The coronavirus (aka The Rona) has ravaged the economy and many a scalp. Line-ups look like u-turns, and wigs are snatched — but not in the way you want it to be. Like most industries, the Black hair market has taken a hit due to the coronavirus, according to AfroTech. Thankfully, there are a number of black-owned hair care companies that are selling products and services online right now to help you out.
1. The Girl Cave LA Beauty Supply
With locations in South Los Angeles, Inglewood and Compton, this California-based Black-owned beauty supply store has everything to keep you looking fly as you walk from the bathroom to the kitchen. Our sources tell us that a full inventory isn’t listed on their website, but if you text or dm what you’re looking for they’re likely to have it. Shipping is available nationwide, and delivery/curbside pickup is an option if you’re in the LA area.
2. The Mane Choice
Founder Courtney Adeleye built The Mane Choice from the ground up, initially discussing her hair care journey on YouTube and starting the company with just $500 of her own money. Now, The Mane Choice is a multimillion-dollar line whose trademark purple labels can be found in small and national retailers alike. You can purchase products directly from the site or at a number of stores.
3. Gresham Giles Salon
It’s nice to purchase products (in the wee hours of the night) with the intention to do your own hair, but what you may be missing is the salon experience. Atlanta-based stylist and entrepreneur Gresham Giles is providing one-on-one digital consultations for those of us who may be missing that personalized touch.
4. Patrice Hector
Bicoastal industry veteran Patrice Hector is offering a complete beauty box for home maintenance. The six-piece set even includes wrapping strips and a satin pillowcase to keep those ends healthy. She’s also available for virtual hair care services that can be booked directly from her site. Hector's mantra is “when you look great, ultimately you feel great!”
5. Camille Rose
6. Design Essentials
You probably saw one of McBride Laboratories’ products in the cabinet before you were old enough to talk. M&M Products created the Sta-Sof-Fro, a classic product with the iconic brown spray bottle. In 1990, McBride Laboratories started Design Essentials and has created a specialized line of products for every hair type, completely Black-owned.
7. Alikay Naturals
A hair care line that boasts no petroleum, mineral oil, alcohol, parabens, sulfate or silicones, Alikay Naturals was conceived in the kitchen of a 22-year-old college student. Founder & CEO Rochelle Alikay Graham-Campbell used what she learned as a young girl from an herbalist in the Caribbean, according to the Alikay Naturals site to create her natural and organic products. The brand can be found at independent retailers and large chains like Target, CVS and Rite Aid.
