Boycotting Non-Black-Owned Beauty Brands: An Economic Revolution

Boycotting non-Black-owned beauty brands? Honey, this isn’t just a passing mood—it’s a powerful economic revolution shaking the very core of the beauty industry. Starting September 1, 2023, Black women worldwide collectively declared, “Hold up—we built the beauty game, now we’re here to reframe it.” And trust me, the beauty world felt every ripple of this seismic shift.

Let’s unpack what’s really going on here, because this movement is so much more than just skipping Ulta for a day. It’s about power, pride, and demanding genuine inclusion in boardrooms where decisions have historically sidelined Black voices.

Why This Boycott Runs Deep—Beyond Social Media Buzz

Black women are the Beyoncé-level leaders in hair and beauty product consumption in the U.S., pouring billions into an industry that thrives on their spending. Yet, paradoxically, these same consumers have rarely been granted true ownership, leadership, or a seat at the table in this marketplace. It’s a history laden with exclusivity, underinvestment in Black entrepreneurs, and products that still treat “kinky hair” and melanin-rich skin as niche markets rather than the norm.

Sure, some mainstream brands have launched Black Girl Magic campaigns, but these are surface-level gestures that don’t change the structural barriers to wealth creation or power for Black founders. The September 1 boycott wasn’t a moment of frustration—it was a strategic, well-calculated push to:

• Shift billions of dollars back into Black-owned businesses and communities
• Spotlight how mainstream beauty brands profit from Black consumers but rarely reinvest
• Celebrate authentic representation where Black voices genuinely shape products and leadership

The movement went viral. TikTok exploded with brand recommendations, and Instagram became a runway showcasing Black entrepreneurship brilliance.

The Industry Felt the Heat—Real Impact, Real Change

When sales started dipping among non-Black-owned brands, the impact was undeniable:

• Revenue shakes: Brands lost vital income as Black consumers consciously redirected their spending.
• Representation demands: It’s no longer enough to feature Black models superficially; brands now face real pressure for leadership diversity and authentic product innovation.
• Systemic transformation calls: Investors and insiders are hearing loud and clear that real access to capital, shelf space, and respect for Black founders is non-negotiable.

Brands like Ami Colé, Mielle Organics, and Camille Rose have garnered deserved attention, yet face ongoing structural challenges. This boycott marks a sustained movement to rewrite the industry’s script—not a one-time stunt.

More Than a Shopping Spree—It’s #EconomicEmpowerment

Every dollar spent on Black-owned beauty brands is an investment in community growth. It fuels entrepreneurial success, creates jobs, and uplifts cultural identity. This isn’t just about products; it’s about legacy:

• Reinvesting in the Black economy to build generational wealth
• Paving the way for aspiring Black entrepreneurs to envision their own success
• Owning beauty standards that honor Black hair and skin on their own terms

Conversations at dinner tables have shifted from small talk to topics of wealth-building and empowerment, underscoring the movement’s depth.

Representation Matters—And It Demands Action

Representation isn’t a buzzword; it’s a call for real inclusion:

• Black ownership and leadership remain scarce within major beauty corporations.
• Superficial marketing tactics need replacement with authentic stakeholder engagement.
• Product innovation must genuinely reflect diverse hair textures and skin tones—not just “universal” products designed for Eurocentric features.

The boycott is about demanding seats at every decision-making table with real influence and resource commitment.

Digital Activism Powers the Movement

Social media platforms like TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram transformed into powerful tools for change:

• Influencers and communities share vetted, genuinely Black-owned beauty brand recommendations.
• #SupportBlackBeauty hashtags amplify calls to boycott non-Black-owned brands with genuine solidarity.
• Consumers educate themselves and each other on which brands hold authentic Black ownership versus token facade acquisitions.

This is intentional consumerism fueled by knowledge and commitment—not fleeting trends.

What’s Next? A Beauty Industry Makeover

This movement isn’t a fad; it’s reshaping an industry long resistant to acknowledging Black consumers’ true economic and cultural power.

• Black women are defining the new blueprint:
• Economic power combined with cultural pride demands respect and inclusion.
• Brands must choose authentic inclusion or risk losing the segment driving billions in spending.
• Black entrepreneurs will shine brighter, yet ongoing community support and corporate reform remain critical.

Whether this transformation takes months or years, one thing’s clear—it’s here for good.

TL;DR: The Real Talk Cheat Sheet

How to Show Up and Stay Involved

• Shop consciously: Seek out truly Black-owned beauty brands that prioritize community and culture.
• Amplify voices: Share and celebrate these brands across your social media to boost their reach.
• Think beyond products: Support businesses that invest in fair pay and community development.
• Stay informed: Follow ongoing conversations and industry changes—this movement is evolving.

Want to Dive Deeper? Check These Out:

• Hype Hair’s insightful breakdown of the September 1 boycott’s power moves
• Reworkd’s honest take on Black women boycotting the hair industry
• TikTok campaigns shaping online narratives

Black women are not only redefining beauty standards—they are wielding economic power to dismantle decades of neglect and exclusion. Next time you think beauty, remember it’s also about respect, representation, and relentless hustle. And trust me, darling, this movement will be on the test. 💅🏿✨