On this 10th day of Black History Month, we honor Lyda D. Newman, a remarkable African-American inventor, hairdresser, and women’s rights activist. Newman is best known for patenting the first hairbrush with synthetic bristles—a design that revolutionized haircare and grooming practices, especially for African-American hair. She was the third Black woman ever to receive a U.S. patent, a milestone in both Black history and women’s history.
The Inventive Mind Behind the Hairbrush
Born around 1885 in Ohio, Lyda Newman moved to New York City, where she worked as a professional hairdresser. While styling her own hair and that of her clients, she saw a need for a more efficient, hygienic, and durable hairbrush.
In 1898, at roughly 13 years old, Newman applied for a U.S. patent and received it on November 15, 1898 (Patent #614,335). Her design included:
- Synthetic bristles that were durable and easy to clean
- A ventilated design to remove debris efficiently
- A detachable back for quick cleaning
Her invention made hairstyling easier, more hygienic, and more accessible, transforming a luxury item into a daily necessity for people of all backgrounds.
Activism and the Fight for Women’s Suffrage
Beyond her innovations in haircare, Newman was an active suffragist. By 1915, she was organizing African-American branches of the Woman Suffrage Party in New York, canvassing her neighborhood, and hosting meetings to advocate for women’s legal right to vote. Her work helped ensure that Black women had a voice in the fight for equality alongside prominent suffragists of the era.
Legacy
Census records from 1920 and 1925 show Newman living on the western side of Manhattan, continuing her work as a professional hairdresser. While little else is known about her later life, her impact is undeniable:
- Her ventilated hairbrush design set the standard for haircare tools still in use today
- Her dedication to women’s rights inspired future generations of activists
- She transformed a simple everyday object into a societal game-changer, merging practicality with innovation
Today, we celebrate Lyda D. Newman not only for her groundbreaking invention but also for her contributions to Black culture, women’s empowerment, and society at large.
Our hair, our edges, and our style would not be the same without her ingenuity. 👑🖤
