South Florida beauty supply business owners brace for impact of China tariffs

LAUDERDALE LAKES, Fla. – Short and curly.

Long and lush.

All the colors of the rainbow.

Synthetic and real human hair.

At Beauty Supply 4U in Lauderdale Lakes, wig specialist Yvette Baldwin knows her craft.

At $459.99, the “Z Taylor” is her best seller.

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But hairs are raising at locally owned, small beauty supply businesses like this one.

Virtually every wig, extension and accessory there comes from China.

“It’s really making me sick,” said Beauty Supply 4U owner Zametra Taylor.

Some business owners in the beauty industry fear the three digit tariffs on China could force prices to rise 15% or more.

A $500 wig could end up costing $600.

And it’s not just the wigs.

Danielle Wilson owns The Best in Broward Salon and Beauty Supply where she cuts, styles and colors.

She hopes she won’t be tariffed out of business.

“It’s scary when you think about it,” said Wilson. “Stocking caps, I’m using combs, I’m using needles, laced glue, laced primer.”

Taylor said for now, she’s trying to get creative to keep her prices from rising.

“Lay away if you really need that,” she said. “I’m trying to hold out as long as I can.”


About the Author
Christian De La Rosa headshot

Christian De La Rosa joined Local 10 News in April 2017 after spending time as a reporter and anchor in Atlanta, San Diego, Orlando and Panama City Beach.

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