Solange Knowles Breaks Ties With Carol's Daughter, Chairman Responds To Star's Comments

Solange Knowles might be fashion's new muse, but when it comes to her hair she'd rather you look the other way.

In the latest issue of Lurve magazine, the musician-cum-model talks about her decision to sever ties with Carol's Daughter -- the hair and beauty brand she has been spokeswoman for since April 2011.

“I was constantly fighting for the right message to be heard. The message that the way we wear our hair is a personal choice, there’s no right or wrong way; one way doesn’t make us more intelligent, or more superficial, and every one makes that choice for very different reasons," Solange said.

Carol's Daughter's use of Solange's good looks and au naturale mane to push products -- like the recent Transitioning Movement campaign -- may have been good for business, but apparently caused some self-reflection on Solange's part that ultimately lead to dissolving the partnership.

But we can't say we're completely surprised by Solange's departure. Just a few months ago, the 26-year-old made it crystal clear in a Twitter rant aimed at the "natural hair police" that the way she wears her hair was not up for discussion.

Apparently upset by a blog post that called her hair "unkmept," Solange fired off a flurry of tweets which included, "I dont want to talk about no damn hair…..no mo," and “I never painted myself as the team natural vice president.”

With that said, representing a haircare line may not have been the best gig for Solange.

We reached out to Carol's Daughter to get their take on the matter and Steve Stoute, chairman and lead investor of the beauty brand, issued the following statement in an email to The Huffington Post:

"Carol's Daughter celebrates women who embody beauty by nature such as Solange. We value our relationship with her and the women we were able to empower by partnering with such an authentic spirit."

That's a nice way of putting the company's relationship with Solange to rest. And Carol's Daughter will no-doubt continue with their beautifying mission -- there is still plenty of star-studded support behind the company via partnerships with Mary J. Blige, Jada Pinkett Smith Cassie and Selita Ebanks.

To read more excerpts from Solange's Lurve interview click here--and check out the star's awesome style evolution in the slideshow below.

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• 2004: TRL Appearance

• 2004: Premier of "Johnson Family Vacation"

• 2005: World Music Awards

• 2006: TRL Appearance

• 2007: American Music Awards

• 2008: MTV Video Music Awards

• 2009: Samantha Thavasa Promotion

• 2010: DKMS' 4th Annual Gala

• 2011: Gucci & RocNation Pre-GRAMMY Brunch

• 2008: TRL Appearance

• 2008: Cosmopolitan Magazine's Starlaunch Finale Concert

• 2010: Roberto Cavalli Celebrates Fashion's Night Out

• 2010: Charlotte Ronson Fashion Show

• 2010: Max Azria Fashion Show

• 2011: Net-a-Porter and Mr Porter Host A Party For Dolce & Gabbana

• 2011: Sephora 5th Ave Fashion's Night Out

• 2011: Boy And Girl By Band Of Outsiders Fashion Show

• 2011: Rimmel London Event

• 2011: Rimmel Hosts Party For Original London Girl Kate Moss

• 2011: 9th Annual Teen Vogue's Young Hollywood Party

• 2012: Perrier-Jouet Celebrates Michael Kalish's Belle Epoque Sculpture

  NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 11: Solange Knowles attends Perrier-Jouet celebrates Michael Kalish's Belle Epoque Sculpture on June 11, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Perrier-Jouet)

• 2012: CFDA Fashion Awards

  NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 04: Solange Knowles attends the 2012 CFDA Fashion Awards at Alice Tully Hall on June 4, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)

• 2012: MoMA Party In The Garden Benefit

  NEW YORK, NY - MAY 22: Solange Knowles attends the 2012 Party in the Garden benefit at the Museum of Modern Art on May 22, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)

• 2012: Costume Institute Gala

  NEW YORK, NY - MAY 07: Solange Knowles attends the 'Schiaparelli And Prada: Impossible Conversations' Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

• 2012: Ferragamo Fifth Avenue Flagship Re-Opening

  NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 12: Solange Knowles attends the Ferragamo Fifth Avenue Flagship Re-Opening at Salvatore Ferragamo on April 12, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for Salvatore Ferragamo)

• 2012: Tiffany Celebrates The Launch Of True Love In Pictures

  NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 25: Solange Knowles attends the Tiffany celebration of the launch of True Love in Pictures with the Sartorialist Scott Schuman and Garance Dore at Tiffany & Co. on January 25, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Tiffany)

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Comments

[lifewithsammii]

12:30 PM on 10/25/2012

I think she was rude about it. You are a celebrity and you have natural hair in a society that is OBSSESSED with straight hair. If I had the celebrity power that she had, I would gladly use the opportunities that she has to speak to women about being natural which is healthier for them and just as beautiful as any other race's natural hair. I am put off by her comments in this article and no longer look to her as an inspiration. BTW, I am natural.

