This post is in partnership with Pantene, but all opinions are my own.*
Growing up in our household, there were three girls – my mom, my older sister and me. Each of us had such different textures of hair that the combs, brushes and products we used differed from person to person, while my dad relied on the beauty shop and my grandmother to handle our hair. It was definitely a journey finding what shampoos, conditioners and products worked best with each of us but I’d be lying if I said there weren’t tears involved!
I was born with natural soft curls but my sister’s curls were much tighter and a lot more coarse. While I’m sure my mom was frustrated, she never made us feel bad for our hair being more difficult to manage than others and always cheerfully offered store-bought and natural ways to love our hair. Instead, she let us experiment with products and processes until we all found what worked best for us at a price point that wouldn’t hurt a single mom’s budget so we knew all about Pantene products.
Now that I’m an adult and have embraced my hair through it’s many stages, I know when I’m using a product that makes it happy and few things remain true – My hair still loves Pantene and it’s price point for my hair. The baobab seeds used in the Pantene Nutrient Blends Hydrating Glow with Baobab Essence Collection reminds me of the natural remedies my mom would incorporate into our routines like green tea rinses and apple cider vinegar scrubs. Not to mention the products are free from dyes, mineral oils, parabens and sulfates.
What I love most about the Hydrating Glow Shampoo is that it gently cleanses without stripping my hair while the Hydrating Glow Conditioner rinses clean without any residue leaving my hair moisturized. All of the products contain baobab essence that has been used by Tanzanian women to treat skin issues, hydrate and elongate curls and protect skin and hair from the sun for centuries. The Hydrating Glow Thirsty Ends Milk to Water Serum melts into my hair quenching and smoothing it.
Below I’m answering some FAQs and giving a little bit of insight about my background and childhood have played a role in how I care for my hair now –
What are you mixed with?
My mom is white and Mexican. My dad is Black. This means, we saw a LOT of different treatments for hair. From hot rollers, to hot combs, relaxers and perms – we saw it all.
How did you learn what worked for your curls and hair?
My mom and both of my grandmothers all had their tried and true for what worked best for them. I spent a significant amount of time with all of them and observed how they all had different techniques and products for styling my hair and I would gravitate towards some more than others. Once getting back home, I’d ask my mom if I could pick up those products for myself because I’d really liked how my hair had turned out.
My grandmother on my dad’s side owned a hair salon at one point and was very big on creating her own rinses, leave-in treatments and other products, using things like green tea and baobab seeds, which is why I love this Hydrating Glow with Baobab Essence Collection so much.
Who taught you how to style your hair?
My hair was first my mom and sisters responsibility. Each of them would shampoo, treat and style my hair all differently. I picked up a thing or two from each of them and eventually made it my own when it came time to do my own hair.
I have been loving using the Hydrating Glow Collection from Pantene and reconnecting to my “hairitage.” Be sure to grab your own collection at Walmart, here!
I love this!! I’ve had a long journey with hair care, different products & styles since I was a kid. I can definitely relate to this!
Your hair looks so healthy! If this is the works of Pantene, sign me up.
Hair products are such a trial and error process and I love that you have found something that works for you. I enjoyed learning about your back story.
I used Pantene growing up and loved their products. But moved away from after years and different textures of my hair.
Omg I felt this in my soul! While I have fine hair, I wasn’t raised around anyone else who was black or mixed so I hated my hair. I’m now in a deep love affair with my natural curls. As a mommy, I am so intentional about making my buttercup feel beautiful in the crown she was blessed with. She has type 4c so complete opposite of my own but I am reading, watching and listening so I can let her enjoy her hair love affair.
Love this! Thank you for sharing your hair journey with us and being so transparent. Your hair is healthy and beautiful! I have heard great things about Pantene.
I definitely struggled with finding the right products for my hair and still do. This is inspiration.
Such a beautiful story and beautiful hair! Pantene has always been a staple for me growing up and now you’ve got me thinking about purchasing some again!
Love trying new curly hair products, will have to add this to my shopping cart next time I’m in Walmart. Thanks!
Finding what works for your hair and appreciating it’s uniqueness is such a journey! I have a similar story to you and your sister learning our different hair types. It took me years to love my hair. This Pantene collection looks so good!
Beautiful story, Courtney. I love that the varying haircare practices were seen, embraced and nurtured in your family. And that a childhood staple is still relevant today.
First of all your hair looking shiny and amazing! Over the year Pantene has done a good job with products they have been launching for different hair types. I could defnitely see my trying out these products!
I haven’t found my exact go to products yet but I for sure want to give these a try if you recommend them for black hair because our hair is so unique and not always catered to.
Courtney, I love your curls! They are always poppin. I have yet to try the new and improve Pantene products but I’ve heard great things!
Yesss, I just silk pressed my hair for the first time. Def. gonna try these products next time to make sure everything stays intact and healthy!