The Modern Day Madam CJ Walker

I think one thing that all black women (young and old) can relate to is the great lengths AND money we go through to upkeep our hair. You may wake up two hairs before school starts to flat iron your hair or you may stay up late at night to braid your hair so that in the morning it has that cute wavy look. Whatever the case may be, whether your hair is short or long...natural or weaved up; we can all agree (for the most part) that it takes effort to maintain our hair to make sure that it's looking fresh and presentable! I know I do! You can catch me in the hair salon religiously every two weeks.

Aside from the look of our hair, what we put in it is also important. I know when I was a teenager my bathroom cabinet was filled with everything from Motions to African Pride hair products. You name it, I've tried it! Now, after watching the documentary Good Hair, I discovered that the black hair care is a multi-million dollar industry. Surprise? Not really considering the amount of money black women will spend on their hair. But the surprise came when the film pointed out that there are hardly any black-owned, let alone women-owned hair care companies. That just doesn't make sense to me! Madam C.J. Walker made a fortune by developing and marketing a hugely successful line of beauty and hair products for Black women. As women shouldn't we have more control over an industry that effects us directly? Luckily, there a few women following in her footsteps. Check out these hair care companies owned by modern day Madam C.J. Walkers!

1. Karen's Body Beautiful - Karen Taupin Saunderson created KBB to promote a healthy, holistic approach to beauty by creating handmade hair, as well as body and bath products made from a diverse selection of the highest quality natural ingredients from around the world. KBB offers products such as milk honey and hair butter for different types (natural, relaxed, press) of hair. Helpful tips are also given on how to apply each product. Prices range from $10 - $25. Check out her hair products here.

2. Miss Jessie's - If you have naturally curly hair or want to wear your hair natural then you should definitely check out Miss Jessie's! Co-Owners Miko and Titi Branch created Miss Jessie's to carve out a niche to help woman with many of their hair and life challenges. Many of their products like the famous curly pudding help enhance those natural curls. Prices range from $2 - $58. Check out Miss Jessie's products here.

3. Carol's Daughter - Named after her mother, Lisa Price started Carol's Daughter in her own kitchen! She began experimenting with fragrance, essential oils and natural moisturizers to make gifts for her family and friends. Family clients soon turned into celebrity clients such as Mary J. Blige and Jada Pinkett Smith. Try her newest rosemary mint or Disney's Princess Tiana collections. Prices range from $10 - $55. Check out Carol's Daughter products here.

--Tymika Morrison
Brownstone Team