What Do You Think of This Herbal Essences Commercial?

[CurlyMoo]

I am indifferent to this commercial because I am used to people even of our race disrespecting and making fun of our many cultures and our hair. I am curious of the responses to this video. Clearly a commercial created by yet another cocky caucasian for a predomeniently caucasian society. On the surface the commerical is cute and funny. But the sterotypical accent with the locs and Jamacian outfit and showering outdoors to suggest that caribs only shower outdoors. Cute and silly on the surface but playing up to the belief that natural afro textured hair is rough and unkempt underneath. BTW, the straight flat relaxed mess that he ended up with was atrocious.

And for those of you who say that well he asked for his money back are just clueless. YA GOT PLAYED HOMMIE! But hey it's your right to love being so. So yuck it up and enjoy!

 

[winnettag]

So what if they re-filmed it with a white australian guy with dreds?

 

[JustKiya]

*shrug*

I see why people think it's offensive, but I'm not offended by it, if that makes sense. I refuse - refuse - to blame 'white people' for perpetrating the meme that kinky hair is a bad thing, when in reality, it's usually black people who are the ones that vocally express their hate, dislike, and disgust towards unstraightened hair on black people.

How many naturals black mamas/sisters/aunties/cousins/boyfriends have expressed disgust, horror, and out and out shame over a sista choosing to BC and go natural, vs. the reactions of people of other races have towards our hair?

How many Caribbean blacks still believe that if you have dreads, you must be a druggie?



Looking below the surface of the commercial, it's sad, is what it is - because it's a reflection of OUR beliefs, not something being 'laid' on us by some outside force.

So am I offended that so many of my people still think that all my hair really needs is a quick touch of heat or a dose of perm in order to be really pretty? Nah, I'm more depressed, for true, and accepting that right now - that's how it is, and hopefully we'll get over the internalized message that others care/force this option on us, when in truth - we are the ones who actually care and perpetuate it.

 

[bellecheveux]

The commercial was funny (and a little effed up)... kinda jealous of the guy's straight hair....

 

[Extremus]

As, a relaxed head, I don't like it
Yea, I know the hypocrisy.

 

[MissMarie]

Am I the only one that does not think his straightened hair looks good?

Something stiff and off about it, and its not flattering

 

[CollegeGrad]

That commercial was clearly stating that straight hair is better than relaxed hair.

But I was more offended on behalf of Jamaicans. I didn't know people still believed that stereotype.

 

[malachi74]

i put the link to the commercial on my facebook to see what my non LHCF friends think. I was not personally offended by the commercial but I figured that some people would take offense. It's not like the white woman looked at his hair as if it were a mess nor did he say he was trying to get rid of his locs. I felt they were trying to show how effective the product was at detangling and smoothing the hair, so much so that it undid his locs. Plus the guy was upset due to the results so....

 

[malachi74]

the guy didn't think the straight hair was better, he was pissed that it undid his locs! He wanted his money back! what are y'all talking about??

 

[anon123]

I didn't particularly like the part when he said "Me loves the Herbal" or something like that. I felt that was a reference to--another herb .

That's what I was thinking, too! I was like, c'mon!

And as someone else pointed out, why did it turn his locks into straight hair? Not just undid his locks, turned it straight! I demand to know how that works! I used that same conditioner before, and I didn't even have locs and my hair was just as much an afro after using. But why do they show it turning his hair straight? Because that's what the viewer is supposed to want. They aren't just supposed to want moisturized hair. So they show the outcome that they expect the average viewer will judge most beautiful, the outcome that would make a viewer want to buy their product: straight, shiny, bouncy hair.

In terms of his wanting his money back, I'd like to offer this commercial:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znnQCXp2iY8

So the monk at the end was sad that the kleenex kills germs because he values life. But that is the joke for the commercial and in no way negates the fact that they are advertising the germ-killing ability of their product as something desirable and something you (regular non-monk people) want.

