"One of my favorite morning and evening routines with my son is to celebrate what makes him uniquely him. Whether it’s his kindness or his already-developed sense of comedic timing, it’s important for me to provide him with positive affirmations. And before society starts to shape his self-esteem, I’m teaching him to embrace his hair as a biracial child. I celebrate his Black attributes and lovingly tell him that his beautiful tight curls grow upward to be closer to the sun. After we’re done caring for his hair and skin, I have him look in the mirror and take in his appearance with pride.
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While finding the right hair care product can be difficult for anyone, it’s especially challenging to find more than a few quality options for Black hair care products, let alone for Black children. This is especially surprising considering that within the $2.5 billion Black hair care industry, Black consumers spend nine times more on hair care products than other ethnic groups, yet represent 25 percent of the hair care market. It’s why Black hair products often occupy the end corner of the hair care aisle in a typical big box store.
So, when I saw that the parents of everyone’s favorite Shady Baby, Gabrielle Union-Wade and Dwyane Wade, expanded their Proudly brand into hair care products “made with textured hair babies in mind,” I had to try it. Here’s my honest review of Proudly kid’s hair care after using it for my son.
Proudly Kid’s Hair Care Review
I’ve spent the past month using Proudly hair products on my son’s hair (which you can find at Target!). But before I break down my experience using their products and the effects on his hair, here’s some additional information on the current Proudly hair products offered.
Proudly Hair Care Products Available at Target
Removes dirt, impurities, and residue from the scalp and hair while imparting deep moisture and reviving natural curl patterns.
Instantly softens, hydrates, and defines curly and wavy hair patterns. Its nutrient-rich formula provides moisture without weighing down curls and promotes a healthy scalp.
Similar to the Moisturizing Medium Conditioner, this conditioner defines coily and curly emerging hair patterns. The dense formula provides deep moisture and enhanced manageability for tighter textures while promoting a healthy scalp.
Instantly softens, hydrates, and detangles all textured hair types. The lightweight, milky formula adds slip for defined curls and enhanced manageability. Locks in moisture to calm frizz, provide lasting shine, and promote a healthy scalp.
My experience using the Proudly hair products
I’m always wary when hair care products are scented because it can be overwhelming. Still, Proudly’s “Natural, Gentle, Sweet Vanilla scent” was subtle. The Softening Shampoo lathered well, and my son’s hair felt clean without drying it out. He has a combination of kinky curls at the roots that loosen as it grows. Since the majority of his curls are on the looser end, I chose the Moisturizing Medium Conditioner. While the conditioner had a stickier consistency, it held up to its name by leaving his curls soft to the touch.
I was expecting a cleaner, less “patchy” spray from the Defining Detangler. I’m crossing my fingers that Proudly will update its spray nozzle. The product that does come out, however, did not disappoint. The detangler’s slip (or the feeling of ease to run my fingers through his curls) made gently picking out his curls simple.
How my son’s hair responded
The Proudly Defining Detangler has made getting my tiny boss ready at the start and end of each day easier. While he continues to refine his negotiation skills in “five more minutes” increments, there is less time and effort spent giving his curls the necessary gentle attention and care. The Defining Detangler and the Moisturizing Medium Conditioner are products I’ve used daily. I’ve noticed the longevity of his soft curls and how they spring back up to life between wash days.
Would I recommend Proudly hair products?
Yes! My son deserves more than the typical Black kids’ one-size-fits-all, 3-in-1 product that barely delivers one of its promises. I love not only Gabrielle Union-Wade and Dwayne Wade’s mission for their Proudly brand but also that more and more products are being created with Black hair in mind. As a Black woman and mother, I’m far too aware of the silent stipulations that come with the way both Black adults and kids are judged and perceived by our hair.
I hope to raise a confident child radiating with #BlackBoyJoy. And products made with him in mind make getting ready more manageable for both of us. We can laugh about how funny he thinks it is to pretend that he can’t count to 10 (because he can actually count to 20!). When we’re done, he walks over to his mirror, smiles, and says he likes how he looks and feels; I can’t help but feel proud.
