Pantene Relaxed and Natural line
I discovered Pantene’s Relaxed and Natural line during a visit home. My friends raved about it so I decided to give three products from the line a try. Pantene’s Relaxed and Natural products are dedicated to “women of color” so they *must* be good for my hair, right? Wrong.
I wanted to like the line. I really, really wanted to like it. But, after using the line’s Intensive Moisturizing Shampoo, Intensive Moisturizing Conditioner and the Daily Oil Cream Moisturizer, my hair felt hard and dry.
I used the shampoo and conditioner once every two weeks. At first, the results were fine. Then, everything went downhill. Even though the products smelled great, the results were horrible. I was shocked each time I washed the conditioner out because my hair would feel “scratchy.” This was not normal for my hair.
I used the oil moisturizer every day. Some days I wet my hair and applied it, on others I applied it on dry hair. The results were the same. Right when I put it on, my hair felt soft. By the end of the day though, my hair felt hard. Again, I thought it was just me.
During the test, I even isolated the products and used one without the other. For example, I followed up the shampoo with a different conditioner and vice versa. Same problem: dry, crunchy hair. I even applied the oil conditioner after using totally different products from another line and even used a clarifyer thinking I had a problem with buildup and had the same results.
Perhaps this line is only geared towards those who have relaxers. I’ve also read rave reviews on other forums from women who do not have kinky textured hair (white, Asian, etc). Maybe it works for them.
Also, I think I almost psyched myself into liking this line. When I first started using it, I made comments to the effect that my hair felt soft. No it didn’t. It was all in my head. Now that I look back on it and think about comments from my husband my hair wasn’t soft. I wanted so badly for this line of products to work that I didn’t judge it with the same intensity as I judged others.
In any case, if you wear your hair in its natural state, think twice before using Pantene’s Relaxed and Natural line.
All products around US$8.50, EUR 8.50.
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35 Responses to “Pantene Relaxed and Natural line”
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it’s not just you. their conditioner is horrible. the funny part, though, is that their hydrating curls and daily moisture renewal formulas — made for ‘white girl’ hair work better for me.
I’ve never used their Relaxed and Natural line, but during my holiday in Italy I was forced to buy some conditioner. I chose Pantene’s Repair and Care and I was amazed at how soft and bouncy my curls were. I haven’t stopped using it since (it also helps that I can buy it in a huge 400ml bottle - a rarity in Switzerland).
I have been using this product for a while. Looks and smells great, during my transition. Today I went to my hairdresser and she inquired about the shampoo I used. Before I replied she said “Please don’t tell me it’s Pantene” Sure enough it is, she says not to use these products because it makes the HAIR COME OUT FROM THE ROOT, I thought it was hormones. Consulted my sister and who absolutely loves the product, and found she is having the same problem. African American women, this formulation is not perfected, please complain to the company if you are experiencing excessive hair loss!
I am starting a campaign, and possibly a lawsuit against Pantene. My two daughters are bi-racial. Both have/one had gorgeous, thick long hair. My oldest, now 18, hair went from hair down to her mid back, to just above her shoulders. I started using the Pantene Relaxed and Natural products (shampoo, conditioner and daily oil moisturizer) almost two years ago. I first started noticing breakage in my oldest daughter’s hair. I thought that she may be using gel (like most teens) or something that was causing it to dry out and break. Her hair slowly fell out.
She’s lost a total of six inches. She wears braids now because she’s so self concious. I didn’t make the connection. I continued using it on my 6 year old. I would notice breakage in the middle, sides and nape of her hair. This made me put even more oil moisturizer on, thinking her hair was “just dry”. Tonight, I wanted to cry. I washed my baby’s hair, started to blow dry it, and noticed at least a 4 inch breakage on the left side. I took photos. I showed everyone in my family (my husband and her three siblings). I know it has something to do with this product! I am furious! I started researching, and cannot believe that so many other people are/have experienced the same thing.
My 6 year old is a hair model. She has no chemicals in her hair. She’s only had her hair flat ironed twice in her life, and they were both for hair shows. The last one was over a year ago. This is absolutely frustrating for me!
If you are interested in joining me in my class action complaint, and possible suit against Pantene, please contact me at nila_leblanc at yahoo.com. Please pass this to anyone else you may know. I will continue to post updates/responses here.
I am sure Pantene has made millions on this product. Yes, it smells good. But, the loss is even greater!
Sorry for venting, but, I will make Procter and Gamble pay for this.
[...] Since I posted my review of Pantene’s Relaxed and Natural line I have received quite a few messages about its poor quality. Please read the last comment of the post. If you’re interested the investigating a class-action suit, please contact Nia. [...]
I must say I am about to sue Pantene as well. I just started using their “Time Renewal” and “Anti-Breakage” Shampoo/conditions at $4.65/bottle and I have NEVER seen so much hair fall out, I mean everyday I am constantly finding handfulls of hair in my sink. I can’t even run my fingers through my hair without it falling out! I’m very depressed at how my hair is now and how much I’ve lost since starting these products. Any ideas?
