From Ancient Times to the 20th Century: A Brief History of the Hair Pick
Hair grooming gadgets that would later evolve into the hair pick have been in use since ancient times. Combs and hairbrushes made of animal bones, ivory, and even gold were used by different cultures for various reasons, including religious and practical purposes. However, the hair pick as we know it today wasn’t invented until the early 20th century, and it took a while to become popular.
1910-1940: The Early Years of the Hair Pick
The first hair pick that looked similar to the modern ones was invented in the early 1900s by a Chicago-based inventor named Jack Love. His pick had long, thin teeth that could penetrate deep into curly or kinky hair without causing damage. Love marketed his invention as a tool to detangle and style Afro-textured hair, which was often considered unmanageable and unprofessional in the mainstream beauty industry at the time.
Love’s hair pick became popular among Black communities in the US, who used it as a symbol of empowerment and self-expression. However, it wasn’t until the 1940s, when the Black beauty industry began to grow, that the hair pick started to appear in beauty supply stores and salons. Many hair pick models were created, some even having retractable teeth and folding features to make them portable.
The 1970s: The Golden Age of the Afro Pick
In the 1970s, the hair pick became a cultural phenomenon, especially among the African American community. Black celebrities, such as Diana Ross and Michael Jackson, made the iconic Afro hairstyle popular, which required frequent and careful use of the hair pick. The Afro pick became a fashion accessory, with some models being decorated with jewels, beads, and feathers. The term “pick” even became synonymous with the Afro hairstyle.
The 21st Century: The Hair Pick Goes Mainstream
As the natural hair movement gained momentum in the early 2000s, the hair pick became a popular tool among people of all races and hair types. In addition to detangling and styling curly hair, hair picks could also be used to add volume, prevent frizz, and distribute hair products evenly. Companies that focus on natural hair care, such as Cantu and Shea Moisture, offer hair picks as part of their product lines, and some high-end brands, such as Mason Pearson, produce luxury hair picks made of high-quality materials like tortoiseshell and ivory.
The Timeless Appeal of the Hair Pick
Despite its long and storied history, the hair pick remains a simple yet versatile hair tool that is convenient, affordable, and effective. While it has gone through many changes and iterations over the years, the hair pick’s original purpose of detangling and styling unruly hair has remained the same. It’s safe to say that the hair pick will continue to be an essential part of the hair care routine for many generations to come.
