Black Haircare Didn’t Start with TikTok Trends—Meet the Pioneers Who Built the Industry

Black Haircare Didn’t Start with TikTok Trends—Meet the Pioneers Who Built the Industry

Before the big beauty brands realized the power of Black hair, before influencers were racking up millions of views with twist-out tutorials, there were two women who laid the foundation: Madam C.J. Walker and Annie Turnbo Malone.

These two women didn’t just create hair products—they built empires in an era when Black women were rarely given the opportunity to own businesses, let alone thrive in them. Their innovation and determination shaped the Black beauty industry as we know it today.

The OG Beauty Moguls: Annie Malone & Madam C.J. Walker

Annie Malone: The Original Haircare Boss

Before Madam C.J. Walker became a household name, there was Annie Turnbo Malone. Born in 1869, she developed and sold a product line called "Poro"—one of the first successful Black-owned haircare brands. She trained thousands of Black women in cosmetology, giving them careers when few options were available.

Her business was so successful that she opened Poro College in 1918, a beauty school and business training center for Black women. She was one of the first Black female millionaires, but her contributions are often overshadowed.

Madam C.J. Walker: America’s First Female Self-Made Millionaire

Madam C.J. Walker took Black haircare to another level. After experiencing hair loss, she experimented with hair treatments and developed the Madam C.J. Walker’s Wonderful Hair Grower, which became a massive success.

Her business model? Direct sales. She trained thousands of Walker Agents—women who went door-to-door selling her products and offering hair services. By 1919, her empire was worth over $1 million (that’s about $15 million today).

She didn’t just sell products—she empowered Black women through economic independence, philanthropy, and education.

Why Their Legacy Still Matters

They created the blueprint for modern Black-owned beauty brands.

They empowered Black women financially when jobs were scarce.

They proved that Black hair deserves products tailored to its needs.


Today, brands like Mielle Organics, Melanin Haircare, and Pattern Beauty continue their mission—creating products for us, by us.

How to Honor Their Legacy Today

1. Support Black-owned hair brands whenever possible.


2. Educate yourself on Black hair history—because knowledge is power.


3. Embrace your natural beauty and celebrate the versatility of Black hair.

 

👑 Our crowns have always been worthy of care. Let’s continue the legacy.

Back to blog