Know your Roots – GoodHair Straight Out of Brooklyn (Illinois) Thanks to Annie Minerva Turnbo

The Cut — Good Hair Don’t Go There! — During the late 19th century, African American women used soap, goose fat, and heavy oils to straighten their hair. Chemical straighteners often damaged the scalp and hair follicles. While living in (Brooklyn), Illinois, around the turn of the century, Annie Minerva Turnbo developed a chemical product that straightened African American hair without damage.

In 1902, Malone moved her business to St. Louis, Missouri, where she hired and trained three assistants. As black women, they were denied access to traditional distribution systems, so they sold the products door-to-door and provided free demonstrations.

During the 1904 World’s Fair, Malone opened a retail outlet. By 1910, distribution had expanded nationally. One of her Malone’s recruits was Madame C.J. Walker, a former washerwoman who eventually founded her own company with similar beauty products and distribution.

However, historians credit Malone with having developed her products and distribution system first. Malone trademarked Poro, a new name for her product and merchandising systems in 1906. (Poro is a West African word for an organization dedicated to disciplining and enhancing the body spiritually and physically.)

Read more and follow the roots via Annie Malone – Brooklyn Legends

Thanks to Sofn’free’s Will Williams for giving us the buzz behind the buzz live and podcast on DryerBuzz & Company Great “Good Hair Don’t Go There” Debates, Sunday October 11, 2009

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