Browse Tag

hair products

4 mins read

Black Owned Wig and Hair Extension Businesses

By 2026, consumers in North America are expected to contribute approximately $2 billion to the global hair wigs and extension market.

According to a March 2021 report, “Consumers of African descent constitute one of the largest end-user of wigs. Consumers are trying to limit the use of harsh chemical products such as peroxide serums. Moreover, an increasing number of women are preferring natural afro-textured hair. Although most consumers are not ready to embrace natural hair, they are increasingly buying hair wigs of human hair as they feel natural.”

Although this information may not come as a surprise, what may surprise you is the number of Black owned wig and hair extension businesses that have been established over the last few years to satisfy this demand.

We’ve listed a few for you.

Black Owned Wig and Hair Extension Businesses

 Coils to Locs

Coils to Locs is a wig resource for women of color searching for coily, curly wig styles at cancer center hospitals and medical hair loss salons.

A-List Hair

A-List Lace Hair is one of the UK’s prominent suppliers for Full Lace Wigs and Lace Front Wigs, as well as frontals, closures, and virgin hair extensions.

Black Owned Wig and Hair Extension Businesses

Wig Dealer

Black Owned Wig and Hair Extension Businesses

DACS Boutique

DACS Boutique provides an extensive range of human Remy synthetic and lace front wigs designed to ensure that special look at any moment.

Black Owned Wig and Hair Extension Businesses

Natural Babe Hair

Natural Babe Hair focuses on empowering women to love themselves more and to love themselves through loving their hair.

Finger Comber

Finger Comber is a natural hair community that was made by naturals, for naturals. They carry a collection of artisinal wigs and hairpieces that are designed to support the natural hair journey.

Black Owned Wig and Hair Extension Businesses

Nahara’s Curls

Nahara’s Curls was designed to be a creative and fun way to explore the endless possibilities of our natural hair.

Black Owned Wig and Hair Extension Businesses

Boho Locs

Boho Locs offers hand-designed premium crochet loc extensions.

Mayvenn

Mayvenn sells 100% virgin hair extensions in a wide variety of textures and colors.

Miyi

Miyi provides 100% virgin hair to mimic natural 3B/3C, 3C/4A & 4B/4C kinky textured hair.

Conscious Curls Hair

Conscious Curls Hair is 100% Virgin Indian hair that has been carefully crafted to offer the most luxurious and long lasting extension.

Big Chop Hair

Big Chop Hair is a natural hair extension company that offers 5 different hair textures in wefts, lace closures, bulk (for braiding), u-part wigs, clip-ins and full wigs.

Black Hair

Black hair is a father-son-owned line of wigs and extensions for those who are looking to buy hair products at reasonable and affordable prices.

Heat Free Hair

Heat Free Hair offers a way for women to transition using protective styles that don’t require heat or chemical processing.

Hair For The Girls

Hair For The Girls is a premium hair brand that was created to empower girls at all stages of their hair journey.

Latched and Hooked

Latched & Hooked’s patented curls are non-toxic, stress-free, affordable and designed with the highest quality of synthetic fiber for women who wear protective hairstyles.

Kurly Klips

Kurly Klips is a curly textured clip-in hair extensions brand that offers a very quick process for adding length to your mane.

Melanj Hair

Melanj Hair offers six custom textures of hair extensions meant to blend seamlessly with your natural hair.

Radswan

Radswan provides premium synthetic wigs that meet the hair care and protective styling needs of Black women with natural hair.

Black Owned Wig and Hair Extension Businesses

-Tony O. Lawson

Access exclusive content about the latest business trends and investment opportunities. Sign up for a premium membership.

1 min read

Black Owned Bonnet Brands That Aren’t Charging $98

According to NiteCap Founder Sarah Marantz, she came up with the idea for a satin bonnet “after much consideration, conceptualization, brainstorming, and borderline obsessive research.”

black owned satin bonnet brands
NiteCap Founder Sarah Marantz

Fortunately, for Black women everywhere, someone else had the bright idea of creating appropriate sleepwear to keep their hairdos intact. Black Owned satin bonnet brands have existed for ages. Here are a few of our faves for Black girls who considered hair bonnets when sleeping on their hands wasn’t enough…

Black Owned Bonnet Brands

Regal Ivy

Black Owned Satin Bonnet

Beautiful Curly Me

Chiwrapz

 

Loccrush

Black Owned Satin Bonnet

Purrty Dimples

Black Owned Satin Bonnet

Peace Crown’d

Natural Hair Shop

Black Owned Satin Bonnet

Eboni Curls

Black Owned Satin Bonnet

Glow by Daye

FlorBella Boutique

Goodnight Hair Bonnets

Grace Eleyae

Black Owned Satin Bonnet

Loza Tam

Special thanks to Kami (@frobunni) for helping us compile this list! It takes a village!

