Getting your hair done is sacred. It’s a moment to pause and reconnect to your soul. It’s a time to be intentional and show your tresses some love. And if you are treating yourself to a salon appointment, it’s the perfect opportunity to build relationships with other women.
My love for salon days started in my childhood. I never missed an opportunity to take a trip with my mom to the local salon. I found joy in watching and listening as women interacted with each other and talked about a variety of topics from real-life experiences to their favorite new recipes. It was not only fun but also comforting. It became a tradition.
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In my adulthood, I still value the sisterhood that can be found in a beauty salon. NBeauty Inc. in Philadelphia has managed to preserve that old-school sense of community. Not only are you able to walk out of the chair with photo-ready hair, but you also get to relax and have genuine conversations.
The Significance Of Cécred
When I learned about Cécred—a clean and cruelty-free beauty line created by Beyoncé— the brand’s message of bringing back past haircare rituals caught my attention. I found my mind drifting back to my childhood days of sitting under the dryer and watching in delight as hairstylists and customers filled the room with joy and laughter.
I instantly vibed with Cécred’s idea of bringing tradition into the future by ensuring that no matter your hair type or texture, you have access to products that are both safe and effective.
Eager to give the products a try— especially Cécred’s new Hydrating Conditioner— I called my trusted hairstylist Naeemah Johnson to ask if she’d be interested in giving me her honest opinion about using the collection on my hair.
“I’m always searching for products that are curly hair-friendly and promote hydration for my clients,” Johnson, who has over 20 years of experience, noted before we locked in an appointment to try Cécred.
A Deep Dive Into Cécred Products
Below is my step-by-step experience using the collection.
Clarifying Shampoo & Scalp Scrub
To start, we washed my hair with Cécred’s Clarifying Shampoo & Scalp Scrub. Infused with gentle exfoliants and tea tree oil, it effectively removed product buildup without feeling harsh on my scalp. The fermented purple willow bark and niacinamide in this dual-purpose formula provided a deep clean and left my hair feeling light and refreshed.
“Scent is super important to me. There’s nothing better than clean hair that smells amazing. It sets the tone for the shampoo experience,” Johnson shared.
Hydrating Shampoo
Following my color treatment, Johnson washed my hair with the Hydrating Shampoo. This formula is infused with an antioxidant-rich African oil blend, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and a moisturizing Phyto-Collagen Complex, all designed to promote visible hair health. My curls seemed to spring back to life after just one use.
Fermented Rice & Rose Protein Ritual
Next came the Fermented Rice & Rose Protein Ritual, a two-step process that began with applying a finely milled water-activated fermented powder to my hair that transformed into a fortifying hair rinse treatment. Boosted with biotin, honey, rose, and amino acids, the formula was created to rebuild hair strength.
The second step consisted of applying a Silk Rinse. Infused with African oil and sea buckthorn oil, the mixture seemed to balance my strands and leave them soft, smooth, and shiny.
Reconstructing Treatment Mask & Hydrating Conditioner
Johnson then applied the Reconstructing Treatment Mask, a repair mask specifically designed for color-treated hair like mine. It was followed by the Hydrating Conditioner, which includes Cécred’s African oil blend, olive oil, amino acids, and ProVitamin B5. This combination worked wonders on my perpetually dry hair, leaving it soft, silky, and manageable.
Moisture Sealing Lotion & Nourishing Hair Oil
For the final styling touches, Johnson used the Moisture Sealing Lotion to blow-dry my hair. This lotion— infused with Cécred’s Phyto-Seal Complex and African oil blend— locks in moisture, fights frizz, and seals split ends, providing a soft hold that enhanced my curls.
After cutting, drying, and straightening, the last step was the viral Nourishing Hair Oil, a blend of 13 oils and plant-based extracts that seals in moisture and adds a soft, natural shine. My hair was left smooth and polished.
When I got up from the chair, I looked and felt like a brand-new person. The products performed beautifully, and Johnson did an amazing job with the style, which she always does.
The Verdict On Cécred
Clean hair? Check. Hydration? Check. Shine? Check! My hair not only felt rejuvenated and nourished but also full of life. And to top it all, the products smelled amazing!
Johnson mentioned that she appreciated the Fermented Rice & Rose Protein Ritual and the variety of conditioning and bond-building products, which she finds crucial for maintaining the integrity of color-treated hair. “We do so much damage to our hair with color and heat. A product line made with bond-building components is essential for maintaining strong and healthy hair,” Johnson shared.
I love that Cécred offers a wide range of products. In my opinion, having multiple conditioning options is a significant advantage, especially for color-treated hair like mine. [I will note that the collection could seem intimidating for someone used to a wash-and-go routine. The beauty is that you don’t need to use all the products at once.]
As I left the salon, I couldn’t help but notice the graceful glances I received—a confidence boost that everyone craves after a fresh hairdo.
A Ritual Worth Adopting
Through each step of my experience— from the clarifying wash to the final drop of Nourishing Hair Oil— it was clear that every product was designed with intention. With the expert guidance of Naeemah Johnson, I was able to fully appreciate the thoughtfulness behind Cécred’s formulations.
My hair lasted two weeks without having to reapply heat. When my hair started to frizz and revert to its natural curly state, I used the haircare line on my own. While I did notice my hair felt a bit heavier after applying the sealing lotion, the results were still impressive. [I tend to be a little heavy-handed with product application, which might have been the cause of the weight on my tresses.]
Overall, I think it’s safe to say that Beyoncé put her love into this collection!
