A 26% decline overall? Ouch! We know a few relaxer company CEO’s are probably not sleeping too well at night due to the these daunting sales numbers that have been nosediving for a few years now.
New reports have come out about the straight up beating relaxer companies are getting in terms of their sales numbers which compared to years ago have been on the decline. Stats please?
Two years ago, MN reported that relaxer kit sales dropped 17 percent between 2006 and 2011. New information from Mintel, a consumer trends firm, finds that relaxer sales have, again, taken a nosedive. In 2008, relaxer kit corporations reeled in a $206 million profit. In 2011, their revenue dwindled down to $179 million — a 15 percent decrease. This year, Mintel expects profits to plunge down to $152 million.
I thought for a company to succeed they needed to have a steady increase in sales? Hm maybe I was wrong! Ok, enough of the sarcasm we would not dare perpetuate the madness of creating even more competition between choosing to rock your natural hair versus choosing to relax it.
We still believe that what you do with your own hair is a personal choice and healthy hair comes in all forms natural and relaxed.
But it is important to speak about the decline in sales and what it means directly and indirectly for the natural hair community as well as women who choose to relax and of course the hair industry overall.
For our naturalistas out there, this may or may not be good news; as a matter of fact most of us just find the information interesting but we are mostly indifferent because it does not really affect our hair journeys.
There is no reason to use this information to stick it to the relaxer companies or women who continue to relax their hair. You know that in your face, talk to the hand kind of stuff is rather juvenile so we would rather look at it as an opportunity for gains in our own community.
Touching on the business side of things for a bit, there is space now for companies, salons, and merchandise shops to take full advantage of the buying power of individuals who have chosen to spend their money elsewhere. Stats please?
On the flip side, shampoos and conditioners formulated for Black natural hair has skyrocketed. This year profits are expected to peak at $257 million which is up from 2008′s $211 million. This is a 22 percent increase in just three years.
Styling products for the upkeep of natural hairstyles are also, of course, reaping the benefits of the natural hair trend. “The styling products segment has also increased from $220 million in 2008 to an estimated $268 million in 2013,” Mintel notes. Relaxers are the only Black hair care products that have dropped.
Valarie Jasminesmom Douglas says
Yes
Feisty-ßRown PeRez says
Lol. Weaves ain’t going no where.
Erika C Tyson says
I think it’s because even though more women are going natural some of us myself included still like to wear weave and/or wigs sometimes and lots of black celebs as well.
Feisty-ßRown PeRez says
Exactly! I’m natural and I LOVE getting my hair braided. Weaves ain’t going no where. Lol
Bonnie Phillips says
Many are using wigs as they prepare hair to go natural
Lyndsay Johnson says
Transitioning and protective styles
Jai Ruggs says
I’m natural but I love braids. And a lot of women that transition wear wigs, weaves, and braids.
Whitney StillgotThis Hudson says
I use weaves and wigs for protective styling to give my natural hair a break
MstooBlessed DatzmyAttitude Davis says
I just went natural no more creamy crack 4 me
Ebony Janell Thompson says
Can’t grow it, sew it! Lol its for protective hair styles, hell as long as they don’t use the creamy crack your natural to me, just did my sisters weave because she’s transitioning to natural but her hair is short and she loves long so she said she’s gone keep protecting it until she gets alil more length to her natural…
Kia Wortherly says
I never thought I’d see the day
Deanna Furtick says
My spending on weave is down too, all natural now.
Msredd Makinithappen says
Yep! Instead of putting all those harsh chemical on uur hair braid yours put sum weave in or wig then when u want ur natural style back take it off/out! SIMPLICITY!
Jasmine Jones says
Relaxers <3 they help fight the Swahili in me! (: ty
Shawnekia T. Riley says
Natural is better!,Bye creamy crack!!,I been natural for a year now.
Ruth Guzman says
Ppl are using wigs n weaves as protective styles and an alternative to wearing a straight look without flat ironing. I flat iron my hair less often and just throw a wig on for different styles I want to wear. My hair gets to rest and I can unleash my beautiful, bouncy curls whenever I want. I don’t wear weaves but I will grab a cute short wig in a second instead of cutting my hair short.
Laquenza Clemons says
me too, my hair is down my back and sometimes I want it short and it is a way to go
Jenny JackJack says
Relaxer sells may be down, but they will always sell it! I love my silky, long,healthy, relaxed hair and have no plans on ever going natural.
Ashley Monique says
2 words… protective styling!!!!!
Chyna Mon'et says
I stopped using relaxers about 13 or 14 years ago.
