker has single handedly launched a haircare empire that made her the wealthiest African American businesswoman until the time of her death in 1919. Walker developed her own hair and skincare line after battling with extreme dandruff and hair loss. While working with an African American hair-care entrepreneur, she educated herself on products that would promote growth, retain moisture and nourish the scalp. With her new knowledge of helpful ingredients, Walker developed her own collection. Help from her daughter and husband gave her the opportunity to market, promote, and sell her products. This was a revolutionary move for women of color in those days. Long after her death, Walker’s name and products live on and speak to her legacy as an innovative businesswoman who changed the game for women of color and women with natural hair.
Knowing the extensive history of Walker, it was important for me to try her latest collection, Beauty Culture. The Beauty Culture line carries a variety of specialized products that range from coconut oils to protein treatments. Catering to all natural hair types, you’re sure to find the exact product that you need. For me, it was important to find a co-wash that would give me the squeaky clean feeling that shampoo does, without constantly stripping my hair of moisture. I wanted a protein treatment that would completely protect and restore my hair and I needed a leave-in conditioner that would help me manage and prolong my twist-outs. Lastly, I wanted to find a product that would refresh my curls in between washes. I was basically on the hunt for 4 products that would bring life back into my mane. I decided to test each product over the span of 3 weeks to get an accurate idea of how well they’d work with my hair.
Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Hella Drenched Hydration Cream Co-Wash
I haven’t had good luck when it comes to finding an effective co-wash. Because my hair is prone to scalp build-up, finding a co-wash that removes dirt without stripping my hair of it’s natural oil is important to me. My default has been to suck it up and shampoo once a week instead of the suggested once a month with co-washes in between. I was excited to sample the Hella Drenched Hydration Cream because if I liked the product, I wouldn’t have to be so dependent on shampooing every week.
First of all, the hydration cream is extremely light and airy. Because it has a lightweight formula, it is easy to underestimate the power of the co-wash. I massaged the product in my hair from root to tip and allowed it to sit for a few minutes. After a rinse, I immediately noticed how soft and easy it was to comb through my hair.
A good protein treatment is vital to rejuvenating your hair. Even if your hair is healthy, you can continue nourish it by applying bi-weekly or monthly treatments. After my co-wash, I applied the Reconstructing Moisture Protein Treatment and let it sit in my hair for approximately 20 minutes. For best results, it’s good to cover your hair with a plastic shower cap and sit under a dryer. If you tend to apply treatments and deep conditioners while in the shower like I do, apply the treatment, cover your hair with a shower cap, and rinse your hair out as the last step to your shower routine. My immediate observation after washing out the protein treatment is that my hair felt cleaner and more manageable. I was able to comb through with ease and there was less shedding. My ends felt well-moisturized and I noticed a sheen to my curls.
Madam C. J. Walker On Point Game-Changing Texture Definition Cream
If you’re looking for a product that will effectively define your curls, then the On Point Game-Changing Texture Definition Cream is sure to do the trick. Sometimes leave-in conditioners can have your hair feeling limp and lifeless. With the definition cream, I noticed that my twist-outs took shape. There was less frizzing and more curling. Beyond the tighter curl pattern was the locked in moisture that my hair experienced. I noticed that after using this product for 3 weeks, my twist-out lasted a bit longer and was able to sustain an acceptable level of hydration.
Madam C. J. Walker Giving Lyfe Texture Refreshing Styling Spray
After 3-4 days of a twist-out, I usually wash my hair to have the ‘fresh curls’ look. Refreshers are cool, but sometimes the heavy oils or water-base mists are counterproductive to my styling needs. With the Giving Lyfe Texture Refreshing Styling Spray, you’re able to waken your curls without weighing them down. I noticed immediate frizz-control and moisture due to the Coconut, Benne, and Pecan oils. This was such a great way to give my hair a midweek pick me up.
My overall experience with the Beauty Culture collection was a good one. The journey to finding natural hair products that work for your specific hair type can be stressful and costly.You’ve hit the jackpot if you can find products that will grow and thrive with your hair. I found each product to be useful collectively and independently. For the days that I don’t do a protein treatment, I know my hair will flourish with just the co-wash and definition cream.
If you’re interested in sampling the Beauty Culture, you can shop the entire line at Sephora.
