Back in March I had the pleasure of sitting on an expert panel discussion with the Ouidad team about the importance of curls and the evolution of curl care. In preparation for the launch of their newest curl collection, the Ouidad team asked me to sit on the panel and share my experience with editors of top publications about the important things YOU all want to know when you come to blogs like mine about taking care of curly hair. I was joined by the founder of the salon chain- Ouidad herself, as well as celebrity hairstylist Tiffany Daugherty, dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry, Ouidad R&D Melanie Fahey and Ouidad Marketing Director Melka Davis.
Ouidad was the first string of luxury salons specifically catered to curly hair and the specific needs of curly hair. And as a result of their success with salon treatments, they’ve developed a line of amazing curl care products that have catered to many different curl types, but now specifically address coarser, kinky-curly curls. My first introduction to the Ouidad line was at a blogger event a few years ago. I came home with a bag full of samples and instantly fell in love with their Cowash Cleansing Conditioner which is a low-poo, super moisturizing, smells amazing and really conditions the hair completely. It instantly became my one-stop-shop cleanser & conditioner in one. It never left my hair feeling stripped like other cleansers and it really made my hair soft & easier to manage.
So when the Ouidad team reached out to me about their upcoming Curl Immersion line which is going to be a full collection of products like the cowash cleanser that cater specifically to coarse, kinky hair like mine, I knew I wanted to know more! I took some time after the panel discussion to catch up with founder of Ouidad and ask some questions I’m sure you guys would want to know about. Here’s what she had to tell me:
LoveBrownSugar: Why is catering to all curl types important to you?
Ouidad: Each curl type is unique and requires specific care. It is important that we help women with curly, coily, kinky, and wavy hair, have a wide array of options for styling and maintenance, and that textured hair is not overlooked like it has been in the past. We want to encourage women to embrace their curls! By supplying them with products specific to their curl type, information and education, we make it easier for the everyday woman to maintain healthy, bouncy, shiny curls no matter how tight or how loose her curls are.
How has creating a brand to address curls shaped the industry?
When I started my business in the 80s, I couldn’t believe that there was nothing for curly hair, when over 60% of the population has some form of curl! Peter (my husband and business partner) and I wanted to create a place and an environment where people with curls are catered to, celebrated, and taught how to work with their curls. We became an exclusive salon to curls, and inclusive to the curly community encouraging people to share whatever information they felt would help their families and friends with curls. Going natural and embracing your curls has never been bigger. With the help of our products, which specifically target different curl types, as well as leagues of specialized curl stylists who love to share their knowledge, we help ease the transition for everyday women who are going natural with their hair.
Why is it important to follow your dreams, even in the face of adversity?
It’s so important to follow your dream not only in the face of adversity, but just in general. Your dream is your passion, your passion is your drive. When you have that dream, it’s that birthing of an idea – an idea that gives you chills and lots of energy. When faced with adversity, your passion and drive will override that, allowing you to focus more and stay strong. That dream is so impactful it’s just impossible for you not to follow it, and once you decide to begin your path, to follow your dream, it is vitally important for you to keep on that path, not straying or veering from it for one second.
Wise word from this beautypreneur. I was really inspired by my conversation with Ouidad and I’m even more excited to experience the new collection! Ouidad is a proud sponsor of the #BrownGirlsLoveBrunch tour this summer and in each of the cities we visit, they will be gifting free products to our attendees. Look out for the Curl Immersion Collection launch in June! Check LoveBrownSugar.com next month for a full review of the new line.
You can sign up here to get early access to the preview: https://www.ouidad.com/Curl-Immersion-signup
GIVEAWAY ALERT: I’m giving away (3) sets of Ouidad curl kits to my readers. There are three different ways you can enter (U.S. Residents Only. Must be 18+ to Enter. Giveaway ends Sunday 5/22 11:59PM):
1) Leave a comment on this blog post (write your comment below!)
2) Follow @Ouidad & @LoveBrownSugar on Instagram & leave a comment under my post
3) Leave a comment on the LoveBrownSugar Facebook post
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This post is sponsored by Ouidad. All opinions expressed here are my own and not those of the company.