Eh, I'm not going to lose sleep over it because if I lost sleep over this stuff I would be the world's worst insomniac. But I do see it for what it is.

Kiya, I agree with you. The only difference between us is that I can be offended by other black people's views just like I can be offended by white folks' views. But true enough, it's more sad than anything else.

 

[ChocalateDiva]

I thought it was super funny!!!

 

[Leeda.the.Paladin]

the guy didn't think the straight hair was better, he was pissed that it undid his locs! He wanted his money back! what are y'all talking about??

To me, this is supposed to have the same effect as the roaches on the Raid commercials freaking out when they see the spray can. The purpose of the commercials are not to say that we shouldn't use pesticides because it scares the bugs, it's to say that it works so well that the bugs should be frighten of it.

Herbal Essences wouldn't purposely have someone in their commercials not liking their product and asking for their money back unless it was meant to be funny. It works so well that it can even make nappy kinky dreads soft and silk, is what I take it to mean.

 

[Songbirdb]

I don't think the commercial is meant to be offensive. In order for your hair to lock you can't apply too much moisture. I know someone who's trying to re-dread his hair and if he applies a lot of moisturizer in his hair it prevents his hair from locking up. Also when you moisturize dreads it helps to unlock them, so I guess they are taking that concept and blowing it out of proportion to make it funny (and not to mention sell product). All in all I don't think it was looking down or being derrogatory toward dreads. It was meant to be a clever marketing technique and I thought it was funny and the guys hair was lovely.

I guess I'm not surprised that people are still debating over this issue. I believe you said it the best when speaking about the hair having the inability to lock after using this moisturizing shampoo. Thanks Muffin!

Some of you said that if they wanted to show moisture then why did they have to straighten his hair? I believe this was the easiest way to show that the hair is moisturized. They are not just trying to sell this product to blacks obviously and had they not straightened the hair, those who aren't black probably wouldn't understand the main idea. If they would have had his dreds just unlocked and freeflowing this would be a style thats not easily achievable for the many people (those non black). Most people (and I'm talking other races) aren't able to achieve that style. (imagine, his coils and curls free flowing... who would be able to achieve that style but other blacks) So in order to appeal to all people they used a everyday style that most people could find achievable. Straight hair is something that can be achieved by pretty much any race... so its easy to show the dynamic there. Other races can't achieve our natural hair easily... so by straightening the hair, this opens the doors for a multitude of races. After all, they are trying to sell a product, and it is understood as a mainstream brand... purchased mostly by whites. They had to over exagerate the commercial just to show how moisturized the hair was... it was not about it being straight, its about showing the moisture. Straight hair was just the avenue used to show that moisture.

Think of it this way, if you were a white person, and you saw dreds turn to straight hair, you'd understand that concept. If you saw dreds to this:

then you'd probably be lost. This is not something achievable to you as a white person so why would you find this product of interest. Her hair is beautiful, just not a realistic style for your hair. They need to convey the message in the easiest way possible and thats why they chose this dynamic.

p.s. and for those of you who assumed that just because someone wasn't offended by this commercial and that they must agree that straighter hair is better is really being overly judgemental. I'm transitioning to be completely natural, love all natural hairstyles and types and I only straighten my hair to do length checks. you cannot assume that just because some people are less sensitive than others that they must agree with certain ideals. Cuz I in no way believe that straighter is better and I'm sure that alot of those who weren't offended probably feel the same way. Its just okay to agree to disagree, I just don't like people trying to act like they know my position on a topic from one occurance.

 

[HeavenlySkies]

The real question...Who is actually going to boycott Herbal Essences because of this commercial?​

 

[winnettag]

I guess I'm not surprised that people are still debating over this issue. I believe you said it the best when speaking about the hair having the inability to lock after using this moisturizing shampoo. Thanks Muffin!

