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Beauty

Why the Dire State of Black Beauty Threatens the Entire Industry

A decade-plus of explosive gains for Black-owned brands has given way to a slowdown in everything from funding to retail expansion — and the implications for beauty are far worse than loss of representation alone.
Beauty innovations that once fueled a more inclusive textured hair market, expanded foundation ranges, and diverse hair remedies are now at risk.
Beauty innovations that once fueled a more inclusive textured hair market, expanded foundation ranges, and diverse hair remedies are now at risk. (Getty Images)
By
BoF PROFESSIONAL

Last month, when the British Beauty Council posted a photo on its Instagram of a group of beauty executives standing in front of 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the UK Prime Minister, a few social media users noticed something curious.

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Further Reading

How to Raise Money as a Black Beauty Brand

Black founders carry a markedly higher burden when it comes to educating investors on the value and viability of their business ideas — but there is an art and science behind knowing when your brand is ready and what kind of investors will be the best fit.

How to Launch a Black Beauty Brand

In a three-part series, The Business of Beauty explores how Black founders Monique Rodriguez, Danessa Myricks and more built, launched and scaled their multi-million-dollar businesses. In part one, a look at how these entrepreneurs found their niche and harnessed early lessons that were critical to their growth

How to Scale a Black Beauty Brand

Landing a retail partnership is often seen as a major milestone for beauty founders — but it brings a bevy of new challenges, from the logistical complexities to setting a marketing budget. Black entrepreneurs, who typically have far less capital to work with, often face tough choices.

About the author
Sheena Butler-Young
Sheena Butler-Young

Sheena Butler-Young is Senior Correspondent at The Business of Fashion. She is based in New York and covers workplace, talent and issues surrounding diversity and inclusion.

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