Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Review on 4B Natural Hair

If you know anything about Black History than I’m sure you know of the entrepreneur and hair care trailblazer Madam CJ Walker. Through her hair care line, she trained and employed thousands of men and women who went door to door selling her shampoo, pomades, and even hot combs. I was could barely contain my excitement when I found out that there would be a line of products under the Madam C.J. Walker named released exclusively at Sephora.

The products are made for all hair types with certain ones made to address Curly/Coily hair, Heat Styled Hair, hair in need of repair, as well as products to address frizz and humidity. The price point is set between $24-$32 which I believe is pretty reasonable for products found in Sephora I was sent four of the products to try, and I picked two on my own because I wanted to see how well they worked within the regimen. The Curly/Coily products contain Jamaican Black Castor and Murumuru Oil. Murumuru Oil is great for kinkier hair as it helps to make it softer and more manageable. However, the Murumuru Oil has a distinct fragrance which lends to more of the woody and spicy notes that you’ll smell within this product. For some, it’s a turn-off, but I find it to be pleasant. 

I used these products in my normal regimen starting with the Dream Come True Scalp Exfoliator. This was on of the products that I purchased on my own. I wanted to try it because I was hoping it would help with my dry, itchy scalp. I was surprised to see that it was a cream based product instead of a liquid or an oil. It made the application a bit more difficult. The direction stated to leave it on for 12 minutes and then proceed with washing your hair. During this 12 minutes, I was hoping to feel some tingling or some sensation that would let me know that my hair would be detoxified. Unfortunately, there was none of that, so I just had to hope it was doing what it said it would do.

I next used the Jamaican Black Castor and Murumuru Oils Purifying Shampoo with ACV. I liked this product, not only for the scent but because it got my scalp super clean. I especially liked that this product had Apple Cider Vinegar in it which makes it a great product for deep cleaning.

I follow this up with my conditioner as I did not have one from the Madam C.J. Walker line, but right after that, I went into the L.O.C method.  For the L.O.C method, I used the Brassic Seed and Shea Oil Leave In. Brassica Seed is great for dry hair which is probably why it’s found in the Heat Styled products. The products with Brassica Seed have a sweeter smell than that of the Jamaican Black Cator and Murumuru Oil line. Instead of spicy, woodsy notes, you get notes of red velvet, cream and spun sugar. I followed up the Leave-In with the Scent and Shine Brassica Oil and then sealed that with the Jamaican Black Castor and Murumuru Oil Twist Lock and Seal Lotion. I did notice that there was a bit of a residue from some of the products not working together well.

Right now my hair is only long enough for me to do finger coils. So I attempted this style twice after using the regimen above. The first time I decided to twist my hair only using Ecco Styler gel after the Twist Lock and Seal lotion. While I was able to do the finger coils the style lasted at best five days before my hair was looking a mess and I needed to rewash it. The second time I decided to to try the Jamaican Black Castor Murumuru Oil Loosen and Stretch Gel. It also states on the website that using the Lock and Seal Lotion with the gel will help to moisturize and hold your hair. I was able to do the finger coils easily with this product, and I liked how this product didn’t leave a white residue or buildup on my hair.  My only reservation with this product is that it gives no hold whatsoever. I should’ve known something was up after my hair looked a bit frizzy after I’d sat under the dryer to allow my finger coils to dry. After taking the apart the next morning as I usually do with this style, I could already tell that it was not going to hold and sure enough by day four it looked as if I hadn’t done my hair in about two weeks. This was disappointing as I was sure that pairing the Lock Seal and Twist Lotion with the Loosen and Stretch Gel would give me significant hold and moisture. I honestly assumed it would, at least, last a full week.

Overall, I’m not completely in love with the Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture products. Out of the six that I will probably only continue to use two, the Purifying Shampoo and the Brassica Seed Oil. While the price point of $24-$32 is suitable for Sephora I feel there are other products on the market with a cheaper price point which give better results. I really need my styles to last longer than 4-5 days and unless they come out with some kind of stronger gel or holding product I really can’t see myself using these products.