The first hair care products (HCP) used in the world were the brush and comb, to keep hair tidy. It is said that the inventor was Lydia O Newman, who created the first hairbrush in 1865. The range of HCP has been expanding since the invention of the brush and comb. HCPs such as hairspray, hair loss products (= HL) and hair dyes are developed to meet hair styling and care needs, especially women’s hair, as women care about their HCP more than anyone. Women also use more HCP than men. Therefore, the HCP market is entirely targeted at women.
Another key figure behind the invention of hair care products is Mrs. CJ Walker, who was an inventor and entrepreneur. She was the pioneer behind the products for HL. The main cause for inventing HL products began when she experienced HL herself. She suffered from a scalp ailment that gradually caused her to lose her hair and naturally sought out many HL products to treat the condition. She experimented with many HCPs and products for HL, but sadly there was no cure for her at the time.
Later, he worked as a sales agent for hair growers. Later, she realized that there was a possibility to market the HL products, especially among black women, so she started her own HCP line and marketed the HL products with the help of her husband. Among the HCPs invented by Madam CJ Walker was Wonderful Hair Grower. It is a hair conditioner that is used with a hot comb.
To promote her hair care products, especially the NS products, she spoke to people and gave free demos and samples to women, so they could experience magic like she did. He had a broader vision: to expand his HCP to a higher level, so he opened a university dedicated to the research of HCP and hair loss products, known as Lelia College in 1908. The university also served as a platform to educate to more young people about the importance of HCP, and to develop more products for HL for the market according to the needs of the community.
When he passed away, he left his legacy of HCP, especially HL products, to be improved by the younger generation, so there will be even more effective HCP and hair loss products.