[KRMo]

01:17 PM on 09/24/2012

She was surely tired of "explaining" her natural hair choice. All the natural blogs are always talking about her, "do you like her hair" articles. Hadnt seen another natural artist gain so much attention. She just wanted to "be herself" and not make a big deal about the hair. But then, yeah, you cant rep hair company.

[ms.understood]

09:03 PM on 09/23/2012

i'm not so sure what all the fuss is about. yes, hair is important because it's part of the total outside package you present, but it's definitely not something that should be the number one topic around the water cooler or dinner table. however a person chooses to wear their hair (natural or relaxed) is a person decision that should be respected, and not something that draws a line in the sand to further divide our community.

and as far as Solange severing ties with CD, oh well. she was getting paid for the endorsement, so it's not the end of the world.

[Waldimore]

01:25 PM on 09/22/2012

Hasn't Solange been wearing natural 'extensions?' Not that it matters, but it's par for the course in terms of this whole hair war. I agree with her comments about how adult women wear their hair is their business. Of course, getting women to butt out of what other women do would be like defying gravity. It's great that black women are embracing their natural hair. Especially because it's putting them in touch with having a healthy haircare regimen. But it's become too political to absurd proportions. I've alternated between wearing my hair natural and relaxed since the 60s. I'm natural now. I literally can't walk the streets without being set upon about my hair. Although it's nice to receive compliments, it has turned into the sublime/ridiculous scenario. I wouldn't be shocked to see Solange wearing her hear relaxed or weaved again, which might explain her 'touchy' Twitter comments. And she should feel free to do as she pleases. It's her hair and her choice.

[Tia2008]

05:47 AM on 09/22/2012

I love Solange's wild and natural locs! If I could get away with it in the courtroom, I'd wear my hair the same way but since I can't get away with it, I have to go with a more tamed (but still natural) look.

[Tia2008]

05:35 AM on 09/22/2012

I started using CD's products about 3 months ago. Unfortunately, I have not experienced an improvement in the dryness of my hair; however, I do have less breakage and thinning with her Monoi hair mask (after an hour under a heat cap -- the recommended 30 minutes was just not enough for my corase, natural hair).

Plus, I loved the smell of the Black Vanilla Leave-in-Conditioner and the Monoi, shampoo, conditioner and hair repair. I guess smell is another one of those subjective things.

[Waldimore]

01:34 PM on 09/22/2012

This is exactly what I was referring to. First of all, CDs products are a commercial enterprise, i.e. profit is their bottom line. They have many good products... costly products I might add. Dry hair is the bete noir of natural hair and often the solutions are not just in a product you can buy but in the way you care for your hair. I recommend checking out naturallycurly.com and youtube as well as the many natural haircare blogs and gurus for solutions and reviews. It takes time to get to know your own hair and before I would recommend spending with CD, I'd tell someone to find out about a basic natural haircare regimen and then choose a CD product accordingly.

[Tia2008]

02:55 AM on 09/23/2012

Thank you for your suggestions.

I've been natural for years. I started having dryness and breakage for the first time at the beginning of this year (could be diet or medication).

I tried CD b/c I heard good things about the products & the on-line reviews were primarily positive. Additionally, I try to support black owned companies when I can (last time I checked CD was black owned).

My breakage problem is better after using CD products; however, I have to soak my hair with the leave-in- conditioner in order to combat the dryness problem. Given the cost of the products, I can't afford to go through a bottle of conditioner in just two weeks. So, I will definitely follow up on your suggestions.

Thanks!

[LADYDAY 777]

03:02 AM on 09/22/2012

I agree, if I want to change I will. My hair is not what I am trying to put at the end of a sentence.

[Absolute]

04:23 PM on 09/21/2012

Carol's Daughter products are horrible. They smell bad; they don't improve the condition of hair and they they don't improve the appearance of hair. Oh, and the products cost way too much. No to Carol's Daughter.

[Karmella]

04:58 PM on 09/21/2012

Their hair products are not for me. Tried the vanilla (something) shampoo & conditioner and paid close to $30.00 for both products which included shipping. At the time, that was the only way I could purchase them. After searching the world over, I learned that pure shea butter & Organix hair products work for me. Plus I can purchase them anywhere.

Their almond cookie souffle body lotion smells good ($11.00 for 4 ounces) and I use it sparingly. The smell is similiar to Jergens lotion...