Some of you said that if they wanted to show moisture then why did they have to straighten his hair? I believe this was the easiest way to show that the hair is moisturized. They are not just trying to sell this product to blacks obviously and had they not straightened the hair, those who aren't black probably wouldn't understand the main idea. If they would have had his dreds just unlocked and freeflowing this would be a style thats not easily achievable for the many people (those non black). Most people (and I'm talking other races) aren't able to achieve that style. (imagine, his coils and curls free flowing... who would be able to achieve that style but other blacks) So in order to appeal to all people they used a everyday style that most people could find achievable. Straight hair is something that can be achieved by pretty much any race... so its easy to show the dynamic there. Other races can't achieve our natural hair easily... so by straightening the hair, this opens the doors for a multitude of races. After all, they are trying to sell a product, and it is understood as a mainstream brand... purchased mostly by whites. They had to over exagerate the commercial just to show how moisturized the hair was... it was not about it being straight, its about showing the moisture. Straight hair was just the avenue used to show that moisture.

Think of it this way, if you were a white person, and you saw dreds turn to straight hair, you'd understand that concept. If you saw dreds to this:

then you'd probably be lost. This is not something achievable to you as a white person so why would you find this product of interest. Her hair is beautiful, just not a realistic style for your hair. They need to convey the message in the easiest way possible and thats why they chose this dynamic.

p.s. and for those of you who assumed that just because someone wasn't offended by this commercial and that they must agree that straighter hair is better is really being overly judgemental. I'm transitioning to be completely natural, love all natural hairstyles and types and I only straighten my hair to do length checks. you cannot assume that just because some people are less sensitive than others that they must agree with certain ideals. Cuz I in no way believe that straighter is better and I'm sure that alot of those who weren't offended probably feel the same way. Its just okay to agree to disagree, I just don't like people trying to act like they know my position on a topic from one occurance.

Well said. I agree with every word of this post.

 

[CocoBunny]

Honestly, I was offended. From the accent, to the dreds, just.... boo. And, it doesn't surprise me that this commerical would be popular in Australia. The land of prejudice.

Thats a pretty broad statement. Nothing like a stereotype or a broad generalization to cement a point.

 

[CocoBunny]

*shrug*

I see why people think it's offensive, but I'm not offended by it, if that makes sense. I refuse - refuse - to blame 'white people' for perpetrating the meme that kinky hair is a bad thing, when in reality, it's usually black people who are the ones that vocally express their hate, dislike, and disgust towards unstraightened hair on black people.

How many naturals black mamas/sisters/aunties/cousins/boyfriends have expressed disgust, horror, and out and out shame over a sista choosing to BC and go natural, vs. the reactions of people of other races have towards our hair?

How many Caribbean blacks still believe that if you have dreads, you must be a druggie?



Looking below the surface of the commercial, it's sad, is what it is - because it's a reflection of OUR beliefs, not something being 'laid' on us by some outside force.

So am I offended that so many of my people still think that all my hair really needs is a quick touch of heat or a dose of perm in order to be really pretty? Nah, I'm more depressed, for true, and accepting that right now - that's how it is, and hopefully we'll get over the internalized message that others care/force this option on us, when in truth - we are the ones who actually care and perpetuate it.

I agree totally and completely

 

[CocoBunny]

The real question...Who is actually going to boycott Herbal Essences because of this commercial?​

Why would they?

 

[HeavenlySkies]

Why would they?

If it's so offensive and racist etc etc...like a KKK member coming out with a black hair product and after you fall in love with it you find out who made it.​

 

[Southernbella.]

If it's so offensive and racist etc etc...like a KKK member coming out with a black hair product and after you fall in love with it you find out who made it.​

I'm already boycotting them because their products suck!I've used two different HE conditioners and they both made my hair hard and dry.

 

[ChocalateDiva]

His hair is da truth. I just keep watching the commercial waiting on him to take of the cap and shake that hair!!!!!

 

[JustKiya]

The real question...Who is actually going to boycott Herbal Essences because of this commercial?​

Why would they?

If it's so offensive and racist etc etc...like a KKK member coming out with a black hair product and after you fall in love with it you find out who made it.​

I'm already boycotting them because their products suck!I've used two different HE conditioners and they both made my hair hard and dry.

