What to know about four common Black hairstyles, benefits and risk to consumers: Study

The beauty industry has recently turned more attention to Black consumers and knowing the ins, outs and risks of the hairstyles used by them can guide R&D, product development and brand innovation.

Because Black people are underrepresented in the dermatology field, a research team out of the United States, Asbeck et al, compiled knowledge research and literature review on the health, social and personal impacts of several common styling techniques, so as to better serve the demographic.

Published in Cosmetics​​, according to Asbeck et al, the Black hair industry sits around a half-trillion dollars globally, and Black women spend more on hair than any other ethnic group. As such a large segment of the hair market, and one historically underrepresented in retail settings and R&D in the US, knowing about the styles used by these consumers can be beneficial to those creating products.

“Social and environmental pressures continue to influence what society views as beautiful and culturally acceptable,”​ Asbeck et al said. “There has been substantial debate and discussion regarding the association between certain hairstyles worn by Black women and their connection to hair disorders and other health conditions common to this population.”​

Read more...​