➡️ Advertise your Business

Don’t miss any articles! Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn

2 mins read

Couples Inc. : Beauty Supply Store Owners, Quintin & Megan Lathan

After all the conversations about how too few Black people are involved in the beauty supply industry, we were glad to learn about Quintin and Megan Lathan. They own Beauty Plus, a beauty supply store in Baltimore.

How did you both meet?

Megan: We met through Quintin’s cousin who was my co-worker at the time.

How do you decide what products to carry in your store?

Quintin: A mixture of customer/professional stylist requests, social media, and different cosmetology industry publications.

It has been said that it can be difficult for non Asian business owners in the beauty supply industry. What has you experience been?

Megan: Once our business was established, we had immediate access to most hair products. The only difficulty we had was with purchasing hair from certain hair companies.
 

In what ways do you both have similar entrepreneurial traits and in what ways are you different as entrepreneurs?

Quintin: The number one trait we have in common is that we believe in good customer service and drive. We differ on inventory selection and marketing ideas at times. 

What is the most important thing your partner has taught you?

Megan: Quintin has taught me to be more focused and intentional with how I spend my day as it pertains to the business.
Quintin: Megan has taught me patience and how to be steadfast on certain business decisions.
 

What is the most important thing to remember when you are married to your business partner?

Quintin: To not get into heated arguments about the business so much that it affects the marriage because the marriage is more important than the business. Also to always make time for romance and quality time.
 

What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs?

Megan: Don’t wait to start and commit to ownership. 

Contact: Beauty Plus
Address: 2107 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21218
Phone: (410) 685-0955


Subscribe and follow SHOPPE BLACK on Facebook and Instagram (@shoppeblack)


Come SHOPPE with us!!

4 mins read

The Politics Behind the Black Beauty Store Industry Dominated by Koreans – MPR

Karen Coffey opened Bella Beauty and Hair in January with lots of optimism and a stylist’s eye for hair extensions and other products tailored to Black women. She thought that would be enough to succeed.

beauty
Karen Coffey speaks with a customer inside Bella Beauty and Hair, which she opened earlier this year. Evan Frost | MPR News

She didn’t realize the game would be stacked against her before she even opened her door.

Like Black entrepreneurs before her, Coffey quickly discovered that behind the beauty supply storefronts that dot the nation’s urban neighborhoods and suburban shopping plazas sits a multibillion-dollar industry for black hair products that’s run largely by South Koreans and does not cede its power or market share without a fight.

beauty
Wigs on display at Bella Beauty and Hair

Korean-Americans cornered the market decades ago by controlling the manufacturing, distribution and retail sale of hair extensions — the moneymaker of the industry. Black owners believe Korean wholesalers shut them out and only supply Korean retailers.

Korean American beauty supply industry leaders at a meeting in the Northeast U.S. – The Korean Times

Coffey says she’s seen that firsthand. Some Korean wholesalers, she said, have denied or ignored her requests for products. Meanwhile, a new Korean-owned store that opened across the street a month before her has some brands she can’t get.

“All of it is run by Koreans,” said Coffey, 32. “A lot of them don’t make it easy for Blacks to get in. I didn’t know it would be this challenging.”

National Federation of Beauty Suppliers (NFBS) Board Members – The Korean Times

Korean wholesalers deny any preferential treatment. Shake-N-Go, which supplies Coffey’s nearby competitors, said it works with retailers based on local competition and other exclusively economic factors, and the choices are “far from being discriminatory.”

Coffey, though, says those statements run contrary to what she and other Black beauty supply owners experience daily.

Coffey’s part of a growing number of Black women here and around the country determined to persevere even if it means bypassing the Korean supply chain. They’re going to extreme lengths, employing innovation and grit, to do so.

NFBS BOARD MEMBERS – THE KOREAN TIMES

“There’s been a really concerted effort to get Black people to enter the retail side of this business,” said Lori Tharps, Temple University journalism professor and co-author of “Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America.”

