Woman in the Mirror

Feel like you’re seeing more waves, curls, kinks and coils than ever at the office?

According to a report by Mintel, a consumer spending and market research firm, sales of chemical straightening products dropped 17 percent between 2006 and 2011.

Robyn Groover, ethnic hair expert and Carol’s Daughter Mirror salons partner, sees executive clients transitioning from prototypical corporate divas into more authentic selves.

“I had a client who was very high level management. She wanted to transition into natural hairstyles,” remembers Groover, “but she wasn’t sure of the reaction she would receive.”

The client followed through with a big chop, cutting off all chemically processed hair, leaving a small afro. Simultaneously, she was interviewing with a new company.

“She got the job,” says Groover. “And the other women in the office were so inspired by her that they are now wearing textured hairstyles too.”

Growing numbers of working women appear to be a force behind the workplace authenticity trend.

It’s also creating more opportunities for female entrepreneurs.

Lisa Price, founder and CEO of Carol’s Daughter, recently launched a brand of salons, Mirror, within their stores – with flagship locations in New York and Atlanta.

And, she’s right on trend.

“Our goal is to help women enhance who they are, not change,” Price tells PINK.

Black women, alone, account for 30 percent of spending in the $9 billion hair care industry.

Reports project minority spending to reach $3.5 trillion by 2015.

Bonus PINK Link: Do you ever feel pressured by blonde ambition?

Have you given up straightening for textured hairstyles?

By L. Nicole Williams

Nicole is the Editor at Little PINK Book. Follow her on Twitter @iamnicwill.

“I think that the most important thing a woman can have, next to talent of course, is her hairdresser.” Joan Crawford