Lyda Newman

Lyda D. Newman’s invention revolutionized haircare in the late 19th century.

During this period, hairbrushes were made from animal hair that was difficult to clean and did not work for all hair types. With her experience as a hairdresser, Lyda made a groundbreaking solution: a hairbrush design that was more durable, easier to clean, and was effective on thicker hair. 

She received the patent for the first hairbrush with synthetic bristles in 1898. Lyda’s invention utilized synthetic fibers, evenly spaced rows of bristles, and a removable compartment for cleaning. This ultimately made hairbrushes less expensive, more convenient, and easier to manufacture.

She is credited with paving the way for other Black inventors in the hair care industry, such as Madam C.J. Walker and Marjorie Joyner. She is also recognized for her role as a suffragist in the early 20th century, fighting for women’s right to vote. 

There is little official documentation or images of Lyda, who was born in Ohio between 1865 and 1885. Census records show she spent most of her life living and working in New York City as a hairdresser. Her exact date of death is also unknown, but is believed to be 1925 or later.