The hairbrush, a seemingly simple tool, is an integral part of our daily lives. While many may not give it a second thought, the evolution of the hairbrush is a fascinating story of innovation. Although pinpointing the inventor of the very first hairbrush is difficult due to unreliable records, Lyda Newman stands out as a creative Black female inventor who patented the first hairbrush with synthetic bristles.
Lyda D. Newman (fl. 1892-1925) was more than just an inventor; she was a hairdresser and an activist for women's suffrage. Her birth and death dates remain unknown, but census records suggest she was born in Ohio around 1885. She was the third Black woman to ever receive a patent. Beyond her work as an inventor, Newman was known for her advocacy for human rights. She was deeply involved in her community and stood up for her beliefs.
Newman also appears to have worked with hair in Newport, Rhode Island, during the summer season. An advertisement in the Newport Daily News from July 20, 1885, mentions "Lyda Newman, of New York. Hair and Scalp Specialist, Begs to announce that she has arrived for her ninth season in Newport and will be glad to receive calls from those desiring treatment. My original method of magnetic manipulation positively cures nervous exhaustion. Shampooing a specialty."
Lyda Newman's journey to improve the hairbrush design stemmed from her experiences as a Black woman and a hairdresser in New York City. As a hairdresser, she was looking for a more efficient way to fix her clients’ hair. She recognized the need for a more hygienic and efficient tool, especially for Black women.
In the nineteenth century, the brushes commonly used were made from animal hair, such as boar's hair. These brushes were often too soft to effectively manage the naturally thick and textured hair of Black women. Moreover, these brushes were difficult to clean and maintain, raising hygiene concerns.
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In 1898, Lyda Newman received a patent for her innovative hairbrush design. Her invention featured evenly spaced rows of bristles made from synthetic materials. This was a significant departure from the animal hair bristles that were standard at the time. The synthetic bristles were firmer, more durable, and easier to clean, making them ideal for use on textured hair. They also proved to be more durable and long-lasting.
According to Blackpast, Newman’s interest in making this newly designed hairbrush began when she would do her hair and started doing other women’s hair after moving to New York. In search to find a more efficient way to fix her clients’ hair, Newman invented the new hairbrush style.
Newman's hairbrush design also incorporated open slots to clear debris away from the hair and into a recessed compartment in the brush back. This allowed for easy removal of trapped hair, dirt, and impurities, making the brush more sanitary. The brush that Lyda Newman created was more sanitary and efficient for use. With Newman's innovative brush, impurities pulled from the scalp or hair would pass through the openings or slots in the brush to a recess in the back. The impurities could then be emptied from the brush by disconnecting the holder and dumping or blowing them out. Easy access to the bristles also permitted the user to clean them out whenever necessary. The back could be opened with a button for cleaning out the compartment.
Furthermore, Newman’s brush was also unique because it had an air chamber that allowed airflow to the bristles, which helped the brush dry much faster.
Her patent, number 614,335, was filed on July 11, 1898, and granted on November 14, 1898. The hairbrush she invented was described in her patent as "simple and durable in construction" and being "very effective when in use."
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Lyda Newman’s invention changed the hair-care industry by making hairbrushes less expensive and easier to manufacture. By making all of these changes to the brush and adding synthetic materials, the new hairbrush was cheaper and easier to manufacture. Her design paved the way for other Black inventors to revolutionize hair care. In fact, according to Ebony, because Lyda Newman’s hairbrush straightened hair at a cost- effective price and was easy to manufacture, she is often credited for paving the way for beauty entrepreneurs like Madam C.J. Walker.
Modern hairbrushes still use Newman's design, with the only changes being aesthetic. Lyda's invention changed the hair-care industry, due to the fact that her design made hairbrushes less expensive, easier to manufacture, and effective to use on textured hair.
Beyond her contributions to the hair care industry, Lyda Newman was an active participant in the women's suffrage movement in the early 20th century. She was one of the leading people behind the organization known as women’s suffrage. This organization helped women in need and provided free education and shelter to homeless individuals.
Newman is also remembered for her women’s rights advocacy. By 1915 Newman was highlighted in multiple newspapers for her suffrage work. She was one of the organizers of an African American branch of the Woman Suffrage Party which fought to give women the legal right to vote.
On August 29, 1915, The New York Times noted under "Suffrage Centre for Negroes", "The Woman Suffrage Party is to open a suffrage headquarters for colored people at 207 West Sixty-third Street on Wednesday. This will be in charge of Miss Lyda Newman, who is doing excellent work for suffrage among her own people. The headquarters will be gayly decorated with suffrage posters, flags and streamers." On Thursday, September 2, 1915, The New York Times followed up with a second news blurb under "Negro Suffrage Headquarters", "Headquarters for the work of the negro suffragists were opened at 207 West Sixty-third Street last evening with a big open-air meeting outside the building. Miss Lyda D. Newman is in charge of the work, and will continue canvasing and organizing street meetings through the thirteenth Assembly District from now until election day. Dr. Mary Halton and Miss Portia Willis were among the speakers last evening."
Newman registered the trademark 'VIDACABELLO' in 1894, in the Official Gazette of the United States Patent Office, Trademark number 25,022 is noted as "VIDACABELLO, 'A PREPARATION FOR THE HAIR AND SCALP.' LYDA D. NEWMAN, New York, N.Y. Filed June 19, 1894.
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