I found this blog after seeing a commercial for the Pantene Time Renewal. I was interested in using the product, that is until I found this blog. I am an avid pantene user and I too have the dry and losing hair symptoms as I read here. So I am going to discountinue using the product. However I need a shampoo and conditioner that will make my hair soft and not frizzy. Any suggestions out there? I am not a woman of color but if a shampoo that works for the hair of a colored woman would work best I will give it a try. I am open to any and all suggestions.
Thank your for this blog! I was interested in trying some of these products as back up store bought products, but have changed my mind! Has anyone had any experiences with the anti frizz serums?? I used it and was impressed, but didnt want to continue until I’d done more research.
If you are looking for a great product line for natural or relaxed hair I suggest Aveda products! This is a wonderful organic like unharsh product line. Check out Aveda.com or you can find many salons and retailers worldwide.
I’m glad I found your blog. My big regret is that it took me so long. I’ve been using Pantene Relaxed and Natural for years. My hair has been getting thinner and thinner but because my hair had always been long and thick, I wasn’t overly concerened. I thought it was part of getting older (I’m now 42). Now it’s so thin it’s nearly see-through. When I make a pony-tail it feels almost like nothing’s there. It’s a painful thing to have happen to you and then to feel like there is nothing you can do about it. It had gotten to the point where I was seriously thinking about cutting my hair off and starting over to see if that would help. Your blog gives me hope. I’m going home today and throwing this stuff out of my house. Thank you.
Yeah…I used the product twice. After the first try I thought wow this product is great, my hair is so soft and bouncy. After the second usage I wasn’t as impressed. My hair felt dry and brittle. When I styled it I immediately noticed that my hair texture was funny. That’s all it took for me to throw it away. I am glad I didn’t continue to use it bcause my hair is fine and I can’t afford to lose any.
And all along I thought it was stress! My whole family has been using Pantene products. We started out with ‘regular’ then switched to the “for women of color” line, shampoo, conditioner and daily cream. Consequently, I had started medical school and was under much stress. My hair fell out in huge clumps in the shower, and after a few brush strokes, I would have to clean my hairbrush. I can’t say that I noticed much breaking or shedding with my daughter’s hair. A couple weeks ago, we bought and started using the “Extra Straight” shampoo and conditioner, since my daughters and I began wearing straight hair. I noticed less shedding of my hair, but will give the line another go before switching.
I had a very bad experience with pantene relaxed and natural also. My hair was very dry and hard after using it. I now use phytoorganics from nexus it works very well.
My hair was falling out while using the Pantene Relaxed and Natural products. After finding this blog about 8 months ago, I threw out the products and started using Nexxus. My hair stopped shedding and has grown quite a bit. In fact some people have asked me if I wear extensions. I highly recommend using Therappe Shampoo and Humectress Conditioner by Nexxus. It’s done miracles for my relaxed hair.
This is for Tracey who wanted a suggestion on Shampoo, I have been using Cream of Nature for years and it always makes my hair nice and soft.
I have tried the conditioner, and my hair loves it. IMO, it’ s rather similar to the Hydrating Curls conditioner.
As someone wrote on another board, with any product you try, “mileage may vary.” It either will or won’t work. It works for me, so I will keep using it.
[...] another note, yes, I’m reading all of the comments on my post about Pantene’s Relaxed and Natural products. On one hand, it makes me feel better knowing [...]
YOU GUYS NEED TO SHUT THE F#&* UP ABOUT LAWSUITS! PANTENE HAS THE BIGGEST BUDGET OUT OF ALL IN STORE HAIR CARE PRODUCTS THERE ARE! NO ONE HELD YOU DOWN AND MADE YOU USE IT, AND IF YOUR HAIR IS FALLING OUT, IT COULD BE SOMETHING YOU’RE DOING WRONG.
@Barbara - > Classy sis. Just plain classy.
It’s very unfortunate that so many people had a bad experience with this product line. I’m glad that I am not the only one who suffered hair loss from the Relaxed and Natural products. I tried the products when it was first introduced and it made my hair fall out. I tried it again a couple years later and my hairstylist commented on how my hair was falling out. I’m going back to my beloved Motions hair care line which has made my hair grow about ten inches within a year. Relaxed and Natural made my hair fall out and have a grainy texture. All companies are responsible for what they sell to consumers. Their products are loaded with alcohol.
[...] I’d be interested to know any black women out there like the line. I’ve read a few bad reviews. Hair care products can be a very particular thing when it comes to black women. My mom used [...]
I am so glad that I ran across your blog today. I have been using these products for about 8 months now and my hair has been falling out like crazy. I have pictures from 6 months ago when my hair was at the middle of my back and now its just under my shoulder. Every morning its the same story that it shed and shed until he point where you dont even want to brush any more. As anybody consdiered asking for a refund of the products that we have purchased from that company, because for me i would say i have at least $50.00 dollard worth od product and now its usless to me.
