Lyda D. Newman: Whipped Hair and Women’s Rights

Lyda D. Newman
1885 – unknown
Photo source: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/133599307/lyda-d.-newman

Recently, we’ve been witnessing an increase in the avalibility of black haircare products beyond the ‘beauty supply’. I remember when I was in college in Columbia, MO, I used to either have to order online or make a 2 hour drive home to Saint Louis for haircare products.

Now ? Nearly everyone has a haircare line that focuses on black hair, and we aren’t limited to going to the beauty supply anymore. Even lines that historically focused on non-black haircare have been marketing products to us as they’ve seen great demand in consumer purchasing habits. Black-owned lines such as Camille Rose, Miellé Organics, Melanin, plus many others can now be found in our local Target or Walmart. We even have well-known black celebrity women like Gabrielle Union, Tracey Ellis Ross, and Taraji P. Henson have launching their own haircare lines.

However, the need for access to black haircare products is not a new one. There was a woman who paved the way for the women and black haircare lines listed above, and no, I’m not talking about Madame C.J. Walker, although she’s great. Today’s Black HERo of focus is Lyda Newman.

Lyda Newman was originally born in the year of 1885 in Ohio, but eventually relocated to New York in pursuit of improving her life beyond the limitations of Ohio.

At the young age of 13, her hairbrush design was patented. Newmans brush designed centered the needs of black hair by using synthetic bristles. This contrasts to earlier brush designs which made use of animal hair. Additionally, this brush had increased drying time due to Newman developing air flow chambers for the brush.

The benefits of using Newmans brush included:

1. Easier cleaning

2. Longevity due to synthetic bristles

3. The bristles could be removed and replaced

4. Financially accessible due to use of synthetic materials.

5. Higher production and manufacture

This is an incredible vision and innovation, especially at the age of 13.

Newman’s contribution to the world did not end with her brush; she also went on to fight for the right for women to vote during the Women’s Suffrage movement. She worked as a campaigner in New York and as a writer.

This leader is an advocate and an innovator. We honor you Lyda D. Newman.

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