The Trouble with black hair…

First off let me begin this post by saying that I am an avid weave wearer (love myself and I love the ability to change my hair frequently) but I am also an advocate for natural hair. Basically I’m a fan of whatever hairstyle that a black woman wants to wear (exceptions would be Crayola colored weave, and those half permed/ half nappy chicks, girl cut that mess off and start again).
I say that to say this. I previously had NO I idea of the Monopoly that is taking place in the black hair supply industry. Currently Black women make up 10% of the population, 80% of hair product customers and about 5% of the Beauty supply industry owners. That means that we’re being shut out of an industry that essentially caters to out vanity by people of other cultures.

Now I know what you’re thinking. “This is just capitalism! If people of other cultures are smart enough to start a business then more power to them. Black people just don’t know how to support black businesses” .For a long time I agreed with that, I tired to support my local black beauty supply owner but I got sick and tired of her just not having any products that I liked. I guess she could sense my frustration because I remember her telling me that she couldn’t get the distributors to sell to her because they made deals with the other stores in the area.
I heard what she said but it still didn’t register with me until I read an article about the black hair care market in the newest issue of “Ebony” magazine. Basically the industry is dominated by a particular Asian culture. They open stores and distribute the products in those stores, a double whammy that shuts out both black shop owners and black distributors. This is a monopoly. I don’t blame any one person or group, because everyone is just trying to get a dollar. Blaming is overrated
It’s time that we educate and stop spending our money in places and shops that don’t respect us or our culture. Black business owners, if you are being blocked from having the merchandise then you must offer something different. Your store ought to be the cleanest nicest and most helpful place to shop. Good service can outshine any competitor. Search for the corner of the market that hasn’t been reached; cater to the crowd whose needs get “ignored” by typical beauty supply stores, market yourself and our store. Make sure that people know where you are and what you sell. And be professional! So many times black business owners don’t give good professional service to their own people because we give the “brotha/sista pass.” Stop now! On the street I may be your Sista but in your place of business I’m your customer.
Consumers we must educate ourselves; Go to black owned beauty supply stores. If you can’t find one in your area then I want you ask all kinds of questions in the store. Ask the clerks “who made this hair/ shampoo/perm/ gel?” Where did they come from?” “if the makers of this product don’t have African American hair then how do they know it works?” Then I want to petition that black owned companies be sold there. People can’t buy something if it’s not available to them. So demand it! Demand to know who makes the products that are in your hair!!
The black dollar is a powerful thing when used correctly let your money( or lack thereof) speak for you and stop spending in these stores! I for one have just crossed some stores off of my shopping list. You should do the same.

Here are some black owned hair Care Companies
1. Dudley Products
2. Kizure
3. Carol’s Daughter
4. Bronner Bros
These are just a few- please stop by The Black Owned Beauty Supply Association for a complete listing.

Please watch the rest of Aron Ranen’s “Black Hair Documentary” here

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