By Ebony JJ Curry
Medill Reports

For years, black women devoted hours and hundreds of dollars to relaxing their hair. But sales of the chemical products used to straighten hair have been declining in the African-American hair-care market. One estimate predicts chemical relaxers will make up the smallest percentage of the market by 2020.

This is due in large part to a movement toward more natural hair styles that began in the early 2000s. Braids, sew-ins, afros and other natural hair styles that used to be seen by many as “too ethnic,” are now being embraced.

Salons throughout the country are now focusing on natural hair style options and are teaching women how to care for and protect their natural locks.

At Marimarshe Salon in Chicago’s south loop, cosmetologist Gabrielle Flowers specializes in natural hair and extensions, encouraging all women to embrace their roots.