L’Oreal Hires Hijab-Wearing Muslim in New Hair Campaign, Even Though You Can’t See Her Hair

L’Oreal cast hijab-wearing Amena Khan in their new hair campaign, and it’s perfect https://t.co/qL4GK0vTE4 pic.twitter.com/vBbzst9iId

— HuffPost UK (@HuffPostUK) January 16, 2018

Sometimes political correctness goes so far, you’re left scratching your head.  Such is the case recently when L’Oreal hired a lady to be their spokesmodel for their new hair campaign, even though we have no idea what her hair actually looks like.

Yes, really.

Amena Khan wears a hijab, because she’s a Muslim.  This is all fine and good, but it means we literally can not see her hair.  Does she have good hair or not?  I have no idea.  I presume she does — she looks like a beautiful woman.  But looking at her head scarf does not make me automatically interested in using the same hair products as she does.

“You have to wonder – why is it presumed that women that don’t show their hair don’t look after it,” Khan told Vogue magazine. “The opposite of that would be that everyone that does show their hair only looks after it for the sake of showing it to others. And that mindset strips us of our autonomy and our sense of independence.”

On her social media, she announced the new partnership.

“A game changing new campaign!!!  So… lately I’ve had a complex relationship with my hair feeling lacklustre. When I take off my scarf, I want my hair to be more radiant – don’t we all? I’m so excited and incredibly proud to announce that I‘m part of the new L’Oreal Paris Elvive World of Care Campaign which showcases Elvive’s breadth of products catering to a wide range of demanding hair types. I’m The Pink One which has been specially formulated for dull hair to boost shine.”

I’m all for independence.  Like, really 100% behind women being empowered.  (Even empowered NOT to wear a headdress in public.)  But why is L’Oreal trying to make a political statement with their hair product line?  Are they NOT about hair care for most women?  And do most women look at a piece of fabric and say, “You know, I have no idea what this woman’s hair looks like, but I’m so inspired by L’Oreal’s political stance that I’m going to take a chance on this shampoo.”

No.

This is NOT how customers think.  It’d be like Toyota selling a car and advertising their new vehicle by showing a nice, new garage door.  It quite simply does not make sense.

Featured Image Credit: MaxPixel
Hat Tip: Huffington Post