Tanaija LRatliff says
Relaxers will be on sale for 2.99 soon.lol
Malissa Kelsey says
We’re becoming more educated. We hear all day long about eating right and taking care of out skin & body, but the hair is overlooked. We don’t hear about the importance of healthy hair until it starts falling out and not growing back.
Vevai Marvelous Myers says
there’s so many bad weaves/wigs out there that I want to vomit. no, I don’t wear a natural but I am wearing my real hair . our features just don’t go with some of these weaves/wigs we are wearing. I am tired seeing us with those weaves to the butt that is tangled.
Amera Dntcare Hatcher says
Less ppl relaxing their hair as the naturals build stronger but protective styling isn’t going anywhere for naturals and relaxed girls… iMo
Michelle Thompson says
I think when people want a straight look, they don’t want to alter their natural hair texture or deal with the harsh chemicals that relaxers provide so they get weaves. Relaxers overtime cause too many problems
Cheneye Cousins says
Lol from what I have observed majority of the youth and adults destroy their hair then to cover it up put a weave in. It is not about protective styling, which would be the obvious answer in a forum such as this. Treating natural hair properly is something that is learned and many women just don’t care to learn and why when they can go down the street, buy 18 inches of the finest and not worry about it.
Nikki Daniel says
I’m wearing wigs right now on my journey to bsl then i may relax if I can’t find someone to do a correct blowout for me
Robin Chaibva says
Weaves help people with kinky hair cover their hair so very possible
Sondra Burton says
I’ve been natural for 3 years, but I wear wigs because I love being versatile
LaTrice Scarlett says
@Jasmine Jones BOL!!!!!!!
Michelle Thompson says
Especially once people realized they could achieve that silky smooth texture without relaxing their hair with the Dominican salon, black salon, or a really good flat iron
Keya Brock says
I like to change it up plus weaves that I done right are great protective styles
Keya Brock says
I can do all the damage to my weave and not my hair
Quiana McCullough says
After everyone transition then weave sale will decline….
Brielle Winter says
Come on sistas we can do this!!
Cherissa Cassamajor says
Because the sistah are coming to there sences with what happen with the creamy crack…… But yet still some are still scared to so there natural or the are Transitioning …… But at least its a good sign…Stay strong my sistah
Brielle Winter says
Stop perming over 10 years, dont wear weaves just started back wearing braids after 10 years +
Chrisetta Woods Guthrie says
I wear wigs to protect my natural hair. I still take care of it, but I try to handle it as less as possible right now until I am ready to flaunt it and get my mind right to deal with it every day. Natural hair is work and it has to be cared for and prepped every night or else my day won’t go as planned.
Blenda Life's Good Patterson says
Great news for those of us who still use relaxers. My hair is thick and as long as I want it to be, and I still have my edges. I know how to use it without over-processing, irritating my scalp before and during application, using it too often, or leaving it on too long. Plenty of people only went natural because of their misuse of relaxers, too tight braids, rough methods of removing braids and glued in weaves, trendy thing right now, and so much more. Stop blaming products and your terrible removal techniques for your lack of knowledge about how to properly use or do things as it pertains to your hair. The hair you see, no matter what state it’s in is DEAD, so as long as you know how to properly take care of it, everything else is irrelevant. Do what you want to your hair, as long as it is your choice and not because hair Nazis told you that you are denying your “blackness” if you relax your hair…
Megan Foreskin says
It wasn’t a Nazi that told me anything,it’s common sense, i think. black people were not born with straight hair…
Lisa Natalie Johnson says
I think we should be able to wear our hair as blackwomen , processed, colored or not. To each his own. Lot’s of white, Indian and Asian people get their hair permed and/or straightened. Relaxers contribute to fibroids and I only found that out after major surgery, but seriously, soon there is going to be a strict list letting us know if we are black enough if we don’t wear our hair a certain way. I have never seen people cut each other down so much, geez!
Toni Edwards Lee says
We still haven’t embraced our natural hair. Still looking for the straight/ relaxed look.
Tonette Laleta Shakur says
I wear wigs and weaves. But I don’t relax my hair. With all the different weave methods women don’t have to relax their hair any more. I keep my hair braided up. I love that I can wear my hair in different styles and colors and not add chemicals to my own hair.
Leondra ImOut Borders says
NATURAL HAIR MOVEMENT !! WOOHOO!!
Shanita Bryson-Alexander says
LMBO @hair Nazis…@Brenda Life’s Good Patterson u are so right though! Do what you want to your hair! Gotta blame something huh!
Cherry Robertson says
That is most definitely a fact.
