Introduction

                                                      For many women, hair care is an absolute essential. Quality of hair is often valued by women and looked at as an important factor in appearance and self esteem. For African American women before the end of slavery, tending to hair was put a side due to working conditions that damaged hair, as well as lack of products available to treat damaged hair. After the abolishment of slavery, women could begin to focus on making a living in a white dominated American society. However, black women’s hair was left frazzled, brittle, and not that of the social acceptable straight hair of whites. Thanks to Madam C.J. Walker, a true pioneer for women’s hair and beauty products, black women’s appearance began to change for the better. Women were given a chance to have improved hair, a boost in self esteem, and much more as a result of Walker’s accomplishments.