Nestled throughout Black neighborhoods, African braiding salons have served as the go-to spot for protective styles. Whether you’re getting traditional box braids or the latest popular bohemian locs, there’s always an African auntie ready to hook you up. But lately, some Black women are citing the growing sense of disrespect during their appointments, and feel the juice just isn’t worth the squeeze.
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Now, frustration has come to a head and has spilled over onto social media, calling for a nationwide boycott of African braiding shops beginning on August 1. Some say it’s time to show Africans the power of the “Black dollar,” while others are raising concerns about xenophobia bubbling up in the Black communities.
The conversation gained momentum after a TikTok creator, Shea’s Shelf (@shea_thecreator), posted a now-viral video for this call to action. “I think it’s time for us to show how strong and how powerful the Black American dollar is – because they don’t believe us,” she said in the video. “I think it’s time to boycott the braiding shops. That’s what I think it’s time to do.” She went on to call for more support of Black American braiders, believing it sends a message to African salon owners about respect they say is lacking in African salon spaces. “Black American power, Black American dollar.”
Shortly after, more creators joined the conversation. TikToker(@swt.bby.ray) voiced her support for the boycott. “I’m absolutely here this. I’m showing my support because I do this in my everyday life,” she said. “Ain’t no African ever braided my hair, put their hands in my head or none of that.”
She went on to explain her discomfort while in African-owned salons and plainly stated that she doesn’t support their businesses. “They are confused on who they are, what they are and what this is all about,” she said, expressing frustration over what she sees as a lack of cultural identity and the ongoing separation between African American and Black American communities. “I am even pushing past August, but it starts August 1st, okay?,” she reiterates. “Complete total black out on Africans. Period.”
As the boycott campaign spread, it created not only backlash but also moments of comedic relief. Some users jokingly pushed back again at the call to action, pointing to the convenience and accessibility that African salons offer that Black salons don’t. “Boycotting the African braid shop?” one creator asked while removing her hair bonnet, revealing her box braids. “I think the f**k not. I don’t give a damn if they’re mad or not.”
While the discourse is laced with humor, other creators are taking a more serious stance by calling out the underlying xenophobia within the boycott. One creator chimed in with a valid point: “I still be seeing some of y’all shop at a Lululemon and apparently the person who made it don’t even like black people.” This perspective sheds light on a broader issue– how selective accountability overshadows systemic inequality and division within our communities. Food for thought? Absolutely.
So, what should Black people do on August 1st? One creator suggests rejecting the boycott altogether to show support for African-owned businesses instead. “Go find a African restaurant, African hair salon, African grocery store and go buy some sh*t.” He urged viewers to push back against what he called “xenophobic thoughts and remarks” and focus on unity. “We gonna show these dumba** FBI xenophobic, hateful, weak link ass negroes that we don’t subscribe to the hate. We are not going backwards.”
Straight From 
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