“There are success stories,” she added. “Somehow black people are finding alternative suppliers and moving past this idea that Koreans are keeping them out of this very lucrative space.”

 

Read full article by Emma Sapong at MPR News


Subscribe and follow SHOPPE BLACK on Facebook and Instagram (@shoppeblack)


Come SHOPPE with us!!

5 mins read

Black Owned Businesses in the UK

Our second list of Black owned businesses in the UK is here by popular demand! If you haven’t seen the first list, check it out. Otherwise, enjoy and support these amazing Black owned businesses in the UK!

Black Owned Businesses in the UK

My Duvets offers customized bed linen and pillowcases.

Screen Shot 2016-07-24 at 5.51.24 PM

Lela and Mosi is an exciting new character brand offering adorable Backpacks & Tees designed with the Lela and Mosi icon – Showcasing the beauty of Black girls and boys.

Mosi_Marketing-80_grande

Savage Curves Boutique strives to provide affordable fierce fashion for the curvy millennial woman.

edited-1217-Plus-C-Quum-59-of-63-1

LoveGift Vegan Cafe offers home-style vegan cuisine with Caribbean influence.

12187952_1248988118461692_5887842153300319620_o

FunkynChunky sells handmade handmade bags, bow ties, bracelets and necklaces from West Africa.

IMG-20151104-WA0043_1024x1024

 Michelle Buabin is passionate about creating grand floral designs for occasions and individuals that need luxury floral arrangements.

76bb71_d8e9fbe11e3447f4a8499ac20c33cfb7~mv2

 

3D Parties is your one stop shop for inflatables, media services and children’s food machines.

13512176_1705870032995594_3807607816723026424_n

Shear and Shine Grooming is a barbershop that has produced the UK’s first Black-owned grooming brand for Black men.

aaron

Xsandy’s Hair & Cosmetics are the only Black owned beauty supply stores in SE London. They offer a wide range of the best and most popular hair care products for natural, relaxed and protected hair at competitive prices.

13770274_831768696955691_330779078684786247_n

Pretty Girlz Rock products promote that all little girls are ‘pretty’ inside and out regardless of what they look like.

4615300760

Cake Junkies UK specializes in feeding your cravings with memorable cakes and sweet delights for all occasions.

f076da685fb0555db7e6bfea8dd7fc0f

Ten&Lee is a niche swimwear brand inspired by the Caribbean offering a range of reversible two in one pieces.

Swimwear-shoot

Freddie Onuma of Mintt Photography, offers a wide selection of photography services, from portrait, weddings, christenings, maternity, fashion and product images.

13139159_1091680234240209_1400791987843553852_n

Tan Rosie offers UK’s tastiest Hot Sauces, Jerk Seasoning and Caribbean Recipes.

TAN-ROSIE-CARIBBEAN-COOKERY-KIT-LR

Looks Like Me is a children’s modelling agency that aims to increase inclusivity and raise the profile of underrepresented black and brown children in the media.

13836014_10153499272161618_127433095_o

Lazy Lunch is a food delivery service that makes it easy for offices in Birmingham to choose, order and arrange free delivery of nutritionally balanced, tasty food that caters for a variety of diets.

IMG-20160208-WA0003

 

One Stop Dreadlock  is an established natural hair salon based in North London, specialising in new and existing dreadlocks for all hair types.

6309_490254251038680_668784071_n

Yana Cosmetics is a premium make up brand for the ethnic market, which started by specializing in custom blended foundations for black women and has developed a full range of make up and skincare for all skin types.

Yana Johnson of Yana Cosmetics Brockley. © 2008 Ian Stratton 07860 490841

TLC Naturals offers artisan & botanical hair products formulated to Renew, Restore & Rejuvenate your hair & skin back to a state of wellness, health and beauty.

img_2670

Premae Skincare is an award winning, certified allergen-free beauty company that produces the UK’s 1st allergen certified Vegan Beauty Brand for skincare and makeup that’s perfect for eczema, blemishes & anti-ageing.

LID-OFF_08Ginger

Sonayon is a maker of hand-crafted natural toiletries, candles and fashion accessories.

1012144_663078900395540_1222827674_n

Choco Fruit is a yummy Belgian chocolate covered fruit business. They offer chocolate covered fruit dessert, covered in milk, dark and white chocolate, garnished with an array of fun mouth watering toppings.

