Taking trips to the local beauty supply store is the norm for the majority of the Black community.

Whether it be to pick up hair for a new protective style or to re-up on natural hair products, the store is the place for one’s needs. However, not many beauty supply stores are led by Black owners.

According to a report, “Of the 9,000 beauty supply stores the Black Owned Beauty Supply Organization estimates are in the United States, about 3,000 are owned by Black people.”

Closing out Black Business Month, AfroTech is highlighting a few Black-owned beauty supply stores.

A post shared by Paris Beauty supply (@parisbeautysupplyz)

In 2020, Paris McKenzie opened Paris Beauty Supplyz at only 16-years-old. Its opening made her the youngest Black owner to do so. The teen’s beauty supply store is located in Brooklyn, NY. From bundles to hair moisturizers, and lashes, McKenzie’s got you covered.

A post shared by Halo Beauty Supply (@halobeautysupply)

For Illinois residents, Halo Beauty Supply is the place to be. Founded by Kasheena Brookins in 2021, the store offers a wide array of selections for braiding hair, wigs, and natural haircare brands. Brookins’ beauty supply is in Lynwood, IL,  but it also offers delivery via DoorDash. 

A post shared by Textured Tech | Beauty Supply (@texturedtech)

Textured Tech Beauty Supply is owned and operated by Teryn McElroy. It’s located in Carson, CA, and offers nail supplies, haircare, skincare, and “all things textured.” In 2020, the store was featured in the Champion Black Businesses campaign on ABC’s “Shark Tank.”

A post shared by Natalya's Beauty Supply (@natalyasbeauty)

This beauty supply store celebrated its 15th anniversary last month in Conyers, GA. Open daily, Natalya’s Beauty Supply is run by owner Renay Green. Customers can select from hair styling supplies, DIY hair dyes, hair masks, etc.

A post shared by Big Apple Beauty Supply, Inc (@bigapplebeautysupply)

Self-described as NE Pennsylvania’s premier beauty supply, Big Apple Beauty Supply started in 2008. After finding success in the Pocono Mountains, it expanded into a second location in Scranton, PA.

A post shared by YB Beauty Vending Machine (@youniversitybeauty)

Although it’s not your typical store, the YOUniversity Beauty Supply Machine still helps people stock up on necessities. Mia Wilson and Rico Ozuna-Harrison created the machine for people of color on their University of Michigan campus who weren’t able to travel to their nearest store, as previously reported by AfroTech. The beauty dispensary includes hair oil, bonnets, and more.

Ngozi Nwanji is a Nigerian-American journalist, writer, and content creator from and based in Silver Spring, Maryland with a passion for storytelling, media representation, and music. Along with for AfroTech, she's a contributing writer for Baltimore-based outlet The 4th Quarter and the founder of her own entertainment website, Z's P.O.V - a platform for underrated music and Black creatives.

© 2022 AfroTech, Blavity, Inc. All rights reserved.