# @squarerootacademy on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CaAzoE2hIhm
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/21311331-squarerootacademy-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/307e55cd2d.jpg
- **Posted:** 2022-02-15T21:12:50.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Square Root Academy (@squarerootacademy) — https://gondola.cc/squarerootacademy

## Caption

Lyda Newman was a trailblazing inventor, who patented the first hairbrush with synthetic bristles. Being a Black woman and hairdresser, Lyda decided to improve the hairbrush design as most hairbrushes at the time were made using animal hair, a material too soft for African American hair. Wanting a more hygienic and efficient process, Lydia designed a brush using synthetic fibers which were more durable and easier to clean. This design also contained evenly spaced rows of bristles with open slots to clear debris away from the hair into a recessed compartment, which could be cleaned out by opening the back with a button. She received a patent for her invention on November 15, 1898, making her the third Black woman to ever receive a patent. Her invention revolutionized the hair-care industry, making hair brushes less expensive and easier to manufacture. Lydia Newman paved the way for other Black innovators in the hair care industry such as  "Madam C.J. Walker," and Marjorie Joyner. Aside from inventing, Newman is also known for her Woman’s Suffrage activism. Hair for African Americans has always stood as a symbol for activism as African Americans have faced much adversity regarding their hair. In some cases it is the catalyst for change itself such as The CROWN Act. The CROWN Act stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair. This law adds natural and protective hairstyles to California's anti-discrimination laws in the workplace, at school and in public accommodations. Prohibiting race-based hair discrimination because of hair texture or protective hairstyles including braids, locs, twists or bantu knots. Please check out thecrownact to learn more! So while we take the time to see how far we’ve come this Black History Month, let’s also acknowledge those fighting for how far we still have to go. 

#blackhistorymonth #lydanewman #thecrownact #inventor #steam #stem #steameducation #stemeducation #innovation #hairbrush #naturalhair #916  #sacramento #sacramentononprofit

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## Tags

naturalhair, thecrownact, stem, steam, steameducation, sacramento, hairbrush, innovation, stemeducation, 916, sacramentononprofit, inventor, lydanewman, blackhistorymonth

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