Anyone else HATE the Ethnic Haircare Aisle

[Aireen]

Obviously it's not a law anymore. I was just thinking of it in terms of how people thought as the background of the law. "They'll get their own, so they can't complain," meanwhile, the colored fountains tended to have some sort of limitation (ie crappy plumbing, broken down, etc). I feel the same way about the ethnic aisle. It is so limiting, and despite the fact that a lot of the white products contain the same ingredients, ours are usually more expensive, have less nice packaging, smells, etc. That's the point of why I brought up the white girl with the curly hair that I've heard say she had to use black products. The stuff is the same, but for some reason we have to be separate, as if her hair is going to benefit so much better from the mineral oil-filled black product as opposed to the mineral oil-filled white product.
That's my problem with it. It's not the fact that the products aren't natural because the white section doesn't tend to have a whole lot of natural products either, but just the fact that it has to be in a separate aisle and perceived in a way that we are SOOOOO different, like hair is not hair. Alcohol in white products are bad, just like alcohol in black products are. So why are we paying more and so limited? This is not referring to places like Target, but just general stores that, like a PP said, shoves all the black products in a half-aisle in a random corner or in a separate section altogether. I just don't get it.

ETA: But as I said, my biggest problem was the misspelling of stuff...

davisbr88

I thought blacks got their own separate fountain from whites not for some concealed excuse that blacks have their own and cannot complain but because blacks were considered vastly inferior and should be treated as such overtly without an excuse to hide it — it was blatantly displayed.

The smell, packaging, and labeling with incorrect spelling are not the fault of the one that is responsible for placing the products in their "designated" area. It would be the brand's company that is responsible for how they're going to market the product and its contents. As for price, that can partially be determined through the cost of production to make the product. If a petroleum based item is going to cost $4.99/bottle then it will because businesses need to pay expenses as well as make a profit. I live in Canada, I haven't noticed a significant difference in price difference in terms of white products being less expensive than black products. I haven't noticed because it wasn't an evident enough difference for me personally.

Honestly, if it's such a big deal then maybe do something about it by going through more appropriate protocol to get the message out there. If not, just think of our products as a bunch of luxury salon brands that I may also add have limited selection and perhaps "special mention" and "location rights".

 

[Aireen]

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/ethnic since when does ethnic mean black? all people are "ethnic" because they have a background culture as well....im lost and never understand why ethnic meant black...seems like the easy way out of calling black people something else if you ask me...

2. ethnic - not acknowledging the God of Christianity and Judaism and Islam
heathen, heathenish, pagan
irreligious - hostile or indifferent to religion

and this definition just burns me up. literally apparently...

Good point. It never really bothered me when things I saw were referred to as or considered to be ethnic but I always thought that others thought it was supposedly the more polite term for anything non-white or to be more specific, anything black. I once wondered why can't people be more specific or more blunt rather and stop trying to sugar coat our race by describing it as "ethnic". Why does it need another name anyway? Anyway, it was a one time thought, never pondered about it after that.

 

[NikStarrr]

I like the ethnic aisle. Some of that stuff I still buy, like Fantasia IC products. *'Ye shrug*

 

[westNDNbeauty]

Does anyone here not like the ethnic food aisle too?

 

[Nasdaq_Diva]

Does anyone here not like the ethnic food aisle too?

Yup a couple people don't. There is a super specialty grocery store in my city. It's called Jungle Jims. Anyway, they have like everything, and I mean everything under the sun. The countries an stuff are in areas by flag it's so particular. Wherever you are from in the world, you can go there and find anything you'd like.

But most places, like my local Krogers have Mexican, Asian/Indian, Kosher sections.

 

[westNDNbeauty]

LMAO!
YES!!!! And I hate the fact that we can't ever have products spelled correctly.
It's the only aisle that will list "nu" instead of "new," "gro" instead of "grow," "lite" instead of "light." Lol. I can't stand that!!!! I don't even go to that aisle anymore unless I am in need of a satin scarf.

I dunno if anyone else has mentioned this (didn't read through the whole thread) but products usually spell grow incorrectly because they don't make your hair groW. That misspelling is a way that they release liability for possible consumer claims of hair not really growing fast.

As for the others, I dunno.

