Not only did Annie Malone introduce hair care products that were far gentler than the existing options for Black women, but she also opened up a chain of cosmetology schools to teach women how to care for Black hair.

Madam C.J. Walker, a 20th century entrepreneur, is widely considered to be the first woman to become a self-made millionaire in the United States. Walker made her fortune by selling by selling beauty products specifically designed for Black women. But she learned everything she knew from another Black female entrepreneur: Annie Turnbo Malone.

Malone had made her own fortune by designing beauty products for Black women, specifically to help promote scalp health and hair growth. In 1903, Walker became Malone’s client — and then started her own line of products.

But while C.J.

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