Davetta Wilson says
I love my wigs always have I can have whatever look I want when I want don’t do weaves that much I have to do sew in & I can buy 2 fabulous lace front wigs for what one decent sew in cost
Latisha MiniMee Whitley says
I just bought two out of three. Hmmm
Kimberly Harvey Anderson says
Natural is the way to go
Shemeka Griffin Adams says
I think that’s an excellent start. The chemical process of relaxing the hair is damaging to our health. So good. We can’t forget that it is a huge step simply to do that. Most black women have never seen their true texture so making the decision to stop relaxing is a big leap of faith. I believe like with all things we have to meet people where they are & not batter them for not being where we think they should be.
Mariah Ello Kitty White says
I’ve been natural since I was 8 years old. I love seeing people’s reaction to my hair when I take my weave out.
April LovingMyself Wimple says
Relaxers sales may be going down but I am still going to use them. I used to wear wigs and weaved but I love my own hair better. Natural is not for me. However I dont use relaxers a lot. My relaxed hair is healthy and strong
Shanita Bryson-Alexander says
@Megan Foreskin we weren’t born with a lot of things but we have them
Lozette Clemons says
Natural styles are a whole lot of work so putting in a sew in or a wig on just gives a break especially for people that work. I know that’s why my sister do it that’s in the marines. And her natural hair is down her back unlike mine.plus its good for protective reasons.
Ciara Mackey says
I haven’t worn perms in years because they used to give me tremendous, deep-rooted headaches
Dominique Latrice says
Weave and wigs are good forms of protective styling for transitioners. I wore them before transitioning cause of the versatility and sill do now. Um almost bsl and if I want to rock a Bob, I get a sew in. Relaxer see declining is good bc women are being more careful about the harsh chemical and wants healthier hair. In which wigs and weaves cab help provide if done correctly.
Blenda Life's Good Patterson says
KMSLOL! You think? Wowwww. Not trying to tear you or anyone else down (which is usually the misconception) Megan Foreskin, but your response was very irrelevant nor does it support why you are relaxed, texlaxed, transitioning, or natural (was what I was talking about in my response).
Felicia McLean says
I wear my natural hair most of the time, but sometimes it’s nice to switch up your look and that’s when I do braids, weave or a wig. &when I first went natural I didn’t like the length of my hair so i wore wigs until my hair grew out a bit 🙂
Blenda Life's Good Patterson says
Still wondering why people say perm instead of relaxer when a perm actually is for making hair curly…Never understood that…
Shanita Bryson-Alexander says
Right^…and once people realize it’s not what’s on the head but it’s what’s in it…then we can stop tearing people down about their hair choices!
Shaketta Shannel Singleton says
If you have weave in your hair that is not considered Natural! You didnt grow that hair and your natural hair is still covered up and you dont show it just as you changed its form with relaxers.
People kill me calling themselves natural and they have in extensions.
#cutitout.
Shanita Bryson-Alexander says
Some people have transitioned and don’t even know why. #Follow the trend huh!
Bonita Tompkins-Williams says
The relaxers have stripped the sistas of their hair so they have no choice but to look to wigs and weaves.
Lola H. Ray says
I dont know how accepting and loving the hair that GOD gave you which grows out of your own scalp is following a trend? We learned to put the relaxer in and perfect that but find it strange to learn to take care of our own hair? I love all kinds of weaves, wigs, color and curl but I can’t say it’s “trendy” to be myself! We haven’t seen our true selves in so long some of us think it’s a trend….. sad.
Blenda Life's Good Patterson says
I love when people tell me how I’ve been brainwashed and lost myself somehow all because of the state I decide to wear my DEAD hair in. KMSLOL!
Blenda Life's Good Patterson says
My hair grows out of my scalp, so yet another person, has wasted a response because they’ve missed the point.
Nikkie Sutton says
Most women love versatility in hair so wigs and weave sales will remain #mythoughts
Blenda Life's Good Patterson says
And that “why can’t you accept your hair the way GOD made it” response is played out and irrelevant. The main ones hollering that are usually the same ones caking on make-up, putting in color contacts, getting butt, lip, breast, and other surgical work done to change and everything else. Didn’t God make your face, butt, breasts, lips, eye color, etc as well?
Shanita Bryson-Alexander says
LMBO once again…everyone has their definition of what defines them and their beauty. To add God to the equation, don’t just pick and choose what you want to go by according to Him. Go by all his standards if that’s the case! Including makeup, weaves, the way you dress, and how you eat! #Take it how u want jmo
Mikailia Rogers says
My hair is natural but I still wear weaves as protective styling and versatility weaves will be worn ad long as they are being made lol!
