Every culture has its beauty icons [1], and when it comes to black women and their hair [2], there is no greater name than Madam C.J. Walker. This pioneering Southern woman was born before the turn of the last century and transformed from laundress to the creator of her own namesake beauty products, becoming the first American female self-made millionaire. Now the legend will become a househould name for another generation.
Sephora is exclusively launching Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture, a new hair care line inspired by her legacy. Playing around with the products confirms they're every bit as nourishing as you'd expect, focused on protecting the health and integrity of hair [3]. The family-owned-and-operated company packed the products with rich oils, but the formulas are practically weightless and hydrate, exfoliate, treat, and hold effortlessly.
The line features four collections — three for styling, one for treatment — and 25 products. Each are loaded with antioxidants and dual oil encapsulation technology that smooth strands, ward off humidity, define curls, and more, all without making hair feel heavy or greasy. Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture even eradicated the need for silicones, incorporating brassica seed oil (derived from broccoli!) as a natural alternative for incredible shine.
I've selected my favorites from the historical hair maven's line. Each one is reasonably priced, effective, and a true indulgence for your mane, so get in there and find a few things to love!
Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Jamaican Black Castor & Murumuru Oils Ultra-Moisturizing Detangler
Natural curls can create some pretty intense snarls. This soothes and tames even the fiercest knots while keeping hair hydrated and supple.
Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Jamaican Black Castor & Murumuru Oils Ultra-Moisturizing Detangler [4] ($26)
Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Coconut & Moringa Oils Curl Shampoo
Free of sulfates and packed with nourishing oils, this soothing cleanser gently removes dirt and product buildup while infusing hair with as much moisture as it can handle. It won’t weigh curls down, leaving them bouncy and refreshed.
Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Coconut & Moringa Oils Curl Shampoo [5] ($24)
Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Brassica Seed & Shea Oils Silkening Leave-In
Before applying heat, lock in moisture and protection with this lightweight leave-in formula. Not only will it protect your hair where strength is needed most (and provide incredible shine!), but it has time-release technology to extend your style.
Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Brassica Seed & Shea Oils Silkening Leave-in [6] ($26)
Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Dream Come True Wonderful Scalp Exfoliator
Scalp clarity is one of the keys to healthy hair and this clarifying cream is one of the best I’ve tried. Applied preshampoo, it lifts away product buildup while imparting essential oils into the scalp, leaving behind clean, hydrated skin that’s stimulated and free to grow new strands.
Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Dream Come True Wonderful Scalp Exfoliator [7] ($32)
Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Jamaican Black Castor & Murumuru Oils Loosen and Stretch Gel
Ever wanted to change the length of your curls without cutting off that hard-earned growth? With this light gel, you'll be able to manipulate and stretch each strand without challenging the integrity of your natural hair.
Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Jamaican Black Castor & Murumuru Oils Loosen and Stretch Gel ($26, available mid-March on Sephora.com)
Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Coconut & Moringa Oils Curl Defining Milk
This lightweight wonder helps separate each ringlet curls without stickiness or residue. It’s incredibly hydrating and effective — and the scent is divine.
Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Coconut & Moringa Oils Curl Defining Milk [8] ($26)
Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Brassica Seed & Shea Oils Silkening Blow Out Creme
This heat-protecting cream helps brushes glide right through hair while shielding it from damage, which not only cuts down on split ends but drying time, too. It also imparts incredible shine and contains that time-release technology to prolong a smooth style long past its normal expiration date.
Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Brassica Seed & Shea Oils Silkening Blow Out Creme [9] ($26)
Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Dream Come True Pre-Wash Protein Treatment
Pre-pooing is a vital part of taking care of coarser hair textures, and this strengthening treatment is ready to go to work. It fortifies strands prior to cleansing, which protects it from breakage.
Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Dream Come True Pre-Wash Protein Treatment [10] ($32)