Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

Thousands of Black Women Claim Hair Relaxers Gave Them Cancer

Following a study by the US National Institutes of Health associating hair relaxer use with uterine cancer, over 7000 lawsuits have been filed against cosmetics companies like L’Oréal and Revlon.

An employee in a meeting, smiling and looking at someone speaking. — Following a study by the US National Institutes of Health associating hair relaxer use with uterine cancer, over 7000 lawsuits have been filed against cosmetics companies like L’Oréal and Revlon. (Shutterstock)

Reuters

06 November 2023

BoF PROFESSIONAL

Sheila Bush, a cosmetologist, was lounging in the recliner at her St. Louis-area home last winter when an advertisement from a law firm flashed up on her television screen, urging viewers to call a toll-free number if they or a loved one had used hair relaxers and been diagnosed with uterine cancer.

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Carol’s Daughter Was an Early Mover in the Black Haircare Market. Now It’s Going After a New Generation.

The L’Oréal-owned textured haircare brand, which turns 30 next year, is undergoing a brand turnaround, betting European expansion and a diffusion line catered to Gen-Z will help boost sales in the face of growing competition.

How Mielle Organics Is Rewriting the Playbook for Black Hair Brands

Monique Rodriguez is one of a small number of Black women to secure a seven-figure investment for her business. The next challenge: scale while staying Black-owned.

Modernising the Black Hair Care Market

A new wave of start-ups shaking up the textured hair care space are catching the attention of major retailers and investors, grabbing more shelf space and venture capital.

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Can Mikayla Nogueira Sell Fragrance, Too?

The beauty influencer is hoping her 20 million-strong following can cut through the category’s oversaturation with Only Sunshine, a tropical scent launched with indie brand Snif.

Ulta Beauty Joins TikTok Shop

Ulta Beauty becomes the first US specialty beauty retailer to launch on TikTok Shop, making the case for partnership rather than competition with the platform’s beauty e-commerce business.

For Beauty Brands, What’s a Department Store Worth?

In Full Coverage, Priya Rao looks at the world’s buzziest luxury department stores in Paris.

For Niche Fragrance Makers, Time Is On Their Side

For centuries, perfumers have aged fragrances to get their best scent expressions. More recently, time is becoming a crucial marketing tool.

Can Lake Translate Success in Sleepwear Outside the Bedroom?

The Savannah, Ga.-based pajama brand has developed a devoted following for its super-soft pyjamas. With their first daywear collection, they’re hoping that loyalty will apply in a much more competitive category

Who Won Fashion’s Red Carpet Season of Change

Sunday night’s Oscars concluded an awards season that fashion’s biggest labels used to show off their new creative game. BoF breaks down what we learned about brands’ celebrity strategies.

Trump Signs Order to Combat Fraudulent ‘Made in America’ Labels, White House Says

The executive order directs ⁠the FTC chairman to prioritise enforcement of existing laws against sellers and manufacturers who falsely claim products are made in America.

Oil Market Set for Tumultuous Week as Kharg Attack Raises Stakes

Global oil markets face turmoil after a US attack on Iran's main export hub heightened risks to supply across the Middle East.

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