Jessica Henry says
Weaves are great for protective hairstyles 🙂
Shanita Bryson-Alexander says
Lhh @Brenda
Pier L. Moore says
Nothing wrong with wigs and weaves
Ashley Shorter says
Anbody else think Blenda Life’s Good Patterson and Shanita Bryson-Alexander need a life? Ijs….lol
Shanita Bryson-Alexander says
Got one and must I add a very good one thank you:-)
Markita Parris says
I have been getting my hair straightening done wit relaxers for years now.since I was a kid.my hair is good.but like most females we get tired of messing wit our hair .the coloring the cutting the heat the styling etc damages ur hair.we wanna switch it up color style and length wise I cant go wrong wit my trusty pal :the wig ♥
Tammy McGhee says
Wigs and weaves a good way to protect natural styles. Don’t do myself, but whatever floats your boat
Blenda Life's Good Patterson says
I have a life Ashley Shorter. Seems as if you are very worried about mine. Maybe if you found a life of your own, you could free up time to manage one. Good day to you!
Misha Mustbejelly Tague says
Because you can use wigs and weaves as a protective style and still be natural
Michelle Moore Green says
Ladies, its ok for us to look pretty on the outside but why do we have to show how ugly we are in the inside with nasty attitude about our hair, weave, perm, relaxer, or anything to make us woman beautiful on the outside
Tiffany Murphy says
Well for some ppl the hair is worn for protective styles, but I think most ppl just detach themself from their hair because of the deep rooted brainwashing on ethnic hair…you can do that with the weaves and wigs with no problem, but with relaxers your truth slowly comes back to light.
Tabatha Cooper says
Relaxers……poisonous
Gina Ivette says
Well , I do not have problem with my Naturals by Nutrine -my Tec Italy strenghtened products -take care of my hair and my hair is long. ( wigs do not work for me )
Jeaneen Alise says
I don’t care what people do to their hair… It’s a personal choice…. But I wonder if this means that there are those who’ve gone natural who can’t handle it… But they don’t necessarily want the creamy crack…
Brandy Craig-Robinson says
Omg people calm down b4 this natural thing took over it was us black women being seperated by the color if our skin with this team lightskin and team darkskin…so what if a women wants 2 wear a wig 4 protection or dosent feel like wearing her natural hair 4 a while…its alot of work…i kno i do it…and extentions just add a little length if wanted or needed…we are all beautiful no matter what the shade of our skin or what we put on our head…the sooner we realize that the sooner we can all be happier
Tamika Tammy Dowdy says
More black women are going natural and using weaves for protective styles…
Barbara Monroe says
Both
Nia Rose says
Interesting, indeed
Kimberly Mabry-Pannell says
Well I like relaxing my its easier to comb and handel but my natural hair is wavy in some curly in some spots straight in some so I relax it so I can manage it and weaves I dont like on me because you can only style it certain ways and you have to curl or flat iron it but I love my wigs if I want to be short today med the next or long for the weekend or wavy curly straight two toned so with wigs I can change in split second and dont have to do anything to my hair and a weave I cant just take off but whatever makes you feel good do it. Im a wig wearer for life I save money time etc but thats me.
Ditui Abariga Raoma says
it’a abt time that we all recognise our natural hair…n kip it but use wigs instead…it’s healthy
NettaIam Themainattraction Davis says
Once you think about it even if perms stayed down and hair purchases went down wouldn’t they make all that money back and natural hair care products I don’t know if its my location but most natural hair products are over priced the cheapest thing I’ve purchased in my year journey was eco styler gel for 4.99 everything else is at the least 10 $ more which grinds my gears because most of these companies are not black owned so makes you wonder how the hell do you know anything about black hair so either way we will be spending money @ the local beauty supply
VictoRya French-Williams says
As sisters go natural, protective hair styling increases I believe.
Jasmine Wilson says
Protective styling is great for both naturals and creamyCrack addicts [Everyone enjoys a good weave to take the stress off maintaining your own hair]
Laquenza Clemons says
a sew and a wig are great for transition hair especially if you want to go natural, also very versatile, you want short hair put a weave in it, want long brailian hair, put a wig on, want an afro, wear your own,
Kandace Kent says
Its an oxymoron. … we condem African American women for perming their hair but than we rejoice and debate over how many bundles and inches we can sew into our heads! Its all one in the same in every aspect we are condemning our heritage! So everyone get off your soapbox!
