Before Black haircare became a billion-dollar industry, two mavericks set the stage—Annie Malone and Madam C.J. Walker. These beauty mavens didn’t just create hair products; they built empires, empowered women, and transformed haircare into a path to success.
At The Unbraider, we celebrate pioneers who make haircare easier, more efficient, and accessible—just like these two trailblazers did. Let’s dive into how their legacies still shape the industry today.
Annie Malone: The Original Haircare Maven
In the early 1900s, Black women had few options for hair products made specifically for them. Enter Annie Malone, a visionary chemist who formulated "Wonderful Hair Grower", one of the first hair treatments designed for textured hair.
But Malone wasn’t just about hair—she was about opportunity. She founded Poro College, a beauty school that trained thousands of Black women in both hairstyling and entrepreneurship, creating jobs and financial freedom for so many.
Madam C.J. Walker: The First Self-Made Millionaire
Starting as a sales agent for Annie Malone, Madam C.J. Walker took what she learned and built an empire of her own. She introduced the Walker System, which focused on scalp care and healthy hair growth, revolutionizing haircare routines.
Walker’s genius wasn’t just in her products—it was in her business model. She trained Black women to become independent sales agents, giving them financial independence. Her impact made her the first self-made woman millionaire in the U.S. and a beacon of Black entrepreneurship.
Their Legacy Lives On
🔥 Annie Malone established Poro College, equipping Black women with skills to build their own businesses.
🔥 Madam C.J. Walker created a sales model that empowered thousands of women to gain financial freedom.
🔥 Their influence still shapes every Black-owned beauty brand today—including ours.
What Their Legacy Means Today
From innovative hair products to groundbreaking beauty tools, Black entrepreneurs continue to build on the foundation these mavens laid. Brands like Carol’s Daughter, SheaMoisture, Camille Rose, and Mielle Organics carry on their mission of providing high-quality haircare designed for us.
At The Unbraider, we’re proud to follow in their footsteps—making haircare faster, easier, and more efficient so you can spend less time taking down braids and more time embracing your next look.
Sources:
National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC)
