Keith Powers' Latest Campaign With Kiss Colors and Care Proves There is Power in Black Men's Hair

From starring in hit shows like The New Edition Story and the recent Netflix series The Perfect Find, actor Keith Powers has watched his star consistently rise. As a red carpet staple, the Sacramento, California, native has proved he isn't afraid to take fashion risks, all while expressing himself in ways that are refreshing to see a Black man do in Hollywood. Now, the 31-year-old is banking on his expression through his hair with his latest campaign with Kiss Colors and Care.

The partnership coincides with the launch of KISS Colors and Care's signature collection designed specifically for curly and coiled hair textures. The curation of products and accessories includes the Twist Curl Gel, Twist King, and a range of brushes, picks, durags and sponges to help men nourish and protect their hair while expressing their versatile style.

Powers did not always focus on his hair; now he has emerged as a a signature for fans who look to see what he will do with his hair next. There are Pinterest boards and social media pages dedicated to highlighting his hairstyling versatility.

"It is always dope to see Black hair being celebrated unapologetically," Powers said about his partnership in a call with The Quintessential Gentleman.

Growing up, Powers mentions that he did not get a chance to grow out his hair. "I see now, I was really bad at taking care of my hair," he says about his youth.

From dying his hair to growing out his afro, and even at one point twisting it to get locs, Powers says that he has gotten "better over the years," when it comes to his hair care routine. The styling of his hair is also constantly on his mind.

"I am at the point where I am wondering if I should cut my hair to a fade or grow it out and get braids," Powers says about his next look. From inspirations such as NBA legends Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, and rapper Lil' Bow Wow, Powers doesn't look into what is trendy, the actor has become known to create trends. And KISS Colors and Care has taken notice.

"We are excited to welcome Keith Powers to KISS Colors & Care as our newest brand partner in celebrating the creativity and versatility of textured hair," said Annette DeVita-Goldstein, SVP of Global Marketing. "Keith Powers is widely recognized for his talent on-screen and his distinctive style off-screen. As he remains a trailblazing force in Hollywood who embraces creative expression, this partnership signifies a shared commitment to empowerment, representation, and fostering a positive narrative around textured hair. We aim to inspire men of color to embrace their unique textures and confidently express themselves through style and self-expression."

Even though the excitement and viral moments of the campaign, the partnership also opens up a broader conversation regarding the Black man's connection to their hair. A conversation that is disregarded or overlooked in many spaces. Ignorant comments such as "nappy head" are not unusual for young Black kids to hear from family, friends and others. Yet, in recent years, laws such as California's CROWN Act—a law which prohibits discrimination based on hairstyle and hair texture by extending protection under the FEHA and the California Education Code—have helped propel the conversation and recognition of the beauty of Black hair.

"Be you... It is dope with what we can do with Black hair," Powers says about the conversation and the impact he hopes the partnership can have on the Black community. "Express yourself with your hair... it is cool to see Black people expressing themselves through their hair."

With a recent NAACP Award nomination, and an intentional partnership, Hollywood's future leading man is showing no signs of slowing down as he is building his career, his way.

Photo Credit: KISS Colors Hair & Care