As the pandemic disproportionately effects black communities across the country, African Americans in the hair care business say stay-at-home orders and social distancing mandates are devastating their livelihood and communities.
Black barbers and beauticians are among the now 38.6 million unemployed in the U.S. Despite aid provided through the Payroll Protection Program and unemployment benefits for gig workers and freelancers, many hair care professionals say they have yet to receive any financial assistance.
Several states have begun to reopen salons, but with the future of social distancing guidelines uncertain, hair stylists worry their industry will continue to suffer irreparable damage.
In 2017, African American consumers spent $473 million in a $4.2 billion hair care industry, according to Nielsen.
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A hair salon in North Carolina is denying service to employees at a Tyson plant in the area due to the coronavirus outbreak at the facility earlier this month.
