Autumn Spears
Black Hair History
The Pioneers
Resources
Self Made, 2020
Recently Netflix released a series inspired by the life and career of Madame C.J. Walker. I finished the season a little while ago, and I would definitely recommend the series. It does a good job of documenting the hardships Walker faced in addition to the risks she too to build her empire. The show also does well in highlighting issues like racism, colorism, and sexism.
Good Hair, 2009
It's absolutely crazy to think that this film came out 11 years ago but it is still very relevant as it relates black hair. Comedian Chris Rock goes to great lengths to explore the practices, products, and ideologies regarding black hair surrounding the social constructs of having "good hair". The film is has a very humorous way of exploring the deep issues regarding black hair.
Black Hair Timeline
Here is a brief timeline documenting the history of black hair considering the knowledge of it, products, practices, ideologies, styles, and meanings associated with have changed so much over the centuries.
YouTube Videos
100 Years of Black Hair I Allure
Allure
Black Women React to 90s Hair Products
As/Is
The History of Black Hair
Why Black hair Is Different
Chime (HairCrush)
As/Is
Annie Turnbo Malone
(August 9th, 1869 - May 10th, 1957)
Developed hair products that straightened black hair without damaging it. She developed a popular hair growth product and patented a pressing comb that is still used today. In 1902 she founded Poro College Company, which was a cosmetology school and developed a brand of products called the "Poro system" which valued itself on scalp cleaning and nourishing. Her Poro brand soared making her one of the wealthiest black women of her times, despite being the daughter of enslaved parents.
Madame C.J. Walker
(December 23rd, 1867 - May 25th, 1919)
Was the daughter of enslaved parents and former employee of Annie Turnbo Malone. In 1905, Walker developed her own line of products including a hair grower, glossine, and pressing oil. In 1908, she opened a school in Pittsburgh, PA called Leila College where she taught women how to become "hair culturists". She was the first self made female millionaire. She also popularized the press and curl style.