[Waldimore]

01:48 PM on 09/22/2012

I find them overpriced as well. But they have cornered the market and the attention of many black women who are clueless about natural haircare. And that's what running a business is about. In this day of the Internet, you have so many options before coughing up your hard-earned money. It's been at least 6 years since I started buying beauty products based upon the info/reviews I find on the Internet. It takes time but well worth it. Over time you learn to decipher the reviews in a way that helps you to make a choice. I still buy a product if I really want it that receives poor reviews if the ingredients are good and I feel that the reviewers used the product incorrectly. Places to go: naturallycurly.com, youtube, makeupalley.com as well as facebook, twitter and google natural hair blogs. Also look for a hair twin. (I've not found one, however.) Even if you've worn your hair natural before emergence all of these haircare products, it's still a journey of discovery. After you learn what's right for your hair, you can pick and choose the right CD product for you, as they do have many products that are worth the money. Just not all of them

[Mumngigi]

12:51 PM on 09/21/2012

never been a fan of Solange, but I totally agree, this natural hair brewhaha is as stupid as putting women with weaves and relaxers on a pedistal, IT'S HAIR and we have the ability to make personal choices for whatever reason, MOVE ON!

[angryblackmale]

07:21 AM on 09/21/2012

This beautiful, talented, stylish black woman is a chameleon...she is the Linda Evangelista of a new generation. What is hell is CD thinking? BIG mistake to let her go.

[angryblackmale]

07:17 AM on 09/21/2012

CD, this is a mistake. In terms of being a relevant urban crossover Influencer, Mary J, Cassie, Selita, and Jada, don't have sh^t on Solange.

She will be snapped up by another brand in quick fashion, pun intended.

[angryblackmale]

07:05 AM on 09/21/2012

I for one love love love the way she wears her hair. What was once 'discomforting' for older generations of blacks (namely our hair), is now embraced and celebrated.

Wearing your hair 'free' is incredible appealing on the right women...and Solange has done it better than most.

[michelleobamaok]

12:45 PM on 09/21/2012

KNOW YOUR HISTORY: The "discomfort" does not come from older groups, who were the Black and Proud generation. It is this group of people from the Hip Hop crowd who do not like their hair, and are usually spotted in clownish blonde wigs, weaves, and such.

This is how you can tell who is black and posting, and who is not. They don't know the history of blacks, while posting as one.

[angryblackmale]

01:41 PM on 09/21/2012

Better to keep your mouth closed, and be thought a fool...than to open it, and remove all doubt. Don't give me that knave, 'I'm black and I'm proud bumper sticker' response. 
I know being black has not always felt comfortable...Even the President of the United States struggled with issues of racial identity and race politics. Co-opting the First Lady's screen name gives you no monopoly on or to, the black experience in  my book. 
Hip Hop, in all its forms, is what freed so many black kids to recognize and own their substantive contribution to the black and American cultural diaspora. 
It is Hip Hop, and the music it gave rise to, the knocked down doors that remained closed for so many generations. If there was no Hip Hop, there would be no black President. Hip Hop is non conformist, and that is exactly what Solange is expressing. And Hip Hop celebrates her for it. 
Don't try to impress me with stunted intellectual/ historical prowess. You nothing of me...but then again, how could you? You seem to know nothing of yourself. If indeed you are...one of us.   

[meanlady21]

10:51 PM on 09/21/2012

Amen to your comment!!!!! Back in the day only bald old ladies or prostitutes wore wigs. Black men and women proudly wore their hair natural but we kept it shaped. The bigger the fro the badder you were. And I mean good bad.

[Bootzey Jones]

05:57 AM on 09/21/2012

Solange can wear her hair any way she wants. Isn't that the point of natural hair? You free your self from perms only to have people bogart you into a different box? She has always been a free spirit. CD didn't do their research....

[Darlene Jones]

12:46 AM on 09/21/2012

Idon't get Mary Blige as a spokesperson. Never seen her without a wig on. Bad ones at that. Her Marilyn Monroe one was, like WTH? No she wasn't performing . She was just doing a straight interview! The woman is as sweet as anything though.She has a beautful face,and personality. However,those cheap looking wigs need to go..

[OhMyEyes]

02:29 AM on 09/21/2012

She's really more of a spokesperson for their bath and body products.

[Darlene Jones]

08:21 PM on 09/21/2012

That makes sense. 'Mary' does have beautiful skin..

[Darlene Jones]

12:37 AM on 09/21/2012

I think she looks adorable! I'm growing out my hair ,and this is the exact same look I'm going for. No 'rounded' out afro for me. So boring. I like the twists,and the funky messy look. Plus, if I want I can just comb blow dry it for a different look when I choose.. Wow, some of you are so harsh! The 'girl' looks great. Better than her big 'sis' as a matter of fact!