Glow & Grow: Black Beauty, Haircare, and Skincare Tips
- Support Black-owned beauty supply stores, both brick and mortar and online, to grow community economic capital and brand sustainability.
- Stores curate natural/organic products tailored for textured hair, providing education, curl coaching, and salon services from owners who understand needs.
- Explore the curated list of 26 retailers and add missing Black-owned stores in comments to help recycle dollars within the community.
photo credit: www.curlsunderstood.com for Tendrils and Curls
In light of the Grand Jury decision to not indict former police officer Darren Wilson for the murder of unarmed teen Mike Brown, there have been calls across social media and various online outlets to boycott Black Friday and redirect those funds to Black or other minority-owned businesses. The call was met with mixed reactions. Some balked at the idea and were staunchly against it. Others (like me) supported the idea, but also felt the need for a more long-term strategy that would continue to focus on building economic capital (and therefore leverage) within Black communities.
On Thanksgiving day, I had a passionate discussion with my brother in-law about the economic call to action. I shared with him that I believed the ever-growing natural hair community presents a unique opportunity as an enclave in which this economic shift can take place — because it already is. The move to support small, women, Black, and other minority-owned business is already alive and well within the natural hair community. We support brands like Obia Natural Hair, Camille Rose Naturals, TGIN, TreLuxe, Alikay Naturals, Qhemet Biologics, curLUXE Naturals, Bee Mine, Nancy’s Kitchen, CurlPrep, Coco Curls, Mielle Organics, Sister’s Keeper, The Mane Choice, and dozens others. I don’t know about you, but I support small business brands because the overall quality of product tends to be higher, they tend to be healthier for my hair, and I trust the brands more because they are the brainchildren of women with a vested interest in natural hair, and because it means everything to be able to financially support the dreams of women who look like me.
We’ve got the brands down to a science, now it’s time for phase two. Supporting the small in number, but ever growing Black-owned beauty supply stores and retailers — both brick and mortar and online. Here’s a list (it is by no means definitive) of beauty supply stores that you can visit and shop online with, to continue with the call that harkens back to the 90’s LA Uprising to “Recycle Black Dollars”:
Note: If you know of a Black-owned beauty supply store or online retailer that is not mentioned, please leave it in the comments and I will add them to the list. Thank you!
Brick and Mortar Stores
Curl Kitchen
3428 S. King Drive
Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 273-3646
From the owner: Curl Kitchen is a natural/organic based hair care store located at 3428 S. King Drive Chicago, IL 60616 in Bronzeville. We are Chicago’s premier retailer of hair care products tailored to those who wish to embrace their tresses in its naturally ethnic state. Whether the customer has waves, curls, kinks, coils, or locs we offer an exceptional class of products. We offer products that were created and produced by those who understand our unique tresses and have translated this understanding into products that improve the health and manageability of natural hair. We’re located directly next door to Huetiful salon, where there are five fully staffed trained cosmetologists ready to answer all your transitional and curly hair questions !
Tendrils and Curls (online shopping available)
2501 1/2 S. Shepherd Drive, #1
Houston, TX 77019
(713) 520-7179
www.tendrilsandcurls.com
From the owner: At Tendrils and Curls™, we are committed to providing a one stop shopping experience, both in our brick and mortar boutique in Houston, TX and our eBoutique. Our goal is to ensure that those with naturally textured hair have access to high quality products and accoutrements which highlight and nourish the texture and splendor of their naturally wavy, curly and tightly coiled hair from the inside out. We provide consumers with opportunities to compare and contrast brands in order to make educated decisions about what products will work best for the health, maintenance and styling of their unique hair textures and at addressing their specific concerns
Trina’s Beauty Supply & Salon
4854 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90019
(323) 931-1359
Tru’Mane Natural (Grand Opening 12/6)
332 S. Market Street
Inglewood, CA 90301
(213) 235-6533
Black Girls Divine Beauty Supply & Salon
3904 Church Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11203
(347) 365-7540
Hairizon Beauty (online shopping available)
341 W. Main Street Ste. 104
Durham, NC 27701
(800) 557-9828
www.hairizonbeauty.com
From the owner: At Hairizon Beauty, we believe that hair care’s best ingredients are found in nature. Our goal is to provide products derived from earth yielded agents, leaving your hair healthy, vibrant, and fragrant. We select products that avoid any unnecessary chemical additives and instead incorporate essential oils, herbs, flowers and minerals to protect and strengthen hair. Our products can be applied to all types of hair whether natural and/or chemically treated hair.
