After the Civil War when African American women began to think more of themselves than slaves, the art of becoming more was much more difficult. Because many of the women were poor and didn’t have ready access to water, they had a struggles when it came to regular hygiene.

Water was something individuals had to carry from a creek or well, which meant bathing and hair washing was relegated to many once a week. This resulted in hair diseases and loss of hair.

Madam CJ Walker , who was born shortly after slavery ended, had problems with her hair. She suffered from scalp diseases that made her hair fall out. This problem set her on the path to change the lives of African American women and how they saw themselves. She wanted them to feel beautiful, have self respect and uplift the race.

In the month of April we will examine African American beauty.