Comer Cottrell’s granddaughter champions Black Hair Care
By Sylvia Powers
Texas Metro News
In the midst of the many celebrations for Black History Month, Autumn Yarbrough helped shine a spotlight on the rich heritage of the Black hair care industry; an industry her family has dominated for three generations.
Yarbrough recently hosted a private screening for Episode 3 of, The Crown Effect, for the new Netflix documentary, the Black Beauty Effect, at a packed Violet Crown Cinema in the Uptown area of Dallas.
“My grandfather, the late Comer Cottrell Jr. was featured in the film,” said Yarbrough. “The documentary discusses the changes and opportunities in the Black hair care industry, especially with products like the Jheri Curl, which made hair care products accessible and affordable for everyday African Americans. Therefore, we were able to celebrate and enjoy using these products in our communities.”
Yarbrough follows her grandfather and parents in her commitment to making a difference in Black hair care. With a small investment, her grandfather founded Pro-Line, Inc. and made his mark in the industry with products for numerous products including the Jheri Curl; which was popularized in the 1980s.
Cottrell went on to become one of the most successful Black businessmen in the country, extending the brand around the globe. He also was a part owner of the Texas Rangers Major League Baseball Team and in 1990 made headlines when he purchased the land that once housed Bishop College (which closed in 1988) and announced it would become the new home of Paul Quinn College.
Yarbrough’s parents, Renee Cottrell-Brown and Eric Brown, also helped create the Just for Me relaxer system. As a young girl, Yarbough was even featured on the cover of the box.
In 2009, Renee and Eric purchased Johnson Products, the company behind such brands as Ultra Sheen and Gentle Treatment, from Proctor & Gamble.
Often honored for their philanthropic efforts and entrepreneurial prowess; it was a proud mother in attendance at the screening.
“First of all, I am happy that we were able to affiliate ourselves with such a great film,” said Renee. “I did my best trying to keep my dad’s legacy alive, but for her to be over the top with it is extremely exciting.”
Yarbrough is an innovator in the textured hair care space. With her brand, NU Standard, she is breaking barriers and winning awards for her healthy and innovative alternatives for all types of hair.
“We have one of the top chemists in the country that is working with us so our products are effective and work,” explained Yarbrough. I think that is why everybody loves our Hydrasilk Hydrating Bond System. They find it hard to believe that they can have hydration without having to buy a whole bunch of products.”
A former Pro-Line employee, Felica Washington said she is supporting Yarbrough in her hair care venture.
“Although many of us started on this natural hair journey several years ago, we still don’t know what to do with our hair. As we move from relaxed hair to natural hair it is important that we continue these conversations so that we, so that we not only grow our hair, but keep it on our head,” said Washington, who worked with Pro Line for 23 years.
Inspired by her own hair care struggles and not wanting to go bald like three generations of women before her, Yarbrough created NU Standard in 2020 to ensure no woman ever has to lose her hair.
According to Yarbrough, NU Standard has a hair wellness approach toward healthy hair and even boasts a product that offers a safe solution to achieve straight hair, Hydrasilk. The HYDRASILK® line, is a “pro-only, in-salon” two-step Hydrating Bond System that improves the hair bond structure.
“NU standard is setting a new standard of how we look at hair care. We are making sure the Black community and the textured hair community is involved from the very beginning when products are created so we’re not left out anymore, “ said Yarborough.
“Whether it be hair loss, consistent breakage, dryness, constant frizz, or any of these different challenges, we want to help. People are questioning why they have to buy multiple products. They wonder why products don’t work.”
She continued, “We are having that conversation, making sure we have some real solutions that really change how we do our hair and how we think about our hair.”
According to All Things Hair, more than half of Black women have been successful in finding hair products suitable for their hair.
Determined to make sure Black hair care is not just celebrated this month, but every month. Yarbrough is picking up her grandfather’s mantle.“It is an honor to be able to represent three generations of Black hair care industry during Black History Month,” she said “However, I feel that there is still unfinished business and that is why I am continuing this legacy.”