Pampered & Twisted Natural Hair Boutique (online shopping available)
15015 Westheimer Parkway Suite L
Houston, TX 77082
(281) 86-CURLY
www.pamperedandtwisted.com/
From the owner: Providing healthy and natural hair care supplies and products to the Southwest Houston / Katy area, as well as the online community is the focus of Pampered & Twisted. We strive to assist our customers in achieving healthy hair by supplying natural hair care products for all textures of natural hair. The products we offer are designed for naturally curly hair, but are effective on transitioning and/or relaxed hair textures. The brands we provide aim to serve customers who not only care about the look and feel of their hair; but also about the knowledge of hair maintenance and management.
Jordan’s Beauty Supply & Professional Product Distributions
1911 E 79th St.
Chicago, IL 60649
(773) 734-6268
Desired Beauty Supplies
1174 Big Bethel Road
Hampton, VA 23666
(757) 827-6710813
Old Oyster Point Rd.
Newport News, VA. 23602<
(757) 595-2119
From the owner: Desired Beauty Supplies welcomes you. We are a family owned and operated beauty supply store located in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. Our mission is to offer hair and beauty products that are affordable and reasonably priced in a warm and customer friendly atmosphere. We believe in individual hair style and creativity, therefore we carry hair care products for all hair types from relaxed, to natural and in between! We would love for you to come visit us today!
Majestic Beauty Supplies Victorville, CA
14580 7th St.
Victorville, CA 92395
(760) 843-8443
Diva Beauty Supply
3237 North Pleasantburg Drive
Greenvile, SC 29609
(864) 467-0790
From the owner: Diva Beauty Supply was established over 7 years ago as a small 1,200 sq. ft. store in Greenville, SC. Thanks to our great customers and hardworking employees, we have grown to over 4,200 square feet as one of upstate South Carolina’s leading beauty supply stores! Customer satisfaction is paramount here, at Diva Beauty Supply. Let us help you beautify yourself and live life to the fullest!
Epic Curls
Regency Square Mall
1420 North Parham Road
Richmond, Virginia 23229
(Located on the 2nd Level across from The Body Shop)
(804) 741-1540
From the owner: Epic Curls was founded by three sisters on a mission to find hair care products to treat there tresses for their specific needs. At the birth of Epic Curls one owner was natural, another transitioning and the other relaxed. Our mission to find products without chemicals, to find products that truly worked and that did not require us to go to more than one location to get them inspired us to create Epic Curls. Having used natural hair care products for many years we decided to bring what we’ve researched, learned and what we love to you. Epic Curls is your one stop shop for all the products you need to maintain, treat and style your hair. We believe hair should thrive, and be as lively and lovely as the person wearing it!
Head Games Beauty Supply
671 N. Pleasant St.
Amherst, MA 01002
(413) 253-7478
Healthy Hair Dimensions
The Shops at Heritage Place
4450 Hugh Howell Road Ste. 13
Tucker, GA 30084
(770) 908-8020
Nyenzo Natural Botique (online shopping available)
918 Rock Quarry Rd. Ste. 103
Raleigh, NC 27610
(919) 649-1063
https://www.nyenzo.com/
From the owner: Nyenzo Natural Boutique is THE preferred choice for quality natural haircare and skincare products. Unlike many haircare and skin care stores, we actually use the products that we retail and therefore are able to share our personal experiences. Since 2009, Dionne Blanks, the founder of Nyenzo Natural Boutique, has assisted countless customers with successfully selecting products based on their specific needs. Experience the Nyenzo difference for yourself by shopping our detailed webstore. We thank you for visiting our site and hope that you enjoy the carefully selected natural products that Nyenzo Natural Boutique has to offer.
Truly Natural Boutique Chicago (online shopping available)
1926 S. Wabash Ave.
Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 674-9080
https://trulynaturalboutique.com
From the owner: Shine, dine, wine, and gain knowledge of the world’s best natural beauty products at truly natural boutique in Chicago. Spend $75 or more and qualify to book your Curl Coaching session with a licensed stylist. Learn how to get the best use from your natural product purchases and learn to perform the natural hair styles of your choice. We are here to deliver unique solutions for your daily wavy, kinky, curly hair care regime. Say goodbye to unnatural frustration. Pamper yourself with our truly unique Magnificent Mane session and add makeup/ professional photography to your Curl Coaching Session. Celebrate your natural style at Truly Natural Boutique Hair Care + Accessories!
Mine, Naturally (online shopping available)
4875 W. 56th St Suite E
Indianapolis, IN 46254
(317) 295-8905
https://minenaturally.net/
From the owner: Mine, Naturally is an Indianapolis based beauty supply store dedicated to providing products to those who choose to live a chemical-free lifestyle. We provide the highest quality of customer satisfaction through excellent service and quality products. The creation of Mine, Naturally is in direct response to the growing demand in the community for a local natural beauty supply store. Our mission is to establish Mine, Naturally as an important brand that represents quality in natural skin care & hair care. We are dedicated to providing quality products and maintaining high customer satisfaction by rendering excellent service and furnishing an enjoyable, friendly atmosphere.
