Beat the Pink Tax: Empowering Black Women to Overcome Unfair Pricing.

Experts recommend that Black women use male or gender-neutral products to avoid the pink tax and fight against price discrimination.

The pink tax remains a significant issue for women, especially Black women who encounter additional challenges due to gender and racial pay gaps. This form of price discrimination, where products and services marketed to women are more expensive than those for men, impacts a wide range of items, from personal care products to clothing.

While some states have enacted laws against gender-based price hikes for services, in-store products largely remain unregulated. According to 21Ninety, women spend up to $1,300 more annually on pink tax items than men, despite earning less. This issue is particularly burdensome for Black women, who face lower purchasing power due to wage gaps. In her new report, “The Crisis of Low Wages,” Oxfam America senior researcher Kaitlyn Henderson shared findings with BLACK ENTERPRISE revealing that a larger percentage of Black Americans, especially Black women, earn less than their counterparts nationwide. The report highlights that 35% of Black women earn low wages, compared to 29% of Black men, 25.9% of white women, and 17.4% of white men.

To combat the pink tax, Black women can employ several strategies. Opting for men’s versions of products like razors and deodorants can be more cost-effective. According to a January report by Rocket Money, some online companies, especially in the razor industry, have successfully implemented gender-neutral pricing. Comparing prices across different businesses and opting for generic versions over name brands can also result in savings. It’s essential to examine product quantities and ingredients, as women’s products may offer less for the same price. Advocating for equal pricing is another key approach. Experts suggest, “If you’re getting your clothes professionally cleaned and notice a price difference, ask if you can be charged the rate for men’s clothes.”

Currently, New York, California, and Miami-Dade County in Florida have laws banning price discrimination. New York’s law prohibits charging different prices for “substantially similar” goods based on gender. California’s 2023 law also bans gender-based price discrimination, allowing exceptions only if there are significant differences in production costs or time.

If you are dissatisfied with existing policies, you can contact your elected representatives to voice your concerns about the pink tax.