Meet The Money Makers Of The Natural Hair Movement
- Posted on 26 August, 2015
- Hair Care
- By Anonymous
Black hair is big business ? an estimated $2.7 billion industry in hair care alone. In recent years, the dramatic shift away from chemical relaxers in favor of natural hair has sparked a wave of innovation in the industry and created renewed opportunity for black entrepreneurs.
The first self-made female millionaire in the United States was Matt and CJ Walker who created black hair care products. Mainstream Beauty did not pay attention to black hair, so there was the very, very rich history of a cottage industry of black entrepreneurs, particularly black women, we're making things literally out of their kitchen to care for their hair. We saw this with our grandmother Jessie Mae branch, because she'd make a lot of things from scratch. When there was nothing available on the market, he'd whip it up and that's what we did when I would come home from work. I'D go in the kitchen mix up cocoa butter and shea butter and different ingredients, and just make these concoctions, and my mother was the first person to encourage me to sell them. And she just said you know: st. Mary's is having a flea market in a couple of weeks. Why don't you sell your creams and I was like, but what am I going to put them in? Because when I made them for friends and family, I put them in Tupperware and you know whatever empty container was available and she said why don't you use baby food jars and that was the beginning of me. Selling black hair is history. I believe that there was a time when your hair or your style of dress was a political statement. Your freedom was associated with how you were your hair for many years we had to really in order to just get along, or I'm going to be, the exact opposite of what the norm says. I should be and make my statement, and I believe today it is a political statement to just be who you are. Natural hair has not been chemically altered and when we use the term it refers to texture, not necessarily color. In the early 1900's African American inventor Garrett, Morgan brought the first hair relaxer to market. A relaxer is a chemical that is used to make curly or coarse or kinky hair straight. Those products are on the decline, while the products that are there to support natural or unkempt Retd hair is on the rise. That is showing a shift in the culture that people don't feel that they need to straighten their hair to be acceptable and once relaxer sales went down it caught the attention of these mass retailers and they wanted to understand what was going on black women. They spend billions of dollars in the beauty industry in the u.s. African Americans by beauty and grooming products at nine times. The rate of any other group and black hair care is an estimated 2.7 billion dollar industry before black hair was kind of ghetto eyes. If you went into a drugstore, you have to crawl on your knees and go on the ground, find your hair grease, and there was like three things now. They are whole sections, whole stores, and a lot of that growth was sparked by innovations to support natural hair. Natural hair today is having another renaissance. The first big wave was during the black is beautiful movement in the 70s. Nina Simone Stevie, Wonder Roberta Flack in the 90s. That'S where I started seeing a natural hair boom a consciousness going on the self-expression. I thought I saw the hairstyle and then in 2009 you had a film like good hair, come along and show people what a relaxer solution did to a coca-cola can. Could you tell us how dangerous relaxer is sorry hydroxide will burn through your skin so that cans got a good curve and people who are like wait. I'Ve been putting that on my hair, oh my goodness, as a result of the natural hair movement. What we also saw was a great opportunity for an entrepreneur and a large part of those entrepreneurs are women. Women of color mom-and-pop shops, like my sister Tiki and I come to market and be able to set up shop in Target in Walmart, and that was unheard of Miss Jessie's, two girls from Brooklyn that just did not exist before you couldn't even get a retailer to Take a meeting because they didn't even understand that there was a business there. It'S pretty wonderful, to see how much is available today and how much competition there is. Yes, it's annoying! Okay! You know I built this y'all
Comments
Tiffany and Co.: Going natural was the best thing I have ever done to make my self feel pretty. I never know I had curls, my texture and the feel of my hair is completely different and once I finally figured it out its down to my bra even and full! No scalp problems anymore either! Go Natural!
Heather Smith: I found taking a break from shampoo and just using Aloe Vera gel to soothe my scalp and a some jojoba oil to moisture has worked. Also investing in a water softener shower head replacement if you live in a hard water area makes a difference too.
SpoiledCurlyGurl: I'm all for black owned hair products but both these companies charge up the butt. I have tried them and I found nothing about them to warrant the price they charge. I make my own ish in my own kitchen now also and honestly with what I pay for the ingredients I could sell my stuff for $6 a bottle and make a decent profit. So I think their prices are just greed in the end.
