What a time to be alive. At last count, there were almost 60 Black-owned hair care lines. Tracee Ellis Ross’s Pattern Beauty and Beyoncé’s Cecred are just two of the latest.
In the late 19th century, Annie Malone saw the transformative potential of Black hair. She recognized the unique hair needs of Black women and turned her passion for hair care into a school, a business, and a product line.
Born Sarah Breedlove, Madam CJ Walker revolutionized hair care for Black women in the early 20th century. Her products were designed to moisturize and strengthen hair. She changed the game so much that her products made her the first Black woman to become a millionaire.
Nobia A. Franklin, a talented entrepreneur and hair care enthusiast, also created homemade hair products for Black women. After receiving overwhelming praise from her clients, she opened a salon in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1916.
Black folks have always excelled at creating our own spaces and caring for our hair. We’ve learned to celebrate our unique beauty while building our own supportive community. So next time you see a Black-owned salon or haircare brand, remember it's not just about looking good — it's about reclaiming our space and controlling our own narrative strands.