Simply Wholesome
4508 W. Slauson Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90043
(323) 294-2144
From the owner: Simply Wholesome is dedicated to providing the proper resources to living a healthy lifestyle. We believe in promoting and celebrating our cultural diversity, combined with exceptional customer service in a warm and comfortable setting. Our motto focuses on “keeping you looking good and feeling good.” Simply Wholesome commits to serving you best. We believe that our business is a genuine reflection of this community & we serve the greater Los Angeles area.
Naturally Me Hair Store
3535 Sherwood Forest Blvd. Ste. 142
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
(225) 448-5662
From the owner: Naturally Me is an independently owned and operated natural hair products store locally serving Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and the surrounding areas. We understand the importance of embracing your natural hair texture. We offer a wide variety of specifically selected natural and organic-based products designed to nourish, strengthen, rebuild and maintain healthy natural hair. Naturally Me provides customers helpful information on caring for natural hair, which has been gathered from outside educational resources.
African Naturals
4511 S. Kingshighway Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63109
(314) 768-0710
Go Natural 24/7
4721 SE 29th St.
Del City, OK 73160
(405) 601-4673
From the owner: The owners at Go Natural 24/7 believe in taking a holistic approach to care. “It’s simply not enough to look beautiful…our goal is to inspire our customers to take proactive measures to adopt a healthy lifestyle to feel beautiful from the inside out.” At Go Natural 24/7, we offer a diverse selection of health supplements, organic essential and carrier oils, raw ingredients for formulators and natural & organic hair and skin care products. Go Natural 24/7 also manufacturers their own line of fair trade organic and natural hair & skin care products. We have also recently opened a non-chemical hair salon at our Del City location. We have received so much love and support from natural enthusiast throughout Oklahoma, across the United States and abroad and we would like to take this opportunity to say, Thank you!
Shades of Afrika
1001 E 4th St.
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 436-2210
114 E 6th St.
Corona, CA 92879
(951) 284-7888
From the owner: Shades of Afrika began with a concept when we noticed that there were too few places that offered affordable Afrikan Art, Afrikan made products, and even fewer book stores. There seemed to be a pressing need to tell our story, establish ourselves in the community, and provide a positive environment for businesses in our community. There were lots of Afrikan writers, artists, jewelry makers, seamstresses, and entrepreneurs, in the area and they helped bring Shades of Afrika to life. To those then and now, we give thanks. We are dedicated to the betterment of our community, and it’s the community that we have seen grow just as we have grown. Shades of Afrika has evolved from being a small retail store to being a cultural center that hosts a variety of social and educational events, lectures and study groups.
Online Retailers
Hattache
www.hattache.com
From the owner: Our goal is to provide quality Hair and Beauty products made with natural/organic ingredients. We hope you enjoy our selection thus far, but this is by no means all we have to offer. We intend to keep pace with the ever-changing beauty/hair care industry for new products, colors and styles. Keep your eyes on us as we introduce more products.
Luxe Beauty Supply
www.lhboutique.com
From the owner: Luxurious Hair Boutique a.k.a. Luxe Beauty Supply is committed to providing exemplary customer service while offering the latest in rich and superior quality. Shop with confidence knowing that the hair we sell is inspected and photographed by qualified individuals who are knowledgeable and attentive to every detail. We understand hair is a woman’s crowning glory and we offer many options to make sure you receive the personalized attention you deserve.
We are ranked among the best and received a SBA Small Business Excellence Award in 2009 for those efforts. From a humble beginning in 2006, our product lines have expanded to include the world’s most luxurious brands of hair, cosmetics, fashion accessories, and hair care products. We are the first to debut the newest and latest products to the market by seeking out niche and exclusive manufacturers.
Natural Hair Shop
www.naturalhairshop.com
Malachite Naturals Boutique
www.malachitenaturals.com
From the owner: Malachite Naturals Boutique, LLC specializes in providing natural hair, skin, and body care products for the whole family as well as aromatherapy fragrances for the home. Our online store and soon to come (Brick and Mortar) boutique prides itself in selecting only the best creams, oils, moisturizers, butters, etc…. created by talented artisans who practice using natural and organic ingredients for their handmade goodies. All products offered at Malachite Naturals Boutique have been researched in great depth, have outstanding reviews, and is recognized by the natural community as providing products that support your natural commitments. Our mission is to encourage the use of natural and organic products and to educate our customers on the benefits of using these products. We are here for you! It doesn’t matter if you are a first time customer or returning customer. We truly value your business and our relationship. We look forward to helping you be NATURAL!
If you know of a brick and mortar or online natural hair beauty supply store, please add them in the comments below! Which retailers will you be visiting?
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