Asians
(Indians) control the Black Hair and Beauty Industry in
UK
I
have always marvelled, at how the Asians in the UK have found
a way to make huge incomes by opening shops selling black
hair and beauty products. In fact, I should not even say shops.
Many of the establishments are superstores. Some as big as
Tesco, all focussed on the black woman and her known passion
for spending on her hair.
These
stores now have an extensive range of wigs made from synthetic
fibres, or human hair. The human hair being imported from
India, or somewhere in the Far East. Some stores even have
separate rooms for the wigs, or separate floors even.
Then
the hair care products number in the thousands. You cannot
beat these stores for variety. They will have one hundred
types of hair oils, sprays, hair growth ointments and hair
accessories. Far more than you can find in Boots for the indigenous
population.
Speaking
of Boots. Strange how they have missed a trick. Even if they
are in black areas, you will find Boots, Superdrug and cosmetic
sections of supermarkets NOT catering for the black consumer.
Watch a car-park in Brixton, Woodgreen, Walthamstow, Hackney,
Harlesden, and see the majority black customers, who are not
being serviced by mainstream shops. Recently, those who have
felt they are missing a trick have decided to stock black
products in certain branches. But its too late. Black people
know they can get it in a superstore down the road dedicated
solely for them, so that's where they are going. Supermarkets
have just been too slow, and by the time they start, black
people do not even look in the hair section, so the gesture
is missed.
I
went into a chemist on West Green Road in Tottenham recently.
It had NO black hair care products at all, only those for
white and Asian hair. I thought to myself, this store is making
a point that it does not want the local black people in its
shop.
So
back to the Asian owned black hair and beauty shop. Why are
they not black owned.
Humm. Now lets see…
-
Asians have sewn up the market. They have it on lock down.
-
They control the import of products - mainly from America
or India
-
They control the distribution and wholesale
-
They work together to open these superstores. Then as one
succeeds, they open another - over the road.
-
Black people are not known for our retailing prowess - apart
from in Lagos or Accra, where apparently everybody is selling,
and hardly anybody is buying.
-
Asians have spotted a niche. They know they will make money
because black people spend more on hair and beauty items
than white people or Asians.
-
Asians pool together to enhance their buying power. Black
communities do not group together, preferring instead to
compete.
Strange
how the white people are now very much into weaves and extensions.
With clip on types, glue on types, or plait in types. Some
white women would not been seen without a weave nowadays.
Remember when Victoria Beckham was into her extensions.
Although
there are about 2000 black hair salons and barbers around
the UK, they tend to focus on actual hair care, doing the
many hairstyles which are requested.They do not use their
space to sell hair products. Many perhaps cannot afford -
or do not set aside the budget required to have a well stocked
section of the shop for hair products. Everybody has wall
space for shelves. Surely, they really are missing a trick.
I
feel a little odd when I go into an Asian black hair shop,
and spend money. But you know what - I also have to admire
their tenacity. They saw a niche, and went for it. They cannot
be faulted for that. However, I do get upset when I am viewed
with suspicion on entering the shop. I note there is a man
on every aisle, checking to see if I steal anything. There
are hardly any women serving in these shops. A male shop assistant
looks at me blankly when I ask a question, or perhaps even
worse, an Asian man tries to tell me what's good for my hair.
Note these shops do not hire black people. Its is owned and
run by Asians, and we pay their wages.
What
a world we live in!
The
biggest of these companies is Pak. See how they describe themselves
on their own website.
"Specializing
in African and African Caribbean hair and beauty products
for today's Fashion conscious consumer. Established just over
27 years ago, our family run destination icon for millions
of African's and African Caribbean's all over Africa, Europe
and the Caribbean who regularly rely on PAK Cosmetic Center's
for products, specifically developed for Afro consumers.
These products, which are vital for maintaining healthier
hair and skin, are generally not available at most high street
shops in the U K or Europe, However, thanks the support of
millions of consumer like you. We have successfully grown
our business, from that small acorn, to Europe's leading Afro
retailer ,with seven renowned specialty center in the UK."
So
my question is when is there going to be a black-owned company
to compete with Pak. Dyke and Dryden tried in the 70s. Made
a million - then disappeared.
Say
no more!
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