Mizani, a renowned professional haircare brand specializing in textured hair, was founded in 1991 by Terri Gardner in Chicago. Gardner, daughter of Edward Gardner—known for his pivotal role in electing Chicago’s first Black mayor—established Mizani to address the unique needs of Black salon professionals. The brand’s name, “Mizani,” reflects its mission to create harmony between diverse hair textures.
Acquisition by L’Oréal
In 2000, Mizani became part of the L’Oréal USA portfolio following its acquisition of Carson Products. This move integrated Mizani into L’Oréal’s Professional Products Division, aligning it with other brands like Redken, Pureology, and Matrix.
Current Ownership
Today, Mizani operates under L’Oréal’s Professional Products Division, which is dedicated to delivering professional beauty solutions globally. The division’s portfolio includes leading salon brands such as Kérastase, L’Oréal Professionnel, and Shu Uemura Art of Hair.
Recent Developments
In November 2023, L’Oréal recalled certain Mizani conditioner products due to contamination concerns. The affected units were identified by specific lot numbers, and consumers were advised to discontinue use.
Conclusion
While Mizani was founded with a vision to serve Black salon professionals, it is currently owned by L’Oréal, a multinational corporation. This ownership has led to discussions about the brand’s alignment with its original mission and its role within the broader beauty industry.
References
- Mizani: Our Roots, Our Truths | Our Story: https://www.mizani.com/our-story.html
- L’Oréal Group: Professional Products Division: https://www.loreal.com/en/professional-products-division/
- L’Oréal recalls Mizani conditioner over contamination fears: https://cosmeticsbusiness.com/l-or%C3%A9al-recalls-mizani-conditioner-over-contamination-fears
THE BLK SPARROW 