There are few things that put me into rant mode but sometimes I come across something that makes me do a double take and a deep breath. I will give you a minute to peruse this flyer by Mizani UK . . .
Now I hope you will forgive my rant but this is exactly the reason I have a problem with hair companies suddenly going natural over night. Honestly I get why they feel the need to join the natural party.
In the current climate it’s clearly a huge financial mistake not to have products that cater to the curly girls and let’s not forget the ones with ‘excessively curly textured hair’. By the way does anybody know what in the world they mean by ‘excessively curly’?
Mizani like some others miss the mark by a huge margin as they have fallen behind in terms of products and expertise when dealing with Afro-textured hair. It is all a fly by night operation for them as they try to play catch up because they want to take advantage of a growing market that might significantly improve their bottom line.
But as a natural girl myself, I don’t know if I am flattered, insulted or just plain bewildered. But like I said, I get it! Why would they as seasoned hair business professionals let little companies like Miss Jessie’s or Kinky* Curly or Curl Junkie have all the fun when there’s enough natural pie to go round?
After all they just got here, Mizani on the other hand has been in the hair game forever, they got this, if anybody is going to spearhead some kind of revolution, it will be the top brands, step aside girls, Mizani is the ‘premium professional expert’ for that group of girls with the excessively curly hair. Really though, what in this world does that mean?
We don’t like to over indulge in the ridicule rather it is better to take an opportunity to shed a little light or give some advice to our trusted brands who are clearly not ready for this new market.
With that said and with the greatest of respect, here are a few suggestions for these companies as they embark on marketing campaigns, throw curly girl parties, and create products that promise way more than they can deliver.
nadie says
I’m not justifying this ad but any understanding of the UK may put this in context. Firstly you are right they have little understanding of the afro hair market (I’m assuming that Toni & Guy produced the ad rather than Mizani) which is quite common when a brand partners together. Although someone at Mizani/L’Oreal should have approved it. There is also an emerging trend for chain hairdressers such as Toni & Guy (previously not highly frequented by black patrons) to offer services such as relaxers aimed at what I can only describe as ‘black or mixed race’ hair types. With the amount of money spent by black women and the regularity of appointments you can see why thay are trying to cash in.
In the UK Afro hair means any type of black hair and so this ad would have been aimed at anyone with relaxed, natural, texturised hair. It is also becoming more popular for non black women who have curly hair to use products developed for ‘afro’ hair types as they provide the moisture etc needed. Don’t get me wrong as I said I think that both Mizani and Toni & Guy are at fault and should maybe invest in at least engaging with their target audience but at least they are trying. Its rare to see any product like this on what we call the British high street.
Malakah Angellia Gladston says
I don’t understand WHY you are giving them ideas about marketing and how to succeed with their business. They don’t deserve it.
Charlene Jeffers says
I really don’t find it that offensive. Maybe excessively curly textured hair is the same as we would say tightly coiled or kinky hair.
Nessa Rene'e says
“Excessively” makes me feel like there’s something wrong with the curls. Like there’s too many
Marissa Turner says
Out of date
Hair Bomb says
I don’t even know what that model has on her head…
eldum says
This article is teaching non black hair companies HOW TO PUSH BLACK HAIR COMPANIES OUT OF THE BLACK HAIR CARE MARKET!!! The title should be how to give away black money to people who disrespect you.
THE AUTHOR SEEMSS TO HAVE NO BLACK PRIDE!!! @ smh
lnc says
Paddle brushes. I can’t believe this sh*t.