 

[SmileyNY]

You can have different products marketed toward different textures of hair, but I don't see how or why that translates into shelving them in a different area. Hair is hair. Someone upthread mentioned "othering" non-white hair, and that is exactly what it is, plain and simple.

Every store is different. In some stores (like the one nearest my home) black hair products are grouped together in the same isle as general. If your store has a completely different isle for black hair products, consider yourself lucky, b/c that means you have more options. Trust me, a store's main objective is to sell. They spend a lot of money paying people to figure out the best way to sell every single item down to a 25 cent pack of gum. They don't group anything anywhere b/c they think it's irrelevant or unimportant. Every single item is placed to sell. If they thought anything was insignificant or unimportant, they wouldn't sell it at all because it would not be of value to them.


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[davisbr88]

@davisbr88

I thought blacks got their own separate fountain from whites not for some concealed excuse that blacks have their own and cannot complain but because blacks were considered vastly inferior and should be treated as such overtly without an excuse to hide it — it was blatantly displayed.

The smell, packaging, and labeling with incorrect spelling are not the fault of the one that is responsible for placing the products in their "designated" area. It would be the brand's company that is responsible for how they're going to market the product and its contents. As for price, that can partially be determined through the cost of production to make the product. If a petroleum based item is going to cost $4.99/bottle then it will because businesses need to pay expenses as well as make a profit. I live in Canada, I haven't noticed a significant difference in price difference in terms of white products being less expensive than black products. I haven't noticed because it wasn't an evident enough difference for me personally.

Honestly, if it's such a big deal then maybe do something about it by going through more appropriate protocol to get the message out there. If not, just think of our products as a bunch of luxury salon brands that I may also add have limited selection and perhaps "special mention" and "location rights".

Well-said about the inferior-superior thing. I was just thinking of the "separate but equal" thing.
I didn't say it was ALL of the store's fault - I think it is the responsibility of the manufacturer as well, but I just really don't like it being separate in the store. And yeah, the prices around here are definitely different. V05 and Suave are under a dollar, and the black products start at like $3. Which is why I thought for so long that I didn't think I could use them because they were so cheap.
I personally didn't think it was all that big of a deal. Like I said, the misspelling bothered me. I understand the "gro" thing but not "nu" or "doo" or "lite", etc. But I do know that prior to learning about ingredients, I never went to the white aisle because I assumed I couldn't use those products. I don't think it's wrong to think that a lot of women think they should be using certain products and can't use "white" products, and in that way, they're getting stiffed.

 

[Prinncipality]

I don't mind it. In fact, I kind of like it. Heck it makes products easier to find if they are all in one spot. Just like the "African American" or "Urban" literarature section I see in some bookstores.

 

[Chrissy811]

at the thread, I don't even go down that aisle anymore. Its always funny when I get the side eye from someone some random white person when I'm looking for VO5 conditioner or Yes to Carrots. Whats doublely funny is when I get the look from the AA cashier who I know is thinking what the H@LL is she going to do with this.

 

[mischka]

They don't group anything anywhere b/c they think it's irrelevant or unimportant. Every single item is placed to sell. If they thought anything was insignificant or unimportant, they wouldn't sell it at all because it would not be of value to them.

don't agree... sorry.

 

[SmileyNY]

don't agree... sorry.

It's your right not to agree... But I wasn't just guessing or assuming. I was stating it from personal knowledge. I work in advertising & I do this for a living lol.


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[Nasdaq_Diva]

It's your right not to agree... But I wasn't just guessing or assuming. I was stating it from personal knowledge. I work in advertising & I do this for a living lol.

I assumed you were in that line of work based on your comment. Curious, as far as product placement you don't see or feel that there is an underlying issue when it comes to the product placement?

Why one product brand stands next to another, across from another color product?

Why do you feel that product placement makes it acceptable to put ethnic hair care products on their own shelf, or semi aisle?

 

[SmileyNY]

I assumed you were in that line of work based on your comment. Curious, as far as product placement you don't see or feel that there is an underlying issue when it comes to the product placement?

Why one product brand stands next to another, across from another color product?

Why do you feel that product placement makes it acceptable to put ethnic hair care products on their own shelf, or semi aisle?

It's really simple. Everything is placed where it sells best. Product placement is not at all random. Plenty of expensive tests & trails happen to determine where a product would sell best. There's no guessing going on.