JaVion Riley: Wow I’m late asf!!!! Can’t believe I’m just now seeing this, , very proud of Mico my mom & sister have been flying from Columbia, SC to Mico Branch shop in DC & NYC since I was senior in high school (2007-2008). I’m beyond proud of her #NaturalHair
Blessing Benedict : I love my natural hair! I chop off my relaxed hair and decided to go natural, though is not easy but am determined to.
Nache Snow: Love what these women have done for for the industry and that we now have more choices at our local stores. Here's another women doing her thing in the afro hair care business: https://youtu.be/vr1n8X_7ZTU.
Sydney Sweeney: I just don't understand that they're saying "oh we're making these products and let's promote the natural hair movement", but yet their products range from 20-50$ per bottle??? And the horrible relaxers range from 6-10$, isn't it easier to get the relaxer and then go buy the product that's 5$ for your new "straight hair"?
Nickecia Campbell: These black hair textures are so beautiful!
Allison on YouTube: I'm confused with the comments on this video. This video is about how the business of afro hair products is growing again. BUSINESS AND NATURAL HAIR!!! Not who's the blackest. Realign your focus ladies and celebrate a part of the afro community and their success!! That's all. Although I don't use Miss. Carols products, I'm proud that she has see success. We all know that Madam CJ Walker was the first African American woman to get this thing going. We can all build on the legacy because there is more than enough to go around
Ritah Ndlovu: I think as consumers we need to stop catching feelings about high priced items. If you can't afford it, you probably aren't the target market and there's nothing wrong with that, there are people willing to pay these amounts. I think as consumers we forget that these companies have expenses, overheads etc and still have to make a profit.
AuthorHollingsworth: Madame CJ Walker a Louisiana lady that made history, and many others as well. Black hair is everything !
Anita Kavira: Nothing is great as being yourself! I'm a happy kid, lady or black lady all natural
Holistic: This is very informative.
doglover&sunshine25: Love your hair beautiful black women.
thatssojayah: I love how CNN is showcasing black businesses
Alisha Anthony: Natural hair is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Elizabeth Baker: Well, I've permed my hair for years. Not now though, as it hurts my scalp.. Many shops in the UK, that retail black hair care are Asian men. They sell wigs hair care ect. Started to feel unfortable in these shops as they did not understand my needs, or when buying a wig the customer service was bad. Also no black women or men were ever employed by any of those shop. And there had to be at least 7 in the area.. Recently she moisture and lots of other brands are available in, Tesco asda, boots chemist and online. Which gives me more options
Nappy Scribe: I love this!!!!!
Natural Kinky Curly―Marie: The Relaxer companies have an array of Natural Haircare products out on the market and Sales are Booming. They quickly Catered to their Natural & Relaxed Hair consumers the moment they saw a change. Those companies aren't suffering.
Barrington Morris, Jr: The black market is here to stay! First the movies: Compton, now hair cream products? WE MA DE IT! Time for FUBU to get back on.
clay smith: You really need to understand that the billion dollar industry of hair care alone is massive supported by black women!
lorettalynn Davis: It's a shame she doesn't own it anymore. Sold it to Revlon!
Heather Smith: Love this
Tyniah Haddon: Carols daughter sold out to revlon in 2014 her products are not the same as they used to be mainly chemicals that you cannot pronounce now they do not make your hair feel the same and I wish you could go back to making natural products or close enough to natural so you can sell them and they can keep some type of shelf life
Nadine: wow! 2019 and America still so messed up. It's just hair.
May: 2:56 she is so beautiful I wish my natural hair was as thick and long.
J.C Earnest: Miko Branch is gorgeous.
Vanessa the Urban Tarot Goddess: Natural hair movement is not a movement its our culture. Stop calling it a movement
QuadrantBottomHalf: I think natural hair on BW is the sexiest feature about them.
Sheila Hollingsworth: In the 70s, our fros were neat and creative! Now, it's less trouble! But, at least it's nappy! Nappy and healthy! I love it!
Unwilling Vegan: It is the awaking of an entire people = nature hair movement! Love me how I was created, because now , I do!
Myrna Davis: Let's not forget Madame CJ Walker ladies and our grandmothers Our creator knows what is best for us We are a chip off the old block Let's just keep it simple
Kiki’s Beauty World: Some of those natural hair product are watered down. I’m going to make a change. Not only will my products be for natural hair but it will be authentic and worth using.
