← PHOTO GALLERY: The Business of Black Haircare

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By Sonja Mack | Published July 28, 2010 | Full size is 500 × 320 pixels

Even before the beginning of the 20th Century, African Americans were at the forefront of the haircare business. In 1898, Lyda Newman, an African American New York resident, patented a new and improved hair brush. In fact, some historians claimed Newman invented the first brush with synthetic bristles. (Image: The Newman hair brush)

Even before the beginning of the 20th Century, African Americans were at the forefront of…