If people selected certain items at a high rate even when they are randomly placed, then placement would be less segregated.




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[lwilliams1922]

i hate that isle just b.c. i know 80% of it is loaded with mineral oil and petroletum...and is gonna smell like a typical black hair product.

sigh

i think im just too spoiled with all the herbal essense, v05, and suave coconut fragrances. I mean...why can't they make those scents for us too. I don't wanna smell like pink oil moisturizer no mo

I'm getting my gym on these days and as hot as it gets in my group fitness class I'm soooooooooooo glad I don't smell like the old school black hair products (anymore)!

When I work up a sweat (in a crowded class) I prefer the light scent of conditioner.

 

[newnyer]

I agree with some of these ladies- I wouldn't say I hate the different section--I just hate the limitations in products and value. But I don't necessarily think that's the store's fault. I appreciate any store and actually like it when the hair products are group in accordance with hair care needs (i.e. curly hair, straight hair, dry hair, protein products, etc.) If they happen to have a section where all the products seem to cater to my hair needs (relaxer, satin cap, natural hair oils, etc.)- I'm happy because I'm lazy and would rather stay within a 1 aisle radius . I rarely see it this organized since they also group them according to the brands but I think you get the point. Again, I think the major problem is the brands that claim to cater to my needs aren't good enough, so now I have to walk in other "sections" to see what else can work.

 

[Guitarhero]

Like we're so cot dayum stupid, we don't know what we'd purchase for our own "ethnic" hair. They can place all haircare items together, imho. All it is is one designated entrapment to catch a thief. I hate Sally Beauty Supply back-of-the-bus adds and placement of products. Just like they have color together, why not put colored colors there as well? Oils and pomades? Next to the white girl Argan oil. Shampoo, everybody uses Creme of Nature.

 

[Solitude]

I also feel if the "ethnic" isle featured more high quality, natural hair products made by black business owners, there would be an increased opportunity to support black businesses.

At Whole Foods, they also have an "ethnic" hair section - it's just not labeled. But, Kinky Curly, Jane Carter, and other local natural hair brands are grouped together. I personally find it easier to find what I'm looking for. But yeah, they do carry local natural hair brands that aren't marketed nationally.

So, basically, you can support Whole Foods and other places like local black-owned businesses that are focused on organic and natural living. That's what I do. When I want some Just For Me (kidding, I don't use it), I go to Wal-Mart or the BSS.

I find the ethnic hair aisle or section to be more convenient. I wouldn't want to look up and down the aisle for Hot Six Oil or relaxers, or any other product that we know is used by blacks (mostly). We know Susie is not using Hot Six Oil, Shea Butter moisturizer, etc., let's be real.

I actually think there was a thread just like this a couple of years ago. People were mad at any black section, including the black book section is stores and I was like huh? I hate going to Barnes and Noble and searching for days for the Urban Christian Fiction because the books are all sorted by author amongst the general fiction.

 

[RedVelvet310]

I don't care for it, it doesn't bother me. We even have an Asian hair section in my WalMart and it's a baby in comparison to the Black hair section

IMO they do that to cater to the people who actually use those products. The majority of people who use those products are people of African descent, so mixing it with everything else (that people across the board use) won't make any sense and would just be inconvenient to the people who use it.

No one's MAKING you use it, you won't get shot if you pick up a bottle of Herbal Essences. I won't lie, I use some products in that section that WORK for my hair and it's good to know that I only have to look there to find it.

I've never seen it called the "ethnic hair aisle" before that's awkward.

 

[SND411]

Keep in mind that the "non-ethnic" isle has very crappy products also.

 

[Incognitus]

At Whole Foods, they also have an "ethnic" hair section - it's just not labeled. But, Kinky Curly, Jane Carter, and other local natural hair brands are grouped together. I personally find it easier to find what I'm looking for. But yeah, they do carry local natural hair brands that aren't marketed nationally.

....[clipped]....

I find the ethnic hair aisle or section to be more convenient. I wouldn't want to look up and down the aisle for Hot Six Oil or relaxers, or any other product that we know is used by blacks (mostly). We know Susie is not using Hot Six Oil, Shea Butter moisturizer, etc., let's be real.

