The products shown may be from a celebrity’s own product line. If you buy those products through the links in this article, Target, which sells the celebrity's line, has agreed to give Shop TODAY a commission on purchase.
Before she became a Golden Globe winner and New York Times bestselling author, Taraji P. Henson landed in Los Angeles as a young mother with big dreams.
In the latest episode of "Shop the Stars with Jill Martin," Henson recalled the time she moved to the City of Angels in 1996 with $700 and her then-1-year-old son.
"I was fearless," she told host Jill Martin. Thinking back, the 49-year-old said when you're in your twenties, "You're ready to take on the world — you have your whole life ahead of you."
Prior to moving west to pursue a full-time career in the entertainment business, Henson, a self-proclaimed hustler, was busy earning her college degree, working a day job at the Pentagon and moonlighting as a singer and dancer on a cruise boat.
On where she gets her work ethic, Henson told Martin her parents were a huge influence.
Her mom worked her way up at department store Woodward & Lothrop, explained Henson. "She started by tagging merchandise in the basement to 20 years later, having her own office with employees working under her."
And despite experiencing tough times, Henson's father also inspired her. "I saw how a human could lose everything and come back," she said. "I saw how you start from the bottom and make it to the top. I lived it. I saw it. I had great examples in my household, so that's in me."
So it's no surprise that she made a name for herself in the entertainment business — but Henson isn't stopping there: She's also taking over the beauty game.
TPH by Taraji is the result of Henson's decadelong journey to launch an affordable hair care line for all hair types and textures. Available at Target, the solution-oriented, 18-piece collection is split into four categories of care: yellow for scalp health, red for repair, teal for cleansing and purple for styling treatments.
The best part? Each product is $15 or less.
"I've been working on trying to get it to the masses for a decade, but the first part of the decade it was just for me because it was literally a problem that I needed a solution for and I couldn't find the products in any stores," she explained of the inspiration to create her own products. "It wasn't out on the market, so I just had to create it for myself, and it literally was just for me."
With encouragement from friends, Henson got serious about bringing her homemade formulas to people everywhere. "That's when I got serious about bringing my dream to fruition."
The problem-solving line started with a focus on scalp health but later grew into a full collection. "I keep pinching myself," she said of developing an extensive 18-product line with everything from clarifying shampoos to nourishing scalp oil.
If she weren't an actress, Henson admits, "I totally would have been in cosmetology."
The products shown may be from a celebrity’s own product line. If you buy those products through the links in this article, Target, which sells the celebrity's line, has agreed to give Shop TODAY a commission on purchase.
Shop TPH by Taraji:
- TPH by Taraji Never Salty Sugar Scalp Scrub, $14
- TPH by Taraji Master Cleanse Scalp Treatment Wash, $15
- TPH by Taraji Mint Condition Tingling Scalp Conditioner, $12
- TPH by Taraji Real Love Protein Treatment Mask, $15
- TPH by Taraji Glow Up Pure Scalp Oil Blend, $12
- TPH by Taraji After Dark Overnight Repair Mask, $15
- TPH by Taraji Serene Queen Gentle Shampoo, $10
- TPH by Taraji Make it Rain Hydrating Conditioner, $10
- TPH by Taraji Hustle & Co. Co-Wash, $10
- TPH by Taraji Ride or Die Detangling Leave-In Conditioner, $10
Our guest independently selected the items featured in this article because they think they’re worth knowing about. Shop TODAY has affiliate relationships so we may get a commission if you buy something through our links.
Shop Henson's favorite things:
Jill purchased each of these items because she loves them and is not being paid by the brands to promote or mention these products. Shop TODAY has affiliate relationships so we may get a commission if you buy something through our links
Shop Martin's outfit:
- H&M Puff-Sleeve Sweater, $25
- A.L.C. Grainger Colorblock Pleated Midi Skirt, $357 (was $595)
- Warby Parker Kimball Glasses in Marzipan Tortoise, $98
- Jennifer Miller Pink Teardrop Earrings, $350
- Chanel Rouge Coco Gloss Moisturizing Glossimer, $30
Our editors take care to highlight sales and deals on items that we think you’ll enjoy — and at prices we think you’ll like. Shop TODAY has affiliate relationships so we may get a commission if you buy something through our links.
Shop this episode's deals:
- Clara Sunwoo Leggings, 40% off with code JILLMARTIN
- Commando Shapewear, 20% off with code SHOPTHESTARS
- MailPix Custom Yoga Mats, 75% off with code SHOPTHESTARS
For more "Shop the Stars with Jill Martin" content, check out:
- From scalp scrubs to nourishing conditioners, each product in Taraji P. Henson’s hair care line is $15 or less
- Save up to 75% on surprise deals — including leggings and shapewear — featured on 'Shop the Stars with Jill Martin'
- 'Shop the Stars with Jill Martin’ is my new digital show — and you’re going to love it
To discover more deals, shopping tips and budget-friendly product recommendations, download the new TODAY app and subscribe to our Stuff We Love newsletter!