The Trump administration’s tariffs on imported goods are putting significant pressure on the Black haircare industry, as prices for essential products continue to rise amid inflation and increasing salon rents. Synthetic braiding hair, human hair extensions, wigs, styling tools, and braiding gels—many sourced or packaged in China—have faced combined tariffs reaching 145% as of April, sharply driving up costs.
Black stylists, braiders, beauty supply store owners, and industry experts told The Associated Press they are struggling to absorb the rising expenses while clientele slows in the tight economy. Many face difficult decisions about raising prices, risking further loss of customers already mindful of budgets.
Although a three-judge panel recently blocked the enforcement of these tariffs, the administration has appealed the ruling. Meanwhile, the U.S. agreed to reduce the tariff from 145% to 30% during ongoing trade negotiations with China, but experts say 30% remains disproportionately high—far above the typical 10% baseline applied to most countries.
Marty Parker, a University of Georgia business professor and supply chain specialist formerly involved in the diverse haircare sector, warned that the “next 100 days are already shot” for many products. Rising import costs continue to cascade down to consumers amid worsening supply shortages, with the outlook uncertain if trade talks falter.
Black stylists noted that the slowdowns after major holidays like Easter and Mother’s Day are linked not only to general economic strain but also to higher haircare prices. Atlanta stylist Yana Ellis reported paying $245 more in shipping for 52 bundles of hair in March compared to 40 bundles in December. Similarly, stylist AaNiyah Butler saw her shipping costs from China more than double between February and May.
Beauty supply stores are also feeling the squeeze. Synthetic hair, once priced between $6 and $10 per pack, has seen sharp increases. North Atlanta stylist Dajiah Blackshear found the price of a familiar Chinese hair product spike from $189 to $289 in just three weeks, forcing suppliers to consider dropping the brand due to cost.
Blackshear worries about raising client prices but feels limited as quality vetting is key to her services. “Clients pay attention to where they’re spending their money,” she said. “When I explain price increases, some understand, but many opt to find more affordable stylists.”
For many Black women, maintaining hair health through regular care, extensions, weaves, and braids is an important yet costly part of life, compounded by workplace styling expectations. According to market.us, the global Black haircare market was valued at over $2.5 billion in 2023, with Black women spending six times more on haircare than other ethnicities.
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