The answer in a nutshell is not us.
Here's a topic which should spark some debate. Filmmaker Aron Ranen created a documentary called 'Black Hair' which delves into who's really running the black hair care industry. Hair care manufacturers such as Miss Jessie and Carol's Daughter are majority owned by people who look like you and me. However, Aron is here to prove that the people behind the counter at the beauty supply stores selling you those products do not.
The next time you patron your local beauty supply store to pick up your #4B Yaki weave take a good look at the person taking your money. From the store in the suburban shopping plaza to the shop in your nearest metro area the face behind the counter is always the same. Why? Ranen's 'Hair Care' takes a stab at exposing what may seem like an unlikely marriage between Korean owners and black beauty supply stores. According to this director, it's no coincidence.
I was impressed with the short clip of 'Black Hair' and want to share it with you. I'm hopeful we can have a healthy debate in the Comments section. I'm also curious to hear from those passionate posters who felt that Dominican salons were stealing the bread and butter out of the mouths of African American stylists.
How do you feel about purchasing your hair care supplies from someone who doesn't look like you?
Let the conversation begin.
I emailed the director to let him know I was featuring his documentary and he sent me another video shot in London. Notice any similarities?
Comments: (59)
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By: Natalia on 9/07/2007 10:57AM
I guess I am not surprised by this revelation. God Bless Miss Jessie & Carol's Daughter's founders!! Visit http://executees.net
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By: Tracy on 9/07/2007 11:58AM
Wow! That's pretty disturbing. I think what really disturbs me most is I never really thought about it before. It's just been the norm to buy hair products from Korean shops--I currently live in Georgia (originally from Chicago) and have NEVER come across any black-owned beauty supply shops. That's interesting because in everything else I specifically look for and patronize black-owned shops. Now I'm wondering about the products I purchase--are they CREATED by black people FOR black people? Thank you for enlightening me.
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By: REE on 9/07/2007 12:46PM
In Buford, GA there's an AA owned beauty supply store named K & J Beauty Supply.
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By: nicole on 9/07/2007 1:05PM
This is not suprising at all. I live in a right outside chicago, IL. I longer go to the China lady beauty supply shop they are so rude. I go to a African owner beauty supply store. But I'm findly that they can be really rude to. I don't buy weaves so my next place to shop will be my local Target or Walmart(I hate Walmart)for my hair care needs. Maybe I will just start shopping on line.
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By: Errol Mars on 9/07/2007 1:21PM
I get so sick of hearing black people complaining about hard working non black business people taking money from our community. Nobody forces you or anyone else to shop at these places. Customers shop there because they provide a service at a reasonable price. If a black business owner can provide the same service at the same reasonable prices and with even better customer service, they can compete. You and every other black person out there can open a business. Stop complaining and get off your asses and do something.
Is the phone you use on a daily basis made by black people for black people? Is your car made by black people for black people?
In my every day life I try to support black businesses as much as I can but I will not support a black business that doesn't provide me with great value or service. Black Americans need to start seeing the world for what it is. People shop where they can get the most for their money.
If we had more people creating businesses that can compete on an international basis we would have nothing to complain about.
Get used to seeing others providing service to your community, services or products you feel you have a right to own. They have the balls to put up the money and work their asses off to start something. If you are not willing to do the same, shut up. Nothing in this world is promised to any of us.
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By: Christel on 9/07/2007 7:19PM
Well I'm from Jersey City, NJ and there is a Black owned beauty supply chain called Independents and they are friendly and helpful.
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By: Cheryl on 9/07/2007 3:05PM
Okay people, let us awake from the sleep state of thinking that we ourselves are to blame for our woes. That we are our own worst enemy: that we are so this and that. When has anyone read some profound books that explain our dilemma. The Mis-education of the Negro(written in 1900's), The Isis Papers, Textbook for Victims of Racism, (short version of the title). Has anyone ever took an analytical look at our history or just ate what was being fed to you? When we understand what is being done to us as a people, repeat, understand what is being done to black people. It is a system that challenges us on ALL fronts. Then the bashing and talking about why we cannot do any better will cease. This article only points out one of a long laundry list of ways Blacks are being taken.
Let us revisit history and Madame C J Walker who pioneered hair care products and was the first black woman millionaire. Fast forward to Pro-Line Hair care products. We have had our share of black hair care manufacturers. I pray there are more. but somewhere along the line either someone sold out or did not see the big picture.
And I will go off side for a second. Why do we as a people have to think the standard of beauty is to have long straight hair and not be proud of the hair God gave you. You are being brainwashed to hate yourself and love what your are being bombarded with daily: Straight hair, thin noses, and light skin. Has anyone ever checked the $$$$$ being spent on tanning,and plastic surgery for having a bigger butt, and fuller lips? Have we seen any blacks spending $$$$ on getting the collegen taken out of their lips? There may be, but there is the self hate example in your face. Okay off that soapbox.
We as Black have to be aware of exactly what is going on and not be distracted by the menial, small things that are reported about daily. Yes they are important, they make up the sum of the whole. But when we can really get down to the crux os the matter, that we are in a system that challenges us on all fronts: economics, education, entertainment, labor, law, politics, religion, sex and war. All areas of people activity and understand the why. then all the who what and when will be plainly understood.
Wake up people, we are asleep at the wheel! Where are we as a people headed? This is only a small example of what's going on.
The Black Hair Care market is another example of your $$$$ being taken out of your hand and feeding someone other than our people. In the meantime, learn to love and respect yourself, then you will not need to buy something that does not promote your blackness.
Much love.
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By: Anastasia Boaz on 9/07/2007 3:50PM
While the last comment was quite cruelly put, this poster told the truth on a lot of levels. I believe that we have the information needed to stop being an unwitting "consumer", but we need to put the information out there and stop being afraid that we will "ruffle feathers" by taking action in these situations. This is information that needs to be taken into account and passed around so that our general public can be aware that not only is this a reality, but where this is taking our people in general. There are other options out there, even if we have to order for each other. One more comment: You would think this begins and ends in hair care products but it doesn't. I have seen tennis shoes, beeper stores, convienence stores, cell phone stores, any product that is marketable in our community is being sold to us... for double the price. Look around your neighborhood. We have to look to ourselves for change.
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By: Dana on 9/07/2007 4:36PM
I wish people would stop putting down others for straightening their hair or adding weave. It doesn't mean that I want to look white. It means I want manageable hair. Variety is beautiful. My daughter has 3 textures of hair and it is no joke to comb through. Coily, waivy, and in the back it is beady beads. She has a fit every time I get to that part.
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By: dumaine on 7/17/2008 9:20AM
Even if a store is Black owned you black idiots-who profits from where they buy the hair? Koreans!!! Just cuz blacks are working in a place-they dont manufacture anything and I mean ANYTHING. Amos cookies are made by white people, Popeys chicken is made by white people, KFC chicken was stolen from a black woman by a white man for like 1500.00 and they make it. You can own a store and only make like 15,000 per year in profits which most black and hispanic store owners are near poverty levels cuz they do not manufacture anything. Even in Africa-the chinease and east indians own the stores.
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