true
StyleList for Mobile

StyleList


SoftSheen-Carson Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary

2/24/2010 9:00AM by Dana Oliver


SoftSheen-Carson celebrates 10 years of making hair history. Photo Courtesy of SoftSheen-Carson


When we think of black hair care, there are a few companies that instantly come to mind. And SoftSheen-Carson is usually first.

As the world's largest manufacturer of hair care products for people of color, SoftSheen-Carson has a rich heritage that dates back over 100 years with innovations -- like Magic Shave, the first men's depilatory brand, and Dark & Lovely, the first no-lye relaxer -- that have changed the face of the ethnic hair care industry.

"Our mission every day is to inspire beauty specifically for people of color," Angela Guy, senior vice president and general manager of SoftSheen-Carson, told StyleList. "We do that through heightened research, speaking directly to the consumer, and understanding their needs better than anyone else."

Since L'Oréal USA's acquisition and merger of Soft Sheen and Carson Products 10 years ago this month, the company has grown into a powerhouse of 18 brands, said Guy. And with the one of a kind L'Oréal Institute for Ethnic Hair and Skin Research located in Chicago, the company has pushed forward with their efforts to provide the widest variety of world-class solutions from the four corners of the globe.

StyleList recently caught up with Artistic Style Director and Celebrity Stylist Johnny Wright to discuss how SoftSheen-Carson has impacted and transformed the styles and lives of its consumer. Read on for Wright and Guy's take on products from the company's outstanding hair care portfolio.

Wave Nouveau's innovative line of products offer the options to wear strands curly or straight like Beyoncé. Photos: Courtesy of SoftSheen-Carson and Peter Kramer, AP | Kevin Mazur, WireImage.com

"Wave Nouveau is extremely revolutionary because back in the day it was mostly used as a product to change the bond of the hair to make it curly or loosen the curl pattern," said Wright. "But today, it has evolved thanks to trifusion technology so you can wear your hair either curly or straight."

Perfect a slick ponytail like Gabrielle Union with Let's Jam. Photos: Courtesy of SoftSheen-Carson and Jason Merritt, Getty Images

"During a previous season at Fashion Week, a client wanted the models' hair slicked back into a ponytail and Let's Jam worked perfectly for that," said Wright. "Many women didn't feel comfortable applying a gel product to their hair because they felt it made it sticky, dried up, or hard and crispy, but you don't have those issues with Let's Jam. So in turn, SoftSheen-Carson helped to enhance a hairstyle with a product."

Magic Shave is the oldest men's depilatory brand and is still used by many gents to achieve that Denzel Washington-esque shave. Photos: Courtesy of SoftSheen-Carson and AJBR/jpistudio

"Magic Shave is more than 108 years old -- the first men's depilatory brand," said Guy. "And under the brand we introduced a moisturizing treatment with a fresher scent to balance out skin tone, minimize razor bumps, and promote a better shaving experience."

Roots of Nature caters to natural-haired beauties like Tracee Ellis Ross who seek products with ingredients like shea butter and green tea. Photos: Courtesy of SoftSheen-Carson and Jason Merritt, Getty Images for Prada

"This [Roots of Nature] is definitely a line of products designed for a particular type of woman and a particular style of hair," said Wright. "It's an affordable, easy to use at home, and contains natural ingredients like shea butter and green tea that nourish hair."

While Tyra Banks claims to no longer wear extensions, Weave Care protects strands while donning hair pieces. Photos: Courtesy of SoftSheen-Carson and Jim Spellman, FilmMagic.com

"Weaves are very popular and people want to get their hands on products that would keep their healthy and natural while wearing extensions," said Wright. "The Weave Care line caters to the scalp and the commercial pieces, as well."

Click here to get the scoop on supermodel Chanel Iman's new haircut, as well as, her beauty tips!

View the full version of StyleList