Black beauty has always been about more than just hair and skincare—it’s about resilience, creativity, and empowerment. From barbershops to beauty brands, Black pioneers have shaped not only how we care for ourselves but also how we see ourselves. This Black History Month, we want to take a moment to honor the barbers, entrepreneurs, and innovators whose legacies continue to inspire and uplift our communities.
Step into any Black barbershop, and you’ll feel it—the energy, the laughter, the storytelling, the unspoken bond between barber and client. These spaces have always been more than just places to get a fresh cut. They’ve been hubs for business, activism, and community.
Photo courtesy of the San Diego History Center, Baynard Collection.
In the 19th century, racism and segregation laws kept Black barbers from serving Black clients, and forced them to work exclusively for white patrons. Instead of accepting those limits, they carved out their own paths. Black barbers fought to open their own shops, creating businesses that offered financial independence, built generational wealth, and provided safe spaces where the community could gather and grow.
One of the most influential figures in Black barbering was Henry M. Morgan, who, in 1934, founded Tyler Barber College—one of the first institutions dedicated to training Black barbers. At the time, a barber’s license was required to work, but Black trainees had little to no access to formal education. Morgan changed that, giving thousands of Black men the skills, knowledge, and certification they needed to build successful careers.
Henry Miller Morgan, founder of Tyler Barber College
Another major pioneer was Willie Lee Morrow—a barber, inventor, and entrepreneur whose innovations reshaped Black hair care. In the 1960s, he revolutionized styling with the Afro Pick, a tool that became a cultural symbol of pride and identity during the Black Power Movement. As a self-taught chemist, he created a range of products, but beyond his inventions, Morrow was a dedicated educator and community leader. Through Morrow’s Hair Lab, he trained thousands of barbers and stylists, ensuring Black professionals had the skills and knowledge to succeed. He also worked with the U.S. military, developing haircare solutions for Black soldiers.
Photo by Cheryl Morrow / Los Angeles Times
By the 1950s and 60s, barbershops had become more than just businesses—they were central to the Civil Rights Movement. Activists gathered there to strategize, organize voter registration drives, and have conversations about racial justice. Barbers weren’t just cutting hair; they were fostering discussions that shaped history.
The 70s and 80s brought a wave of cultural expression, and barbershops became the epicenter of Black style and identity. Afros, fades, intricate hair designs—each style was a reflection of pride, creativity, and individuality. At the same time, Black-owned beauty brands expanded, creating products tailored to curly and coily hair, filling a long-overdue gap in the market.
By the 90s, hip-hop had taken over, and with it came a new wave of influence on hair and grooming. Rappers, athletes, and entertainers set trends that barbers across the country replicated daily. The barbershop, already a cultural institution, became even more ingrained in pop culture.
Today, the barbershop remains a vital part of the community—a space for haircuts, but so much more. From the historic barbershops that built communities to the trailblazing beauty pioneers who redefined haircare, Black leaders have left an indelible mark on the industry. Their contributions continue to inspire new generations of hairstylists, barbers, and beauty brand founders, reminding us that Black beauty is, and always will be, a movement of power, pride, and progress.
Contributor: Elise Burnett