How Long Have You Been With Your Hair Stylist?

One of the longest lasting relationships in life is a hair stylist to client. How long have you been with your hair stylist? Hair stylists include barbers, cosmetologists, or anybody who does your hair. Most people have been with their hair person longer than they have been in any other kind of relationship. People will leave their spouse or significant other before leaving their hair person. What makes these relationships last so long?

One thing that makes these relationships last so long is the way they do your hair of course. Somebody who knows how to exactly do your hair the way you want is top tier. For the fellas a barber who knows how to get that line up (shape up) just right is exactly what you want. For the ladies a hairdresser who knows how to lay them edges and make that hair pop is a rare find.

Another reason these relationships last long is the secrets. Think about how many secrets you have told your hair person over the years. The salon and the beauty shop most of the time is a safe space. Most people go in there and completely open up. They tell secrets they haven't told anyone not even the person they are dating.

Your hair person is literally the person you let your hair down with. Pun Intended.

In honor of Black History Month, it's only befitting to recognize these companies that are embedded in the Black cultural experience - Black-Owned Beauty Supply Stores.

Black women and their hair is a multi-billion dollar industry. According to Gitnux market data,  in 2020 the estimated value of the black hair industry in the United States is around $2.5 billion. While the number is staggering, but not surprising Black consumers don't mind spending money on their hair and their products. Research shows Black consumers spend nine times more on hair care products compared to other ethnic groups.

This demonstrates just how important the Black hair care industry is. And it is a testament to the purchasing power of Black consumers and their impact on the industry. And just what is the Black consumer purchasing in hair care? Gitnux data says it's no longer the relaxer. Sales of relaxers for black hair actually dropped over 26% between 2010 - 2015. Consumers are more conscious about what they put in their hair and are choosing to stay away from harmful chemicals. Research shows in 2020, 36% of African-American women in the U.S. preferred natural hair over chemically treated hair.

The new purchase in the black hair care industry is hair extensions. That is expected to be valued at $2.8 billion this year. Hair extensions is what you will find at beauty supply stores. And some stores keep them by the boat load. According to the Black-Owned Beauty Supply Association, there are currently 35,000 beauty supply stores in the U.S. Of those, some 2,500 are Black-owned.

Below are some of the Black-owned beauty supply stores in the Charlotte area.

This husband and wife team take pride in their shop. Audrey Douglas, a hairstylist has been working in the Mooresville area for 25 years. She and her husband, Scott, decided to open this shop as a second location after realizing there were no other Black-owned beauty supply stores nearby. The entire family has an entrepreneurial spirit. Outside of the beauty supply stores, they along with their son also operate a tax service and insurance company.

Hair Plus Beauty Supply & Salon
125 E. Plaza Drive, Suite 104 and 105
Mooresville, NC 28115
(704) 230-1776

This beauty supply store is another location owned by Audrey and Scott Douglas. Their previous shop mentioned above serves customers in Mooresville. This shop is located in Stanley near the Walmart in Denver. Douglas says they opened it to fill a void and want to ensure they are accessible to customers.

Pride Beauty Supply & Salon
7840 Hwy 73
Stanley, NC 28164 (near Denver Walmart)

Dominique Cleveland is the proud owner of this Black-owned mobile beauty supply salon. And one day while driving home from work, Dominique asked the simple question, 'Why can't I have beauty supplies delivered to me?' And thus began her quest to make her thought a reality.  Today, Dazzling Beauty Supply is an e-commerce beauty supply store with the mission of "Taking the industry back."

Dazzling Beauty Supply
*no physical location
(336) 689-7274

ArKay Beauty Supply is black owned & operated. They specialize in premium hair care and beauty products at affordable prices for the community. Located in Charlotte's University area, this beauty supply store was created during the COVID pandemic to serve customers in need of high quality hair care products. It is one of the few beauty supply stores that offers paid, on-the-job training and work experience specifically for high school seniors.

ArKay Beauty Supply
9325 J.W. Clay Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28262
(704) 598-4813