The Trial Lawyer Winter 2022 | Page 62

Historically , the idea that straighter hair textures were “ good hair ” began during slavery and permeates throughout generations still to this day . This narrative drove Black men and women to extremely hazardous lengths to achieve Eurocentric beauty standards . Although alternative methods to chemical hair straighteners existed , like pressing combs or hot combs , these techniques were temporary fixes . For example , kinky curly hair that is pressed would shrivel or shrink up if ever in contact with water or humidity , returning to its natural state . A more permanent solution was sought and ultimately created in the 1900s by Garrett Augustus Morgan , an African American inventor . Morgan paved the way for what is now a multi-million dollar industry .
Chemical Straightener Use
A relaxer is a chemical treatment , usually in the form of a cream or lotion , that straightens curly / coarse hair by breaking down the bonds in the hair shaft . To achieve a straighter look , the relaxer is applied to the root or base of the hair and left in for a period of time to allow the chemicals to fully take effect . Once set , the chemicals in relaxers break down the protein structure in curly hair
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