Dark And Lovely Celebrates 45 Years Of Catering To The Beauty Needs Of African American Women

Dark and Lovely was introduced 45 years ago as the first hair color product formulated specifically for African American women. Now, decades later, Dark and Lovely has grown to include a complete collection of deep conditioning treatments, shampoos, fade-resistant hair colors, relaxers, stylers and a full line of products specifically designed for naturally curly hair. Most recently Dark and Lovely Au Naturale, which takes the guesswork out of styling and caring for natural hair, was introduced to consumers with curly, wavy, kinky and coiled hair textures.

"Since its inception in 1972, Dark and Lovely has helped women of color embrace their unique and highly individual styles, by offering innovative products and technology exclusively designed to meet their needs," said Melinda Johnson, Assistant Vice President, Marketing, Dark and Lovely. "Regardless of hair type – whether naturally curly, straight, color-treated or in a protective style – we pride ourselves on offering an array of regimens and treatments to manage these hair styles and textures."

"I am thrilled to be able to help Dark and Lovely celebrate their 45^th anniversary and I am so excited to be the newest brand ambassador," said actress Teyonah Parris. "I grew up using Dark and Lovely products and I'm so proud to be able to represent the brand as an ambassador. It is a privilege to celebrate this significant milestone during Black History Month."

As part of the Young Women with a Purpose Project, and in partnership with The Tom Joyner Foundation, the brand awarded five dynamic students with scholarships totaling $10,000 and assigned them to L'Oréal USA senior-level executives, who will serve as  mentors throughout the school year. Scholarship winners include: Ashani Scales of Delaware State University, Renea Young of Mississippi Valley State University, Hollye Weekes of Wiley College, as well as Kimberly Burton and Cherise McAdoo of Hampton University.

Thomas Joyner Jr., president and CEO of the Tom Joyner Foundation, said this program is a great opportunity for these students. "We're really glad that these outstanding students from HBCUs are getting a once-in-lifetime experience to get scholarships to help them complete their education, and to get mentors who will help them succeed today – and in their careers."

In this anniversary  year, Dark and Lovely has also launched two new collections: Dark and Lovely Color-Gloss Ultra Radiant Color Crème, a no-ammonia natural-looking hair color infused with Shea Butter, Coconut Oil and Pomegranate, that gives natural looking color, while delivering a glossy shine—and Dark and Lovely Au Naturale Clumping Curl Clay Cleanser and Clumping Curl Crème Gel, a care and styling duo formulated with Coconut Oil and Argan Oil, to help define naturally curly hair and reduce frizz.

"Reflecting back on the past 45 years fills me with tremendous pride," says Erica Bowen, Senior Vice President, Marketing, L'Oreal USA Multi-Cultural Beauty Division. "This brand has been a staple within the African American community; and we are proud to have established a long-lasting, trusted relationship with our core consumer. While we celebrate Dark and Lovely's rich heritage, we're excited to continue to elevate the brands innovation and offerings to meet the growing needs of women of color."

"To have 45 years of excellence, to have 45 years of beauty, to have 45 years of empowerment – that's what Dark and Lovely is," said actress and singer Demetria McKinney. "To be a brand ambassador for this brand has been an awesome, awesome journey!"

For more information about Dark and Lovely, visit DarkAndLovely.com or follow on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Also, follow the trend with #WEAREDARKANDLOVELY.

About Dark and Lovely:

Dark and Lovely is proudly dedicated to the legacy of serving hair care and styling the needs of African American Women for 45 years. As a subsidiary of the L'Oreal USA Multi-Cultural Beauty Division, Dark and Lovely continues to unveil breakthrough hair innovations for women of color. For more information, visit www.darkandlovely.com.

About Teyonah Parris:
Parris is a graduate of the Juilliard School and began her career playing the role of Dawn Chambers in the Golden Globe winning and Emmy nominated drama series, Mad Men before landing her breakthrough role in the Sundance hit film, Dear White People. In 2015, Teyonah went on to star in the highly acclaimed satirical drama, Chi-Raq directed by Spike Lee. Parris also starred as R&B legend Miki Howard in TV One's number one rated biopic and currently stars as Missy Vaughn on the Lebron James-produced hit Starz comedy series, Survivor's Remorse.

About The Tom Joyner Foundation:

The Tom Joyner Foundation (http://tomjoynerfoundation.org) was founded in 1998 as the brainchild of nationally syndicated radio personality Tom Joyner. The mission of the Foundation is to support historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) with scholarships, endowments and capacity-building enhancements. The Foundation has provided necessary support to every HBCU in its 18-year history to help sustain and preserve the legacies of these valuable institutions. Through fundraising and donor development initiatives, $65 million has been raised to support more than 29,000 students attending HBCUs. Additionally, the Foundation has recommended internships, offered matching grant support, and career development to deserving students.

Press Contacts:
Lauren Clements/Sara Charles
Bratskeir & Company
[email protected]
[email protected]

Crystal Thompson
L'Oreal USA, Multi-Cultural Beauty Division
[email protected]

SOURCE Dark and Lovely