Can a White Person Use Black Hair Products?

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 White folks can totally use hair care products that are primarily built for Black hair.

We know what you’re thinking: “What’s the point of that? I’m white!”

And we get it—who wants to use something that doesn’t work for them, right? But hear us out.

You might be surprised by how many white people are unaware that their hair isn’t naturally straight, and they would love to have curly or wavy locks like some black folks do.

And why not? Everyone deserves to feel beautiful and confident when they look in the mirror!

The problem is that most of the products made for curly/wavy hair don’t work on white people because they contain ingredients that make the hair frizzy instead of sleek

So if you try them, you end up with a mess on your hands (literally).

But there are some great brands out there specifically designed for curly/wavy hair that will help keep your hair healthy and manageable—and guess what?

They work just as well on white people as they do on Black people!

However, there are some things you need to look out for while using black hair products on white hair.

But before we go into more details, it is important that we discuss what makes black hair different from white hair.

What Makes Black Hair Different From White Hair?

Can white hair use black products?

There are a lot of things that make black hair a lot different than white hair.

For starters, black hair is generally thicker than white hair, so it’s important to use products that will hydrate your hair and keep it moisturized.

Black people also have a higher concentration of sebaceous glands, which produce natural oils that moisturize their scalp and hair.

This means that black people don’t need to use as much shampoo or leave-in conditioner as someone with dry, fine, or thinning hair.

White people tend to have less sebum production (sebum is a waxy substance produced by the sebaceous glands), which means they need more moisture in their shampoo and conditioner formulas.

Black people also tend to have thicker strands of hair than their white counterparts.

This means they can use stronger chemicals like relaxers without fear of them damaging their scalp or breaking off too much of their own natural curl pattern. 

Additionally, black people tend to retain heat better than white people, which means they don’t need as much protection from heat-styling tools such as blow dryers.

Your Hair Type Will Determine The Care That You Will Need

If you’re wondering whether or not white people can use black hair products, the short answer is yes!

The long answer is a little more complicated.

When it comes to hair care products and treatments, there are no hard-and-fast rules that apply to everyone.

Every hair type requires different care and maintenance.

For example, while some shampoos can be used on any kind of hair, others may be better suited for certain types of locks.

So while many black individuals use relaxers and other products designed for their natural hair, as a white person, you may need different products than they do.

The same goes for other races who have different color or texture of skin—you might find something totally different works better for your hair than what someone else uses.

The Idea That Certain Products Are Only Made For Certain People is An Old-Fashioned One

Can white hair use black products?

The notion that only certain people can or should use certain products is a very old-fashioned one.

In today’s world, there are all sorts of products available for everyone to use, regardless of what their background may be. 

For example, there are now skincare products specifically designed for people with sensitive skin, which was once a group that was largely overlooked by the beauty industry.

In the same way, there are now hair care products that are specifically tailored to the needs of people with curly hair, which was another group that was traditionally underserved. 

The reality is that there are now all sorts of products available for all sorts of people, and the idea that certain products are only made for certain people is no longer relevant.

Can a White Person Use Black Hair Products? | Things to Consider

The answer to this question is a bit more complicated than it may seem at first glance.

However, you must know that many of the products marketed toward black women are not actually intended for white people, and there’s a good reason for that.

The main issue is that the ingredients in these products can cause irritation and dryness in non-black skin.

That’s because they were formulated with an understanding of how black skin works—and how it differs from other skin types.

This does not mean that you shouldn’t use them at all—but you should be aware of the risks associated with using them if you’re not 100% sure that they’re the right ones for your specific type of hair and scalp condition.

For example, some products contain coal tar dye, which can cause allergic reactions in some people.

Coal tar dyes are used to give hair its color; without them, your hair would be gray or white instead of brown or black. 

There are also sulfates in many products that can irritate sensitive scalps or cause scalp irritation when left on too long—which can happen if you don’t shampoo enough out before going to sleep at night!

Here is a video showing the difference between the hair care routines of two women with very different hair types.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a white girl use Shea Moisture?

Shea Moisture products are made for curly hair.

With that said, if someone has curls and coils, they can benefit from the use of Shea Moisture regardless of being white or black.

Can you use white people shampoo on black hair?

Different hair types need different types of shampoo.

That said, products targeted toward white people are those for straight and wavy hair.

Black products, on the other hand, specialize in curly and coily hair.

The way you choose hair products depends on your type of hair.

So if you have straight or wavy hair, then you can absolutely use hair products generally targeted for white people.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a white person, black hair products can be a great resource to have in your hair arsenal.

Not only do they come with instructions tailored for your hair type, but they also have ingredients that are more effectively used on ethnic hair—and many of these oils and products are specially created specifically for that goal. 

Of course, it’s not every black hair product out there that’s worth purchasing.

It will take some trial and error to find which products work best for your particular hair type.

Avatar for Megan Foley

Megan has been a freelance writer and editor since 2016. In that time, she’s penned a diverse collection of articles for online publication, with a focus on skincare and beauty. From in-depth product reviews to concise marketing content, Megan is passionate about developing content that informs, entertains, and inspires.