Queen~Cafe: Its the transition into natural hair and the upkeep should be portrayed a lil better...Not dry and the just dont care look or you simply get up and go hair look....noo maam....Many who loved their natural hair ..knew how to have the hair healthy and decently kept up...with a light shine or daily upkeep look...before leaving out their homes...indivdailty is ok, but at least love your natural with the maintaince or daily or weekly healtht hair care ...Your Portrayed Image and Identity is all you have when you first became old enough to learn how to manage and care for Your Natural Beauty from both the inside and out side that you wake up and see 1st everyday...before anyone else does...Healthy hair and maintaining your hair healthy and being able to manage the undulness or breakage or stunt growth that can weakens the hair is something to consider with your diet and frame of mind and soul that aligns you within a 360 view of who you really are within the image that many may see once you step out your house...There is nothing wrong with a lil care on the natural with a lil shine..thy hair maybe natural grown..but it still needs the corrective care of upkeep ....before you leave your home...
Farisa Smith: We still need to be careful. Some companies are making "natural" products for black hair that are still filled with chemicals Check the ingredients on the back. Natural are deserves truly natural products, not pseudo natural products.
Goddess Hathor: She sold her business to Revlon. Don't by Carol's Daughter..
mdeborah827: Annie Turnbo Malone was Walker's mentor and also a millionaire.
Ocean Lover: Also, let us not forget the invaluable contributions Pam Ferrell. May we too learn about and celebrate her role in helping this to even come about. We also still have the chance to give her her Rose's while she can still smell them!
I Am Love: Lisa? Why of why did you sell Carol’s Daughter to L’Oréal???? Ugh! My locs, my granddaughters twists, my sons Afros are ALL morning LOC BUTTER, as it has been discontinued.
Tricia Williams: These new products only make your hair hard as a rock I'll continue using my blue magic hair oil and continue to love ❤️ the natural me.
Myrna Davis: Businesses were starting to wonder what's going on ? What the hell do they think ? They need to market their dangerous products to their own people They are not the authority on what black people need for our hair or anything else about us for that matter We have been caring for our hair and our families for centuries just like they have The arrogance of another nation to think they can capitalize on us forever Focus on your own people This gravy train has run dry
Joy OsterhoutMcNeil: Personally I dont like carols daughter since they dont work very well on me.
Jill: My hair still be a political statement !
Barbara Carter: Our women don't need all this fancy stuff, a good cleanser, conditioner, and some plain old Olive Oil will do the trick! That's all you need really.
Stuffonmymind: Love my nappy hair!!!!!!!!!
Sheila Hollingsworth: Thank you for this video! I love it! Monkey or, no!
Demi Wolters: If you are all so mad abouth the light skinned woman then please just go and represent black woman yourself. I think its amazing that these woman want you to feel beautifull with your lovely natural hair but all you care about is that they are not 'black' enough to make the products? Correct me if I am wrong but i see plenty of dark skinned black woman in the media? And i think they all look beautifull. I am mixed (belgium, italy, dutch and greace). No italian ever said to me: no you are not italian. They hug me and say welcome to the family. I would be so happy if everyone would think this way. It makes me realy sad that people are still have so much to hate abouth...
easternhair: pretty interesting to watch thX cnn
HeLa: black man invented the first relaxer for black woman hair..
Carolyn G: THIS IS WHAT I DONT UNDERSTAND. YOU STOP PERMING BUT YOU STILL WANT THOSE " I GOT THAT GOOD HAIR LOOK". PEOPLE STILL USE PRODUCTS TO MAKE IT SEEM AS IF THEY HAVE NATURALLY SMOOTH CURLY HAIR. CANT GET RID OF STILL WANTING A PIECE OF SO CALLED GOOD HAIR.
kiki love: why is it that biracial people always have to represent black women????
kaisofine: I went natural in 2010 that's Chris Rock
Mahinda Githaiga: I'm glad to see black women embracing their natural hair.
TASALI Naturals Thirty And Single And Loving It: I l.o.v.e. our God #GivenBeautifulHair ☺
Perry&Co Hair Loss Products: Ms. Carol , you did not build this black hair care industry!!!!!! Carol's Daughter also sold out to a major WHITE hair care company... So please miss me miss Lady....... And by the way your products are not all that and for the most part your products do not work good on my hair.
