Keep Learning All Year Long: Black History Month in the Hair and Beauty Industry

2 min

Keep Learning All Year Long: Black History Month in the Hair and Beauty Industry

The origin of Black History Month can be traced back to devoted historian Carter G. Woodson, who helped to initiate its first iteration–a week-long observance in 1915. His passion and efforts eventually led to the creation of Black History Month in 1976. And since then, every February, all over the United States (and now in several countries around the world!), we recognise the contributions and achievements of Black people throughout history, from politics and activism to business and innovation to science, art and culture. 

From Madame C.J. Walker, beauty entrepreneur, inventor, and one of the first self-made millionaires in history, to activist and writer Angela Davis and her revolutionary afro, the legacy of Black people is interwoven throughout the history of hair and beauty. Black History Month is an opportunity to applaud this legacy past and living–the trailblazers, visionaries, and icons. It is also a chance to celebrate Black hair and beauty traditions and appreciate the long-standing influence of Black culture on the wider world of hair and beauty. With this, we are also reminded of the work still to be done to end hair discrimination and to make salons truly inclusive spaces for all clients and hair types. 

Here are just a few articles, books, podcasts and more to get you started.

Hopefully, they can serve as inspiration for further learning all year long. 

Read: Articles

Read: Books

Watch

The Black Beauty Effect, Documentary

Listen: Podcasts

Get Involved:

Join the Fight to End Hair Discrimination or Start the Conversation in Your Local Area 

Celebrate World Afro Day on the 15th of September


World Afro Day is a global day of change, education and celebration of Afro hair, culture and identity. Everyone is welcome on this journey.”


Image: [Salon] 718 in Brooklyn, New York

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