Right? Stuff is silicone city - doesn't do anything for my kinky hair - maybe it needs to be straight in order for HE to act right.

But yeah, that is the real question, ain't it?

 

[ghanja]

lol that cant be a real commercial...

 

[Priss Pot]

I guess I'm not surprised that people are still debating over this issue. I believe you said it the best when speaking about the hair having the inability to lock after using this moisturizing shampoo. Thanks Muffin!

Some of you said that if they wanted to show moisture then why did they have to straighten his hair? I believe this was the easiest way to show that the hair is moisturized. They are not just trying to sell this product to blacks obviously and had they not straightened the hair, those who aren't black probably wouldn't understand the main idea. If they would have had his dreds just unlocked and freeflowing this would be a style thats not easily achievable for the many people (those non black). Most people (and I'm talking other races) aren't able to achieve that style. (imagine, his coils and curls free flowing... who would be able to achieve that style but other blacks) So in order to appeal to all people they used a everyday style that most people could find achievable. Straight hair is something that can be achieved by pretty much any race... so its easy to show the dynamic there. Other races can't achieve our natural hair easily... so by straightening the hair, this opens the doors for a multitude of races. After all, they are trying to sell a product, and it is understood as a mainstream brand... purchased mostly by whites. They had to over exagerate the commercial just to show how moisturized the hair was... it was not about it being straight, its about showing the moisture. Straight hair was just the avenue used to show that moisture.

Think of it this way, if you were a white person, and you saw dreds turn to straight hair, you'd understand that concept. If you saw dreds to this:

then you'd probably be lost. This is not something achievable to you as a white person so why would you find this product of interest. Her hair is beautiful, just not a realistic style for your hair. They need to convey the message in the easiest way possible and thats why they chose this dynamic.

p.s. and for those of you who assumed that just because someone wasn't offended by this commercial and that they must agree that straighter hair is better is really being overly judgemental. I'm transitioning to be completely natural, love all natural hairstyles and types and I only straighten my hair to do length checks. you cannot assume that just because some people are less sensitive than others that they must agree with certain ideals. Cuz I in no way believe that straighter is better and I'm sure that alot of those who weren't offended probably feel the same way. Its just okay to agree to disagree, I just don't like people trying to act like they know my position on a topic from one occurance.

While, I do think the commercial is still offensive, I see why they did it (per your post). I appreciate the insight.

 

[Reinventing21]

That's what I was thinking, too! I was like, c'mon!

And as someone else pointed out, why did it turn his locks into straight hair? Not just undid his locks, turned it straight! I demand to know how that works! I used that same conditioner before, and I didn't even have locs and my hair was just as much an afro after using. But why do they show it turning his hair straight? Because that's what the viewer is supposed to want. They aren't just supposed to want moisturized hair. So they show the outcome that they expect the average viewer will judge most beautiful, the outcome that would make a viewer want to buy their product: straight, shiny, bouncy hair.


Okay. I did not think of it this way. You stated very well how this commercial could be viewed negatively. I didn't take it like that before because I didn't view it as a real commercial. If it is a real commercial, then yes that message is offensive. The end result of using HE should have been soft swanging dreds or a detangled afro. If it was just a joke then having his hair turn to relaxed straight was even more dramatic & therefore funnier. I do agree tho, it could have been funny as well going from dreds to an afro, but obviously they didn't think of that.

I still think (& hope) that it was not a real commercial. Look at the reactions here. HE would know they would be offending people if they put out a commercial like that. Most likely it was an amateur comedian (probably black) who didn't think it all the way through & went for the most obvious laugh.

