Taraji P Henson Celebrates the Powerful Rise of Black Beauty Brands: Embracing Our Collective Strength
Taraji P Henson celebrates the empowering presence of numerous black beauty brands in the market, crediting the natural hair movement for inspiring her own successful venture, TPH by Taraji
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Taraji P. Henson wants to see all Black women in beauty win.
The 53-year-old actress, who introduced her haircare line called TPH by Taraji in 2020, is not fazed by the growing number of beauty brands created by celebrities. In an interview with The Los Angeles Times on Thursday, November 2, Henson stated, "I'm not surprised when people say, 'A Black person came up with that.'" Henson emphasizes that Black people have long prioritized their hair, and now major brands are finally catching on by featuring natural hair in their commercials.
Other notable celebrity haircare brands include Pattern by Tracee Ellis Ross, Flawless by Gabrielle Union, 4U by Tia Mowry, Sienna Naturals co-owned by Issa Rae, and viral sensation Mielle Organics founded by Monique Rodriguez. Additionally, Beyoncé has also announced her plans to launch her own haircare line earlier this year.
Henson expressed her satisfaction in witnessing the success of numerous Black beauty brands in real time, as it validates the significant economic purchasing power possessed by Black women. She further questioned why there cannot be room for all brands to coexist, just like established brands such as L'Oréal, Maybelline, and CoverGirl. Additionally, Henson expressed her delight in seeing videos featuring her products alongside other Black-owned beauty brands such as Mielle, Pattern, Carol's Daughter, and Miss Jessie's, emphasizing that there is ample space for all these brands.
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Henson embarked on her journey as a beauty entrepreneur following a tumultuous hair journey. Prolonged use of hair relaxers had led her to believe that her own natural hair texture was too challenging to handle. However, at the age of 30, she made a breakthrough realization.
Henson shared with the Times a memorable experience of trying to do her own hair for the first time. In front of the mirror, she found herself crying as she struggled with a brush and comb tangled in her hair.
It was only after she encountered a hairstylist who provided her with the right products and tools to care for her hair that she realized her previous methods had been incorrect. Though she eventually developed a fondness for her hair, Henson still faced difficulties when it came to maintaining a clean scalp.
"I quickly learned at a young age that your scalp is the key to healthy hair," she said in the interview. "In order for your hair to grow, your scalp needs to be in good condition. However, now that I have a weave and all of these extensions, I found myself facing the challenge of keeping my scalp clean. I had to find a solution to this problem."
She further explained, "Starting a haircare line was never something I anticipated. It simply became a necessity for me."
Henson's popular products from her line include the Master Cleanse Scalp Wash, the Never Salty Sugar-Based Scalp Scrub, and the Mint Condition Tingling Scalp Conditioner.
In a tutorial featured on the TPH by Taraji website, the actress showcases the proper usage of the Master Cleanse. This product is designed to eliminate scalp build-up and create a clean, well-balanced environment for promoting healthier, natural hair.
“This is going to feel like heaven to you,” Henson said while massaging the product around her crown.
