AP PHOTOS: The Black hair industry imports products from China. Here's what tariffs mean

Black women are starting to pay more for their hair care because of the Trump administration's tariffs on goods imported from China.

The Associated Press
May 31, 2025 at 4:41PM

ATLANTA — Black women are starting to pay more for their hair care because of the Trump administration's tariffs on goods imported from China.

Many Black women have hair types and workplace-favored styles that require careful attention. They can spend hundreds of dollars at salons each month on extensions, weaves, wigs and braids.

Most hair salon tools and packaging is imported from China.

Stylists are considering raising their prices while the the U.S. and China negotiate new trade agreements. But many dread what price increases will do for clients who are lower income and already strained by months of inflation on virtually everything else.

This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.

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STEPHANIE SCARBROUGH

The Associated Press

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