Black Beauty Businesses Feel the Pinch from Tariffs

In the world of Black beauty businesses, things are getting tough. Tariffs on hair products from China and Vietnam are causing big problems. Prices are going up, and it's not just the businesses that are feeling the heat. Customers are too. Dajiah Blackshear-Calloway, a salon owner in Smyrna, Georgia, is seeing fewer clients. Her prices have gone up because the cost of hair extensions and glues has skyrocketed. She's trying to keep her prices low, but it's a struggle. She's even asking clients to bring their own hair to appointments. It's not just her. Kadidja Dosso, who owns a beauty supply store and salon in Philadelphia, is facing delays in getting her products. She's waiting longer and paying more to get her goods. She doesn't want to raise prices, but she might have to. Tariffs are hitting Black businesses hard. Many started with less money, so they can't absorb these extra costs. It's like a tax on their businesses. Customers are feeling it too. Deiara Frye, a customer in Raleigh, North Carolina, is going to the salon less often because of the rising costs. Beauty supply stores are also struggling. Dionne Maxwell, who used to run a store in Dallas, Georgia, had to close it. She's now selling online, but even that's not enough. She's having to pay bills out of her own pocket. It's a tough time for Black beauty businesses. They're trying to keep going, but it's not easy. Tariffs are making life difficult for everyone involved.