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9 Black Inventors Who Made Hair History

These history-makers hold patents for hair tools we still use today.

Published on February 3, 2021

Garrett A. Morgan (1877-1963)

Before hist traffic light and gas mask inventions, Garrett Morgan invented what could be considered the first hair relaxer. Morgan accidentally created a chemical in that straightened fabric while he working on the sewing machine he had previously patented. Using the notion that hair is like a fabric, he applied the cream to natural hair, finding that it made hair less curly and easier to straighten.

He patented that innovation, along with a black oil hair dye and a curved tooth version of the hot comb hair straightener in 1910. 1913, launched the G.A. Morgan Hair Refining company which houses and sold his hair refiner inventions.

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Stephenetta (isis) Harmon

Stephenetta Harmon is a Black beauty editor, curator, and digital media and communications expert who builds platforms to celebrate the power, impact, and business of Black beauty. Prior to founding Sadiaa Black Beauty Guide, she served as editor-in-chief for the MN Spokesman-Recorder and digital media director for Hype Hair. Find her at stephenetta.com.