We continue sharing comparisons about the history of black haircare to present day advances.
Past: Dishwater was used to rinse the hair. It was velieved that the nutrients in the dishwater would be good for the hair. Present: Water from a filtered system is used to rinse all foreign matter from the hair.
Past: The sunday morning haircut was done on the porch. Custormers would sit on a box or stump, which constituted the first barbershop. Present: There are licensed Barber Shops and Beauty Salons are available to service their clients. Sanitation and sterilization laws are practiced.
Past: Straightening solutions often burned the scalp and caused tears of anguish. Proper rinsing of this chemical was limited, therefore, this chemical was left in the and hair and continued to process. Resulting in broken hair, falling hair, (hair loss) and in some cases baldness. Scalp burns occurred and were slow to heal. Present: Chemical relaxers are available for all hair textures. In addition, there are natural hair relaxers, soy based, phytospecific, brazillian relaxers, etc.
Past: In the late late 1800's - 1920"s, Ms. Annie M. Turnbo Malone created on of the first scalp and hair treatments for Black hair and called it 'Wonderful Hair Grower". It's purpose was to smooth overly curly hair. A business woman, she opened a chain of beauty schools tha taught black cosmetology. She became a millionaire. Present: Today there are numerous companies who offer quality scalp and hair treatments. Some products are more effective than others.
Past: Madame C.J. Walker developed a hot comb to straighten curly hair that replaced the dangerous and damaging method of applying lard to the scalp. She also creaded her own hair pomade, and became one of the first black millionaires. Present: Today there are marcel and electric straightening combs and flat irons available.
Past: The first barber school was established in 1936 in Tyler, TX by Mr. H.M. Morgan. His first school had only four chairs, which expanded at one time, to as many as 13 schools in various cities. The largest school had 27 chairs. Mr. Morgan died in 1964 at 70 years of age. Present: Today there are Barber school throughout the U.S.A and abroad.
Past: The Trichology Institute opens in 1902 in London, England. This Institute is still open today. Present: In the 1990's, The International Institute of Trichology opens in Madison, Alabama, under the direction of the late Dr. Hattie Thompson and Dr. Tariq Madyun. Their professional accreditation and certification was granted by The American Association of Drugless Practitioners. Furthermore, in 1999 the first International Trichology Training Center opened in Arlington, TX under the direction of Dr. Linda Amerson.
Past: A hair and scalp analysis was done by visual inspection by parents. Most slaves did not take their child to a doctor. Present: A Doctor of Trichogy uses two microscopes for an accurate analysis. A polarized microscope and trichoscope is used then an accessment is given, then recommendation for treatments.
In closing, we continue to celebrate the advancements which have been made for beautifying black hair care. As technology continues, a microscopic view looks even deeper for causes and solutions.
References used: 400 Years Without A Comb and Curly Hair by Willie L. Morrow, and Milady's Black Cosmetology by Thomas Hayden and James Williams.
For additional questions, contact Dr. Linda Amerson, world renowned Doctor of Trichology. dramerson@hairandscalpessentials.com www.hairandscalpessentials.com www.facebook.com/DivaDoctor
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