Caring for my curls with Pattern Beauty

Pattern Beauty was launched in September 2019 by Tracee Ellis Ross to celebrate and embrace hair types that have historically been underrepresented in the beauty industry. Tracee, known as the daughter of the legendary Diana Ross, for her role as Joan in Girlfriends and Bow in Blackish, and for her big, curly hair, struggled to find products that worked for her own hair. So, she created her own brand.

Pattern launched with six products, including shampoo, conditioner, leave-in conditioner, curl cream, oil and wide-tooth combs. The brand focuses on cruelty-free formulas designed to define, hydrate and enhance natural curl patterns. Products range from about $18 to $30, with larger items such as the Hair Steamer ($169) and Blow Dryer ($189) priced separately.

I made my first Pattern purchase from ULTA Beauty on December 8, 2024. For context, I have been natural since about October 2021, after a color and relaxer mishap that caused severe breakage. My hair had to be cut, and I spent a year wearing braids before it grew back healthy. I honestly rarely wear my natural curls out—I’m the natural girl who usually wears her hair straight—but I still want to take care of my curls. For the cold months, I decided to take my braids out and try a new brand, while keeping my hair professionally colored.

My first purchase included the Hydrating Shampoo, Detangler Nectar, Leavein Conditioner, Lightweight Conditioner, Treatment Hair Mask and Breakage Barrier Hair Mask. As a self-proclaimed hair mask junkie, I was excited to try both masks. My curl pattern is varied—I have about three patterns on my head: tighter in the middle, semi-tight in the front, and looser at the nape. Even though I usually wear my hair straight, my curls return after every wash. Normally, I mix multiple shampoos and conditioners, but I used Pattern Beauty exclusively for about two months.

My favorite product was the Breakage Barrier Hair Mask. Compared to the one I usually use from TGIN, this mask ranks a close second. The consistency feels like honey, and a little goes a long way. Following the directions, my hair felt healthy after just one use. Even when I mixed it with my other shampoos and conditioners, it performed amazingly, giving my curls bounce the moment it touched my hair.

My least favorite was the Detangler Nectar—it didn’t detangle my hair as well as other products I’ve used. The shampoo and conditioner work well together, as expected, and blend nicely with my other products. Pattern Beauty products have a clean, light scent and don’t weigh my hair down. My mother, who is also natural, has used the products as well. She wears her

curls out more than I do and often chooses Pattern Beauty over her other products.

Overall, Pattern Beauty is now part of my hair care collection and will be repurchased. I would rate the brand 7.5 out of 10. While I can’t speak to the curl-specific products since I don’t wear my curls out, the way my curls bounce back after blowouts shows that the products are effective, and I’m a returning customer.

You can purchase Pattern Beauty from PatternBeauty.com, ULTA Beauty, Target and Sephora.

Shawna Dena’ passionately embraces hair and makeup, sharing her brand experiences. Hailing from North Carolina, she acquired her mastery of glam and style through YouTube, creating a personal haven of creativity and security. You can watch her makeup tutorials and product reviews on TikTok (@ShawnaDena_16) and YouTube (Shawna Dena).