This report explores how tech-enabled distribution, salon models, and personalization can recapture value for Black consumers and entrepreneurs across a large, fragmented market. U.S. categories include $62B cosmetics/personal care, $43.2B salon services, and $14.26B haircare products; Black haircare products are $2.56B, with Mintel estimating a broader $500B Black haircare ecosystem when including extensions, tools, and channels (chart and note, p.3). Barriers concentrate in distribution—an estimated 80% of professional African hair care product sales/distribution controlled by Korean operators—and in ownership: only ~3% of 10,000 beauty supply stores are Black-owned; 363,000 Black-owned salons lack scalable franchise analogs; stylists average ~$24.3k in income (p.11; p.8). Recommended levers are disrupting distribution, backing scalable salon/retail formats, and monitoring network-effect platforms; expected outcomes include higher stylist earnings and increased local employment and entrepreneurship (p.12–16, 19). Funding, DTC, and AI-driven personalization are tailwinds; skills/training gaps and discover-stage support remain constraints (p.4–5, 10).
Some Identified Companies
- Squire — barbershop software in “Barbershop and Community Center,” enabling bookings and operational efficiency that can raise stylist revenue (p.9).
- Mayvenn — direct e-commerce hair sales, creating salon-aligned retail income streams that bypass traditional distributors (p.9).
- Myavana — personalized beauty consultations, supporting education and tailored regimens that improve client outcomes and stylist services (p.9).