I actually think there was a thread just like this a couple of years ago. People were mad at any black section, including the black book section is stores and I was like huh? I hate going to Barnes and Noble and searching for days for the Urban Christian Fiction because the books are all sorted by author amongst the general fiction.

I agree that it's easier to navigate when all the products are in one section. However, unless it's a beauty supply store, a section marked ''hair care'' would suffice. It doesn't have to be separated. Heck, I've gone to many stores where the ethnic hair isle is several isles away from the other hair care items. Then, I have to go to both sections to get the items want. In a large (non beauty) store, there should only be one hair section. In a beauty-focused store, ti helps to have the subcategories of ethnic or Indian, or professional, etc.

I have to say though, that I agree with you on the book sections. With a store that mainly sells books, it simply has to be micro-categorized.

 

[theLovelyStyle]

At the local urban target, they have this on an end cap so us bougie naturals can find it... Everytime, I go up in there all the Kinky Curly Curling Custard, Knot Today and Shea Moisture Shampoos be gone. I KNOW it's one of y'all snatching all my goodies!

Oh and at the Target in Inglewood, they have braiding hair and weave.

Yes, target has some good items. I was surprised to see keracare

 

[GoodMernin]

i hate that isle just b.c. i know 80% of it is loaded with mineral oil and petroletum...and is gonna smell like a typical black hair product.

sigh

i think im just too spoiled with all the herbal essense, v05, and suave coconut fragrances. I mean...why can't they make those scents for us too. I don't wanna smell like pink oil moisturizer no mo

I rarely post cause I am a newbie but a long time lurker.

But you are soooo right. Half of that mess is loaded with mineral oil and ere' thing under the sun that we SHOULD NOT put in our hair. One would swear that there is a conspiracy to just jack up our hair by selling this mess to us.

I feel like the black hair care aisle like I feel about Fashion Fair makeup.

My face would look like I belong in a casket and my hair would look dead too.

No ma'am.

 

[GoodMernin]

Yes, girl!!!!
"Doo-Gro," "Nu-Gro," "Gro oil."
They all know we tryna grow some hair with some mineral oil.

And they are gonna keep pushing the envelope until ya walk in and see "Mama-n-Nem Hairsheen Spray.

Does not make a bit of sense.

 

[AlliCat]

I don't like the section because of the crappy products. 'Gro' this, 'magic' that. Time for a makeover

If they have an ethnic section people will complain. If they don't have an ethnic section people will complain. I just want to be able to buy Kinky Curly products at my local Walmart

 

[davisbr88]

And they are gonna keep pushing the envelope until ya walk in and see "Mama-n-Nem Hairsheen Spray.

Does not make a bit of sense.

*dead*

 

[Nasdaq_Diva]

I rarely post cause I am a newbie but a long time lurker.

But you are soooo right. Half of that mess is loaded with mineral oil and ere' thing under the sun that we SHOULD NOT put in our hair. One would swear that there is a conspiracy to just jack up our hair by selling this mess to us.

I feel like the black hair care aisle like I feel about Fashion Fair makeup.

My face would look like I belong in a casket and my hair would look dead too.

No ma'am.

I'm glad my thread got you out of lurkdom! Don't be afraid, we wanna hear more from you.

And they are gonna keep pushing the envelope until ya walk in and see "Mama-n-Nem Hairsheen Spray.

Does not make a bit of sense.

And don't forget "Mama-n-Pookie-n-Nem" braid spray for that scalp itch

 

[GoodMernin]

I'm glad my thread got you out of lurkdom! Don't be afraid, we wanna hear more from you.


And don't forget "Mama-n-Pookie-n-Nem" braid spray for that scalp itch

Thanks for the welcome!

Yes...Pookie-n-Nem Products (which is a subsidiary of the Mama-n-Nem haircare line). Coming to a store near you.

 

[TLC1020]

I hate the aisle also so I usually walk right past the aisle or go thru the aisle without purchasing anything from it.

 

[beans4reezy]

I don't have a problem with the ethnic isle. In fact, I make it a point to stop by and look through the products with the hopes of finding a hidden gem.

I'm not sure why folks are so offended by the notion that relaxers, Scurl, and grease are marketed towards us as Blacks- but um, who else is using these kinds of hair care products?