This Black History Month, we celebrate the hairstylists, innovators, and entrepreneurs who shaped the Black hair industry. Their contributions laid the foundation for today’s stylists, product developers, and beauty entrepreneurs.
Annie Turnbo Malone (1877–1957)
Founder of Poro College, Innovator in Haircare
Before Madam C.J. Walker, Annie Turnbo Malone was a chemist and businesswoman who developed and marketed some of the first commercial Black hair products. She created the Poro System, a line of products designed to nourish and style Black hair without harsh chemicals. Her Poro College trained thousands of Black women in cosmetology and business, setting a precedent for Black entrepreneurship.
Madam C.J. Walker (1867–1919)
First Self-Made Female Millionaire in America
Perhaps the most well-known Black hair entrepreneur, Madam C.J. Walker built a beauty empire with her “Walker System,” which promoted scalp health and hair growth. She trained over 20,000 women through her beauty schools and salons, empowering them to become hairstylists and entrepreneurs. Walker’s business model inspired countless Black beauty professionals to take control of their financial futures.
Rose Meta Morgan (1912–2008)
Founder of the Rose Meta House of Beauty
In the 1940s, Rose Meta Morgan opened one of the largest Black-owned beauty salons in Harlem. The Rose Meta House of Beauty employed over 30 stylists and provided a luxurious space for Black women to receive high-quality hair services. Morgan was a fierce advocate for professionalism in the industry, helping to elevate hairstyling into a respected career.
Christina Jenkins (1920–2003)
Inventor of the Sew-In Weave
Before sew-ins became a global phenomenon, Christina Jenkins revolutionized hair extensions in the 1950s by patenting the sew-in weave technique. This method allowed hair extensions to be sewn securely onto natural hair, leading to longer-lasting and more natural-looking styles. Today, her innovation remains a staple in protective hairstyling.
These innovators helped shape the Black hair industry and paved the way for so many entrepreneurs that came after them.
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“The International Institute of Cosmetology is an accredited, family owned cosmetology school with campuses in Wethersfield and Plainville, Connecticut. IIC was started in 2002 by Carmelo Gugliotti and his sons with the underlying desire to bring International beauty trends into the Northeast. IIC has grown to be the Leader in Beauty Education, specializing in Hair, Skin, Makeup and Advanced Education. #studyhair #iCANatIIC”