Why do low income neighborhoods have so many beauty parlors?

I drove through Oakland and noticed that almost every block has a beauty parlor, manicure shop, barber shop, hair salon, or something like that. The same is true in the low income areas of LA, DC, and LV--why? I don't see anywhere near as many cosmetic-related businesses in middle and upper class areas...Why do low income neighborhoods have so many beauty parlors?
First I highly doubt that there is a direct link between poverty and the number of beauty parlors in a neighborhood.


But assuming that there is....


Look at it as a community trying to get ahead. People starting businesses at something they know / like to do. The necessary skills can be acquired maybe at home or with little $$ (compared to other types of businesses).


Think of everything involved in opening a business of your own, there is a lot of stuff to do and to think about. Maybe there could be a saturation in the market, but all that would do is force the least efficient businesses to close eventually, and the better ones to remain open. This will teach some people the necessary skills to maybe do something bigger, teach their kids those skills, or simply make their existing business sustainable and make a descent living.


If there are tons of beauty parlors, and they are all open and all make money, then that means that there is enough demand for their services.


Businesses open to make money, and only stay open if they are profitable (unless you are Microsoft and can do Xbox, or something of that magnitude).


So to answer your question : there are that many beauty parlors,etc, because people want to do something on their own, get ahead, and this types of businesses are easier to operate compared to other ventures, easier to open, compared to lets say a restaurant, less costly than many other types of businesses, and maybe theredis enough demand.Why do low income neighborhoods have so many beauty parlors?
Cos they're all ugly ba**ards!
My aunt always said just because you are poor doesn't mean you have to look like it. It may be the only pleasure in life that they have. They can't afford that cruise around the world but they can get a pedicure done.....if that makes them feel good so be it....who are we to judge.
Because they don't have the $ to get a real degree @ a college so they go to beauty school for about 9 months and get a license to do hair. (not to say that's the reason for everyone)
Well, typically people live in low-income neighborhoods for a reason - they don't possess the knowledge of how to advance in life financially, or don't want to.





So, their line of thought is: My life is my life, and nothings changing, for the better; I might as well look pretty.
This is interesting, Perhaps certain racial groups are more into the importance grooming and presentation, at both the higher and lower end. I have not noticed the same thing here in Australia though...
Hmmm. I never thought about that. There must be a demand for such services and the commercial rent is low.
property might be cheaper in those areas. and cosmetology is a fairly easy training area for someone who is interested in opening a business and starting a company. but like you said there are so many it is a difficult business to get ahead in , and there are beauty salons or spas in every neighborhood not just in low income areas.
because gang bangers wanna look goood

zits