 

[anon123]

Some of you said that if they wanted to show moisture then why did they have to straighten his hair? I believe this was the easiest way to show that the hair is moisturized. They are not just trying to sell this product to blacks obviously and had they not straightened the hair, those who aren't black probably wouldn't understand the main idea. If they would have had his dreds just unlocked and freeflowing this would be a style thats not easily achievable for the many people (those non black). Most people (and I'm talking other races) aren't able to achieve that style. (imagine, his coils and curls free flowing... who would be able to achieve that style but other blacks) So in order to appeal to all people they used a everyday style that most people could find achievable. Straight hair is something that can be achieved by pretty much any race... so its easy to show the dynamic there. Other races can't achieve our natural hair easily... so by straightening the hair, this opens the doors for a multitude of races. After all, they are trying to sell a product, and it is understood as a mainstream brand... purchased mostly by whites. They had to over exagerate the commercial just to show how moisturized the hair was... it was not about it being straight, its about showing the moisture. Straight hair was just the avenue used to show that moisture.

Very well stated and I understand the point you are making. I guess I am just in the minority of growing weary of the "they don't know any better" excuse. Okay, so they don't any better than that healthy moisturized hair looks straight and swinging so they turn his locs into that. Doesn't sound a whole lot better. But I can understand what you are getting at and that it wasn't malicious. In fact, I never thought it was intentionally derisive. All the same, out of ignorance or not, I don't like it.

 

[Songbirdb]

Thanks ladies and as always I respect your opinions as well. Thats why I love this forum.

 

[kblc06]

I guess I'm not surprised that people are still debating over this issue. I believe you said it the best when speaking about the hair having the inability to lock after using this moisturizing shampoo. Thanks Muffin!

Some of you said that if they wanted to show moisture then why did they have to straighten his hair? I believe this was the easiest way to show that the hair is moisturized. They are not just trying to sell this product to blacks obviously and had they not straightened the hair, those who aren't black probably wouldn't understand the main idea. If they would have had his dreds just unlocked and freeflowing this would be a style thats not easily achievable for the many people (those non black). Most people (and I'm talking other races) aren't able to achieve that style. (imagine, his coils and curls free flowing... who would be able to achieve that style but other blacks) So in order to appeal to all people they used a everyday style that most people could find achievable. Straight hair is something that can be achieved by pretty much any race... so its easy to show the dynamic there. Other races can't achieve our natural hair easily... so by straightening the hair, this opens the doors for a multitude of races. After all, they are trying to sell a product, and it is understood as a mainstream brand... purchased mostly by whites. They had to over exagerate the commercial just to show how moisturized the hair was... it was not about it being straight, its about showing the moisture. Straight hair was just the avenue used to show that moisture.

Think of it this way, if you were a white person, and you saw dreds turn to straight hair, you'd understand that concept. If you saw dreds to this:

then you'd probably be lost. This is not something achievable to you as a white person so why would you find this product of interest. Her hair is beautiful, just not a realistic style for your hair. They need to convey the message in the easiest way possible and thats why they chose this dynamic.

p.s. and for those of you who assumed that just because someone wasn't offended by this commercial and that they must agree that straighter hair is better is really being overly judgemental. I'm transitioning to be completely natural, love all natural hairstyles and types and I only straighten my hair to do length checks. you cannot assume that just because some people are less sensitive than others that they must agree with certain ideals. Cuz I in no way believe that straighter is better and I'm sure that alot of those who weren't offended probably feel the same way. Its just okay to agree to disagree, I just don't like people trying to act like they know my position on a topic from one occurance.

And if this was the point they could have just as easily used a nappy-headed white person. There are at least 3 I've seen on my campus with type 4a hair that they wear in afros

 

[Supergirl]

I thought it was cute

TSU, your hair is looking fabulous!

 

[fluffylocks]

It was kind of funny because all the men I know just grab any shampoo that would be crazy if a shampoo could have their natural hair looking like that and that they would go back to the store outraged..

If it was the opposite it still wouldnt go over well. Like a black woman with a natural afro sells cream of nature shampoo to a white woman, and then white woman comes back demanding a refund because she has a perfect afro....Its probally not a good idea to have in a commericial white hair looks like this, and black like this....then to say a product has something to do with that.