Ayedin Jucaye says
Women are transitioning more and sew ins are are a great protective hair style..Down with the creamy Crack…lol
Michelle Agee says
Ladies let’s remember the theme of the group as being one that uplifts and supports. At the end of the day all is advice because everyone is an adult and can do as we please. I enjoy ALL of what is shared and pick and choose to follow the advice I want. I am a new natural but forever a diva in my own right and love a good sew in when I can afford it. Be blessed beauties!!!!!
Lozette Clemons says
Cheyenne cousins i have to agree with you there. Although the trend is slowly changing to natural looks there are dip many women of all colors that turn to wigs and weaves because they damaged their hair and when it looks healthy again will throw some relaxer in it. I see it time and time again.not all but some, but i feel you got to teach girls while they are young how to take care of their natural hair otherwise they won’t know till their hair is damaged when they get much older. Yes I’m speaking from experience.
Dell Sanders says
Good
Jelisa A. Simmons says
I wear wigs real not real get weaves I love my wigs my hair will never be to my ass or anything I wont dye my natural hair so why not throw on a wig when ever I want :). I relax my roots ever few months or so olive oil treatments as much as I can I get lazy. My natural hair has come a long way will I wear it probably not like I dis when I was pregnant but I’m still a black woman my hair doesn’t define that or mean I wish I had good hair lol. Every race wear wigs, extensions all that so I don’t think it matters as long as your confident in your own skin I say ROCK it real fake long straight natural and all . 🙂
JoAnne LuvJones says
Many naturals use weave and wigs for protective styling
Anna Rawls says
some see wigs and weaves as a protective style when we want straight hair but we no longer want to damage our hair with relaxers
Janet Edwards says
Relaxer sales will continue to decline. Hairstylists better get with the program, the natural hair movement is not just a fad, it is here forever. We are gaining our independence of that creamy crack.
Ericka Norman says
Love it
Shekeina Coley says
I think it’s better to add hair than to chemically burn your scalp and hair…but I don’t use either anymore.
Niecey Gee says
Personally speaking both industries will take a quick nose dive because I REFUSE to support either!!!!! (okay i do wear micro braids once a year from the AFRICANS so I have no idea where the hair comes from)
Ashley Iainttakinnoshit Plummer says
The wig and weave usage has nothing to do with going natural. Folks just in denial about who and what they are and continue to spend spend spend to keep the denial ignotance and hatred going
Denise C Whitby says
NO I dont think so because WOMEN ARE STILL WEARING WEAVES AND SUCH
Kandace Green says
You can keep your hair the way that it naturally grows from your scalp AND have multiple styling options with wigs & weaves. I love wigs!!
Ebz YaDig says
That’s because so many are going natural n most use weaves and wig like I as a protective style
Casey Nicole says
At the end of the day it’s just hair. Style it how u like it.
Tamisha Rantila says
Black women are going natural, including myself. I notice my hair is healthier now without the relaxer.
Alexis Vincentmartinswife Flowers says
LADIES LOVE THEIR WEAVES BUT I AM SHOCKED THE PERMS R DOWN THOSE 2 SHOULD BE NECK & NECK
Mighty-Royal Rah says
Weaves and wigs are ALSO worn by many MANY other ethnicities… not JUST Black people. I
Personally. .. I think it is better to wear a wig pr weave than to permanently alter the hair texter with a perm.
Jayme McCarter says
I’m not surprised. I think it’s a good thing to a certain extent. Weave and wigs should always be an option not a requirement for daily life.
My personally wear custom wig while I allow my hair to grow. With wigs and weave you can color it, cut it, bleach it, fry it with heat and buy some more. But once you damage your natural hair it’s damaged!
Sherry Miles says
I can only speak from experience. Not only is my Dermatitis now gone, but I’m finally getting my thickness back since leaving chemical relaxing behind. I went natural for my scalp’s health and not for faddish reasons. Every time I pass that aisle in the store, I’m relieved I no longer browse that section.
Nikki Bee says
Uh, I wear wigs to keep from styling my hair daily after workouts. I’m not natural but refuse to relax my hair every 6-8wks. These days people like variety. Work hair, weekend hair, club hair, new boo hair, styling on the chix hair and hair that’ll stay put thru a praise dance. Hallelujah!!!
Alexandermichele & Company says
Its no secret artificial integrations are the wave of the, future even for guests with natural tresses, we get lots of requests for those who just arent satified with their length after the big chop and want to find a virgin product to blend with their own, and since we have every length texture and type of virgin hair on the market in grades 5 and 6A we are able to provide it… the fact actually is.. weaving and custom units are trending.. and its has been for a very long time.. and will not be going anywhere, the main stream masses are typically just catching on to whats been done for decades in some of your higher end salons, hollywood celebs, and the like.. Invest wisely ladies