Ethnic minorities have long been underserved when it comes to hair care, but Mayvenn is challenging how black Americans are catered to both as consumers and as professionals. It’s allowing salon owners and stylists to guide and sell directly to clients who they once might have sent elsewhere.

Hair bias is an issue that affects black women all over the globe, especially in professional environments. A World Afro Day ad campaign reaches out to them by celebrating afros in all their natural glory, and by challenging social attitudes that pervade much of society, which result in discrimination.

The natural hair movement has seen many black women cast off their wigs, weaves and relaxers, yet the media’s focus on women with longer, looser curls has been obvious. Now, women are proudly opting for shorter, natural styles. How will this impact the black beauty industry?

From the record-breaking Black Panther, to viral ‘Black Twitter’ memes, it’s clear that black Americans are cultural catalysts. Canvas8 talks to Jerome Williams, marketing professor at Rutgers University and founder of Walker & Company, Tristan Walker, about how black Americans are influencing culture.