For multiple generations, Black and Latinx people encountered marginalization. The shelves in stores and the techniques commonly used focused on hair that is straight, wavy, or loosely curled.
People in communities were forced to use homemade mixtures. These were passed down through generations to fill in the gaps. The communities also worked to preserve their cultural hair traditions. These traditions were often overlooked or taken and used by broader beauty standards.
Economic barriers make it hard for entrepreneurs and clients. Costs are too high and wages are too low. Discriminatory policies and outdated ideas about professionalism also make it hard.
Trailblazing the Texture: Signs of Changing Tide
People have recently realized that ethnic communities, which have been neglected for a long time, have a lot of buying power and influence. This neglected community, black hair for example is worth 9.56 billion dollars.
Independent stylists can now use social media to become authoritative figures. They can teach their followers how to care for textured hair. They can correct misunderstandings and broaden ideas of beauty.
As a result, companies have started to wake up to the potential of the multiethnic hair market. They are now actively asking these consumers what products and services they need. In response to the demand, more shelf space is being given to Black and Latinx-owned brands. This is a way for retailers to support economic empowerment through conscious spending.
Preserving the Texture: What True Progress Requires
These changes don't fix the unfairness that marginalized hair communities still face. School rules ban ethnic hairstyles. The lack of representation in leadership shows that mainstream beauty, power, and money prioritize straight textures.
We need to undo years of marginalization and lack of investment in the textured hair industry in order to make progress.
We also need to address false stories and obstacles. Curls and coils have been overlooked for years, but textured hair has always been beautiful. Making progress is not easy. It requires us to listen to people's experiences and create an inclusive future for all hair types and hair protectors.
Braiding to Heal: Hairvine Committed for Change
At Hairvine, we know that no single brand or platform can solve this complex issue right away. Just like strands of hair come together to create flowing locks. We believe that businesses, consumers, and professionals working together can start to fix the long-standing problem of marginalized identities.
Too many players in the industry now capitalize on textured hair as a hot ticket item. They do not fully understand the plight of stylists and customers who specialize in that hair type, or have that hair type.
We fully support amplifying voices that have not been heard. We engage in dialogue. We prioritize inclusion. We bravely work to address inequities that exist around multicultural hair. We tackle these issues one strand at a time.
We still have a lot of work to do, but we are proud to support our community.
At Hairvine, we believe can rebuild the industry. We can make it vibrant and successful by being positive, passionate, and persevering.
Join us at www.hairvine.io
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