13775937_1138111119595297_4198327946759401381_n

Herbals Direct offers all natural herbs and products. Dr. Sebi products in the UK.

13654223_1775679079319733_5799332904087188750_n

Christal Cosmetics offer a top-to-toe specialist service for Black and ethnic skin. Their treatment menu covers all your beauty needs from waxing, manicure, pedicure, express or complete spa services.

12495138_1058762724185633_1133998156678516001_n

Arteh Creative is the brainchild of Arteh Odjidja. He is a photographer and art director that has worked with everyone from Ozwald Boateng to Red Bull. Arteh experiments with fashion photography, portraiture and social documentary.

arteh-creative-image-selection

-Tony O. Lawson

If you would like to add your business to this list (or another) SUBMIT HERE.


Subscribe and Follow SHOPPE BLACK on Facebook, Instagram &Twitter


 Get your SHOPPE BLACK Apparel!

5 mins read

Annie Turnbo Malone: One of the First Black Women Millionaires in the U.S.

If you haven’t heard of Annie Turnbo Malone before today, you aren’t alone. When we found out about her, we were amazed that despite her amazing achievements, she isn’t a household name. So, who is Annie Turnbo Malone?

Annie Turnbo Malone

Annie Turnbo Malone

Annie Turnbo Malone (August 9, 1869—May 10, 1957) is recorded as one of the U.S.’s first Black female millionaires based on reports of $14 million in assets held in 1920 from her beauty and cosmetic enterprises, headquartered in St. Louis and Chicago.

PoroBeautyCulture0001

While Annie was growing up, the popular style among Black women was the “straight hair” look.  Black women were moving from the braided cornrow styles they’d associated with the fields of slavery and began to embrace a look which, for them signified freedom and progression toward equality in America. The beauty industry at the time, had critics who were concerned that the promotion and glamorization of hair-straighteners (and, worse, skin-bleaching creams) would lead to the internalization of white concepts of beauty. This is obviously still an issue to this day. (Think Lil’ Kim)

Annie Turnbo Malone
Poro Advertisement

Annie was mindful that such products had a negative perception attached to them. Perhaps this is why she trademarked her beauty products under the name “Poro” (a West African word for an organization dedicated to enhancing the body spiritually and physically.) There also some elements of the term that indicate beauty.

Annie Turnbo Malone
Poro Advertisement

Annie began to revolutionize hair care methods for all African Americans in the early 1900’s. In 1902, she moved to St. Louis, hired some assistants and began selling her products door-to-door.

Annie Turnbo Malone
Poro products
Annie Turnbo Malone
Poro Pressing Oil

One of her protégés was Sarah Breedlove who would later be known as Madam C.J. Walker. Walker actually worked as a “Poro Agent” for Annie for about one year. Walker is often credited as the originator of the Black beauty and cosmetics business and the direct distribution and sales agent system that Malone developed.

Annie Turnbo Malone
Young C.J. Walker

By 1917, as United States entered World War I, Annie Malone had become so successful that she founded and opened Poro College in St. Louis. It was the first educational institution in the United States dedicated to the study and teaching of Black cosmetology.

Annie Turnbo Malone
Poro Shipping Department

By 1926, the college employed 175 people and franchised outlets in North and South America, Africa, and the Philippines employing some 75,000 women. Malone had become a wealthy woman.

Annie Turnbo Malone
Poro College, St. Louis, MO

 

Annie Turnbo Malone
Poro College, St. Louis, MO

Despite her wealth, Malone lived conservatively and gave away much of her fortune to help other African Americans. She is one of America’s first major Black philanthropists.

Annie Turnbo Malone
Poro Fleet of vehicles
Annie Turnbo Malone
Poro college delivery truck

She contributed thousands of dollars to educational programs, universities, to the YMCA, and to nearly every Black orphanage in the country. Her $25,000 donation to Howard University was among the largest gifts received by a private donor of African descent. She also served as board president of the St. Louis Colored Orphans Home from 1919 to 1943.

Annie Turnbo Malone
Poro College Graduation Atlanta 1939

Malone died in Chicago on May 10, 1957. By the time of her death, she had lost her national visibility and most of her money to lawsuits and tax debts. Having no children, her estate, valued at $100,000, was left to her nieces and nephews.

Annie Turnbo Malone