Revlon General Chandra Coleman, Creme of Nature Co-Founder Theodore Ted Manuel and new Chief Brand Officer Keke Palmer (Photo Credit: Tacuma Roeback).
BHM Living Legends: Chicagoans Shaping History – Celebrating the impact of trailblazing Chicagoans who are making history in real time.
There’s something truly special about booking a hair appointment, walking into the salon, and settling into the chair, ready for that refreshing wash.
The warm water rinses through, and the delightful fragrance fills the air—especially that refreshing peppermint-scented anti-itch conditioner. And then, of course, getting your hair styled, followed by the finishing touches: the must-have edge control to keep everything slayed and curly activators that give a natural, gorgeous look with nourishing ingredients.
Now, one of the historic, staple Black hair care products birthed in Chicago will have a famous fellow native become the face of it.
Actress, singer and TV personality Keke Palmer was named Creme of Nature’s chief brand officer. In her new role, Palmer will serve as the brand’s spokesperson and collaborate with the company on product innovation, packaging updates and demos.
Indeed, this Harvey-born and Robbins, Illinois-raised supernova recently hosted a special evening at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center on the South Side. It also served as a Black History Month Celebration, honoring one of the venerable Black hair care products while showcasing the cultural significance of Black women’s hairstyles throughout history.
The Unstoppable Hair Celebration: A Night of Culture and Style
The event showcased stunning Black individuals sporting a variety of hairstyles and fashion. One section featured a wall with photographed models and decor highlighting Black women’s hairstyles in different decades, from the 1970s to the 2020s. Guests enjoyed cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and music from each era, keeping the evening lively and vibrant.
Chandra Coleman, general manager for Revlon, started the introduction and expressed her excitement about the event, stating, “It’s such a joy to be here with all of you tonight. Many may not know, but Creme of Nature was founded in 1976 on the South Side of Chicago, so this event truly feels like a homecoming for us.”
“We are thrilled to be here, especially with Keke Palmer, who joined us as Chief Brand Officer last fall. We’re celebrating 50 years of Black hairstyles and their profound impact on culture,” she said.
Why Keke Palmer?
Photo Credit: Instagram
Coleman explained why Palmer was the ideal choice as Chief Brand Officer.
“We carefully considered who would best represent this brand. We wanted someone who celebrates and understands their hair, and Keke Palmer is the perfect fit,” Coleman said. “She has proven, personally and professionally, that she’s an unstoppable force.”
Palmer reflected on how this role fit her hair story.
“My journey with hair is what makes me so proud to be in this role,” she said. “It’s all about having the right products in your hands and knowing how to do whatever you want with your hair—whether that’s rocking curls, braids, Bantu knots, or the rollers I’ve got in my hair right now! It’s about the freedom to choose, which is something we often feel we lack with our natural hair if we don’t have the right products or knowledge.”
Palmer encouraged everyone at the event to embrace their hair journey, expressing her excitement to share what she had learned to style her hair.
“Creme of Nature has been around since I was a kid—it’s a 50-year-old brand with such a powerful legacy. It’s all about keeping that legacy alive and honoring what Ted Manuel built,” said Palmer.
The fact that the event was at the DuSable Museum was even more fitting, given the shared history of Perri L. Irmer, president and CEO of the DuSable Museum, and her father, Theodore “Ted” Manuel, a prominent marketing and advertising executive who co-founded Creme of Nature. It was no coincidence that the celebration occurred at the DuSable Black History Museum, the nation’s oldest independent Black history museum.
Palmer also discussed the importance of Black History Month, stating, “Celebrating Black History Month is so important—celebrating ourselves, our accomplishments, and each other. I’m thrilled to be here at the DuSable Museum, and I want to thank Perri for hosting this and making this happen.”
History of Creme of Nature
Irmer said it was an honor to have Revlon and Creme of Nature choose the DuSable Black History Museum for the celebration. She also shared a piece of history about her family’s company, Deluxol All Laboratories, the originator of the French perm and marketer of the Creme of Nature brand.
Her father Manuel, 94, was a key figure at the event as Creme of Nature’s co-founder. The product was started in 1940, when Jack Anderson, a young barber on the South Side of Chicago, made a name for himself styling legendary Black entertainers. With help from his son Manuel, Anderson began formulating products for his iconic styles, and Creme of Nature was born. Over the decades, Anderson’s legacy continued to grow, and the brand became a leader in the Black hair care category, especially in the natural hair movement.
The company was eventually sold to Revlon in the mid-70s.
Manuel reflected on his family’s legacy, recalling his stepfather’s barbershop on Garfield Boulevard in Chicago. The lively environment where his mother worked as a manicurist allowed Manuel to witness many famous figures.
“There was always something amusing happening with the celebrities coming in and out, sometimes even performances and interesting conversations,” Manuel said.
When asked about the future of hair care, he said that trends in the beauty industry typically last about seven years before innovations emerge. However, he believes core products like oils and shampoos will remain staples, and future innovations will build on those foundations.
Reflecting on the event with Palmer, Manuel expressed how wonderful it was, noting it brought back many memories. He recalled his role in launching Creme of Nature as a shampoo in the 1970s, which later expanded into other products.
“It’s fulfilling to see how much it’s grown and become a success over the years,” Ted said.
The Future of Black Women and Hair: What’s Next?
Defender journalist Marshelle Sanders takes a selfie with Keke Palmer (Photo Credit: Marshelle Sanders).
The future of haircare holds limitless possibilities. As Black people, we embody beauty in its purest form, and the future promises to celebrate freedom, art, history and Black excellence.
It all captivates, whether through natural hair, African-inspired styles or new creativity. From textures to artistic expression, the legacy of African tribal cultures continues to grow.
As the event ended, attendees created their own swag bags. These included adhesive Black History Month labels, an engraved brush personalized with their names, a bag full of Creme of Nature products and a lovely silk bonnet.
As a Black woman who faithfully visits my hair salon, Hair Xtacee, with my stylist, Tejene’ Doss, I’m reminded of the importance of the experience.
From getting my hair washed and styled to witnessing the creativity and camaraderie among the ladies in the shop, it’s a cherished moment.
We are all grateful for the legends who have paved the way with their hair care products, beauty academies, and the stylists who keep our hair healthy and styled.
I’m excited to see what the future holds for Creme of Nature and Keke Palmer’s collaboration—especially for the next wave of haircare products and styles for Black women.