Disrespect behind the Counter:

The Disrespect Behind the Counter: Beauty Supply Stores and Black Women

Black women are the backbone of the beauty supply industry. From hair products to wigs, from skincare to accessories—Black women are the number one consumers, spending six to nine times more on hair care than other ethnicities, averaging $465–$503 per year, with many spending more. In fact, Black consumers spent $54.4 million out of the total $63.5 million spent on ethnic hair and beauty products in the U.S. That’s over 85% of the entire market.

Yet, despite being the driving force behind the success of these stores, Black women are often treated with disrespect the moment they walk through the doors. Many report being followed around, watched suspiciously, or ignored altogether. The experience for some feels less like shopping and more like surveillance.

This is more than bad customer service—it’s systemic. According to recent studies, 80% of Black shoppers report experiencing microaggressions in retail stores, and 59% have been falsely labeled as shoplifters. This reality has become so common it’s now referred to as “shopping while Black.”

What makes this even more infuriating is that most of these beauty supply stores are not Black-owned. While Black consumers are pouring billions into this industry, only 2.5% to 4% of beauty brands carried by major retailers are Black-owned. Even worse, 78% of Black consumers say they want more Black-owned beauty brands on shelves—but very few are available. That’s a massive disconnect between who spends the money and who controls the money.

The beauty industry itself is thriving off Black dollars. The U.S. Black hair care industry was worth $2.5 billion in 2023 and is expected to nearly double to $4.9 billion by 2033. Globally, the Black haircare market is projected to reach $90 billion by 2025. But again, how much of that wealth is reinvested into Black communities? Very little.

And while Black women are spending and supporting, they’re also being exposed to danger. Studies show 47–58% of the beauty products marketed to Black women contain harmful chemicals, including carcinogens and formaldehyde-releasing ingredients. Even synthetic braiding hair has been found to contain lead and toxic VOCs, raising concerns for long-term health.

This kind of exploitation—emotional, financial, and even physical—cannot continue. Black women deserve better. They deserve respect. They deserve representation. And they deserve to benefit from the industry they built.

So what can we do?

• Support Black-owned beauty supply stores whenever possible.
• Speak out against disrespect—leave reviews, post on social media, and walk out when mistreated.
• Demand real representation in both products and ownership.
• Invest in and encourage young Black entrepreneurs to enter the beauty space.

Respect isn’t optional—it’s overdue. The days of tolerating disrespect in exchange for hair grease, edge control, and eyelashes must end. It’s time for Black women to not only buy from the industry but to own it.

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Marvin Dixon/Founder

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