Melanie: I am thankful for these products that help us beautiful black women care for and show off our thick beautiful hair. What I find disappointing is that even the black owned black hair care products companies charge unbelievably high high highest prices for these products. It only surprises me that that black owned companies do this. We are going to buy these products. They will still make huge profits. Why over charge black women? Help us and yourselves at the same time. I'm just sayin'
ANDRE JOHNSON: Very nice video.
ENO AFIA: #afro
Google Celebrity: HAIR BOSS
eLL B dot Music: If they had a reel Black native woman in this video, they would know Annie Malone was the FIRST self made millionaire and invented the straighten comb NOT MCJ Walker. Walker was an employee of Malone!
wren: "I built this y'all"....AND YOU SOLD IT TOO THE WHITE HAIRCARE LINE: LOREAL!!
Raphaël: 1:14 It still is.
TheWonderfulKushite: Since not all bi-racial people want to be black, I say they should have their own group otherwise it gets very confusing. I have no problem with those who truly want to fight with us because there are some full-blooded Afrakans who are more disloyal than some bi-racial people. What I don't like is the fact that bi-racial people didn't chose what they want to be, they were told that they are black no matter how white they look. As a result, that creates a serious trust issue.
Craig featherstone: We're so lost.. We spend billions to look like massa and the rest of the world is laughing.
Fiyah da Don: kiki love baby stop promoting self hatred
FluffyUnicorn: Sometimes I think because maintain black woman hair is time-consuming, it becomes a disadvantage.
Google Celebrity: BLUE RAY YES THATS THE LINE:
dedee Wright: U guys talk about use like this is new. This is total misinformation.
Virtual Humanoid: Judah is always inventing stuff!
Shea Hinton: Did Carol daughter sell her product to a white company? I stop using black products because of that reason. I buy from video loctian tiffany lock jewelry
Google Celebrity: BIG DAY PLANED:
Autumn September: Carols Daughter sold out.
Google Celebrity: I LOVE TUIOLL GANG IP GO TO THE BEAUTY SHOP
Isabel Perdomo: Where is Shea Moisture in this video?
Prabhsharan Singh: Lol where are the Korean people who own the actual hair businesses in black community lol. Ya that's right, you don't care about them!!
Miss Elmyra: That was good!! Is there more?
jane jan: The white lady in the beginning with green eyes, a fake tan, and a perm, lol.
Louise Ottley: This brand was launch in Trinidad last mth good product Expensive though
Annick S: Girl bye this video is a setup. Biracial women , carols daughter who done sold the company to L’Oréal , what is this video
All Dolled Up Salon and Stores: YASS!
Uniqhorn: The're at afro punk lol
Erik in Minnesota: the chic with the blonde fro is hott lol
Google Celebrity: PLAN
Aujureé Forbes: If i see one more sister say biracial women aren't black- IM GONNA SCREAM. They are black. They are black. They are black. Stop letting colorism affect us as a community and stop exiling fellow sisters because one parent happens to be of some other ethnicity... like yall. We are family. How could you let that message go?
Mia Meow: Sleek haired people thought my hair was magical because it could defy gravity. It bothered me hearing black girls who were doing my hair saying "Girl, you got good grade hair!" it was a compliment but saddened me that they thought their hair wasn't nice.. I made up my own terms such as "high maintenance" hair and "wash & go." call this hair what it is ! Kinky/coarse textured! btw, there are other ethnicities that could have "black" hair.. Polynesians, Arabs, Jews, Some Hispanics (probably form mixing) & Aborigines too for example. Id even see redhead Europeans with "afro" hair...this is why I prefer calling it kinky or coarse hair.
Edgar: That lady looks white...
Azabujuban-Hito: Gosh this making me grateful for my naturally straight hair..
glenn doleberry: 46 HAIR HATS
lovess 40: Ok now
Google Celebrity: HIGE DAY PLANED NAME & SITE ONLINE YUMMY YUMITEE PLAN YES YOU ITER UP BOOINCS
Google Celebrity: MOTIONS PERM HMU LINE IP
Google Celebrity: BOUIPINSTRESSIERAI
Amanda From Wisconsin: I thought that first woman was a white woman with an afro.
Tellthetruth: Why is this biracial woman discussing black women's hair?