DSP
New Member
Have you tried the latest hair product and it's okay, but not for you? Do you buy extras of the things you love, but are running out of bathroom counter-space?
Please donate black hair care products to your local women's shelter. Many times these women have left home with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Sometimes churches and schools will donate "personal care packages" with general toiletries like toothpaste, soap and shampoo, but I've never seen donations that include the things women of color might want for hair care — no scarves, oils, moisturizers, wide-tooth combs, etc.
Imagine trying to get back on your feet and going to a job interview, looking for an apartment or starting classes but not feeling your hair is properly groomed. It's hard to project a professional image when you don't look your best. And many of the well-meaning donors and volunteers around here are white and have no clue what it takes to care for our natural or relaxed hair.
I'm not much of a PJ myself, but if I buy something, use it once and don't like it, I make sure the container has been wiped down, firmly closed and I put it in a box labeled "Black Hair Care." (Just because someone's staying at a shelter doesn't mean they want greasy, crusty, half-empty containers of product any more than I do.) If I buy something inexpensive that I like, I'll go back and buy another for my donation box. Also, when I go to the beauty supply store, I pick up a few extra scrunchies, inexpensive satin bonnets, scarves, some disposable plastic shower caps, wide-tooth combs, etc. for the hair care packages.
To assemble a basic hair care package, I use the big 1-gallon Ziploc bags and put in a comb, a scrunchy, a scarf or bonnet, a couple shower caps, sample-size shampoos & conditioners, etc. I leave the gels, oils, moisturizers, etc. in the big box so people can pick out what they want and the non-black women won't feel left out.
I also hang around to make sure the staff and volunteers aren't trying to help themselves to products until AFTER the residents get what they want first. (I learned that the hard way when some women told me one staff person and her sister picked through the box and took most of the good stuff before she would give it to the residents. I know the staff don't earn a lot, but I was HOT.
)
If the shelter is a 501(c) 3 non-profit, your donation will be tax-deductible. Just ask for a receipt from the staff. Your kindness will not only help other woman regain some of their confidence and dignity, you will truly be blessed.
Thanks!
Please donate black hair care products to your local women's shelter. Many times these women have left home with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Sometimes churches and schools will donate "personal care packages" with general toiletries like toothpaste, soap and shampoo, but I've never seen donations that include the things women of color might want for hair care — no scarves, oils, moisturizers, wide-tooth combs, etc.
Imagine trying to get back on your feet and going to a job interview, looking for an apartment or starting classes but not feeling your hair is properly groomed. It's hard to project a professional image when you don't look your best. And many of the well-meaning donors and volunteers around here are white and have no clue what it takes to care for our natural or relaxed hair.
I'm not much of a PJ myself, but if I buy something, use it once and don't like it, I make sure the container has been wiped down, firmly closed and I put it in a box labeled "Black Hair Care." (Just because someone's staying at a shelter doesn't mean they want greasy, crusty, half-empty containers of product any more than I do.) If I buy something inexpensive that I like, I'll go back and buy another for my donation box. Also, when I go to the beauty supply store, I pick up a few extra scrunchies, inexpensive satin bonnets, scarves, some disposable plastic shower caps, wide-tooth combs, etc. for the hair care packages.
To assemble a basic hair care package, I use the big 1-gallon Ziploc bags and put in a comb, a scrunchy, a scarf or bonnet, a couple shower caps, sample-size shampoos & conditioners, etc. I leave the gels, oils, moisturizers, etc. in the big box so people can pick out what they want and the non-black women won't feel left out.
I also hang around to make sure the staff and volunteers aren't trying to help themselves to products until AFTER the residents get what they want first. (I learned that the hard way when some women told me one staff person and her sister picked through the box and took most of the good stuff before she would give it to the residents. I know the staff don't earn a lot, but I was HOT.
)If the shelter is a 501(c) 3 non-profit, your donation will be tax-deductible. Just ask for a receipt from the staff. Your kindness will not only help other woman regain some of their confidence and dignity, you will truly be blessed.
Thanks!