@DeAnna - >I didn’t consider a refund. I guess I thought it would be more trouble than what it was worth.
WOW..am I glad I read these comments! I was out of my regular shampoo and conditioner and used some of sister’s Pantene Relaxed and Natural Shampoo & Conditioners finishing with the cream moisturizer. My hair was stiff and not soft at all! I couldn’t believed she paid for that stuff! I definitely picked up my products at the store the next morning! I use Garnier Fructis products. You can go with the Moisture Works, or Sleek & Shine line. The shampoos WILL NOT dry out your hair, and by the time you rinse the 3 minute DEEP CONDITIONER out, you will swear your hair fills like silk!! And even better, your hair will be detangled afterwards. Go on their website, and take their quiz, YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT.
sorry, meant “feels” like silk
Do you read all the chemicals that are in shampoo and conditioners? Many people don’t. Black women spend so much money on beauty products, especially hair products. Many products are toxic but of course they are in such small amounts that it doesn’t do damage right away. If used continuously for long periods of time, you will start to see the effects. Many of these chemicals are known to cause cancer. Use natural products ladies, they may be a bit more expensive but isn’t your health and life worth it. Pantene is not good for your hair, it only coats the hair with chemicals making you think you’re doing something good for it. And one more thing just because a product says its natural doesn’t mean it is, read your labels and do the research. I will never use Pantene again. I use Aubrey Organic Desert Herb or HoneySuckle Rose shampoo and conditioner. They don’t have all those funky chemicals in it.
I need to check and see if Aubrey is available in Europe.
Oh my gosh! I started using the Relaxed and Natural line and my hair is coming out at the root like crazy. I thought it was stress and hormones. I am so glad I found this blog!!
Well, I haven’t had any problems with it. I wash my hair every two weeks and get the same results every time…Soft and manageable and my hair is SUPER thick! And relaxed.
The only thing i’d have to say is I noticed that i get this build-up on my scalp and it itches a little…but that’s it.
My hair is actually relatively healthy for a girl with relaxed hair. If ur using pink lotion and all those other hair greases…that’s probably why your hair is falling out. Use Oil sheen instead…any thing oily…not greasy. And definitely not hair lotion!! Ugh!
I have natural hair and have used this product several times with no problems at all. If you take the time and looka t the ingredients and compare to other brands in the store, they all have the same ingredients, so it cant be that. I know sometimes if you change products it can cause changes in your hair because it is used to another product.
Ive also used when I permed my hair and have had no issues. It leaves hair softand supple with no breakage.
I actually used the pantene relaxed and natural deep conditioning mask and had no problems.I believe everyone has experienced a hair problem because this might not be the right product for you.We all have different hair textures and we`re bound to go through trials and erorrs with products we use, but there`s always help to fix these problems.There are many sites dedicated to people of color for hair care,such as:
http://forum.blackhairmedia.com/
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http://www.fotki.com
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http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/
On these sites you will discover many people of color who have tried different products and they post whether they worked for them or not and the many ways to care for damaged hair and just hair in general.I believe it`s about seeing what works and does not work,I discovered these hair sites in 2006 and have been a faithful visitor because they have helped me to change my hair regimen and discover what works for my hair.
PS:If you want to contact me on more hair sites I would love to help.My email address is LDKISSEZ@aol.com
and I agree with Lana who suggested to tracy to use creme of nature shampoo I have been using this for 3 years and i love it.I use the one with the yellow top for detangling and conditioning shampoo.
Well, great for the ones not experiencing problems. I also purchased the shampoo, conditioner, and oil cream. My texture has changed and I do see more hair on the floor and sink. Before, I had no problems with shedding. The shedding is not heavy, but it’s enough to get my attention. There’s a problem when you have more than a few women complaining about the same reactions. I wouldn’t bother about a lawsuit, but I’m discontinuing usage of these products. I think the complaints should go to Pantene so they can investigate the problem. And yes, I know everyone have different textures of hair. But, one thing I notice is the oil moisturizer is too light and seems more like a conditioner. It drys up quickly. The smell is nice and I’m glad that this primarily white company was considerate to come up with a line for African-American hair, but they need to do some more research.
I completely agree! I recently started wearing my natural hair (no relaxer) ,and I wish I had read your comments before my purchase. It was strange how dry my otherwise healthy hair had gotten after just a few uses!
women of color should NOT use shampoos with LURATE SULFATE or any SULFATES in it ,because this REALLY DRIES OUT OUR HAIR. so look for shampoo that does not have these ingrediants. LATHERING causes nautural oils to minimize.and these ingrediants do just THAT!!!!!!!!!!!! PANTENE IS NOT FOR US. but there mouisterizer is great:)
I’ve used the Relaxed & Natural line for a bout a year and I had no problems. That Oil Cream Moisterizer however is horrible!!! My hair was left with a funny texture, not to mention after a couple days it smelt funny. Using the shampoo and conditioner only, I was very pleased with the results.