As we continue our Black History Month celebration, we are delighted to honor Marjorie Joyner, an inventor, businesswoman, and educator who transformed the beauty industry. Best known for inventing the permanent wave machine, Marjorie Joyner’s groundbreaking work redefined hair styling for Black women, creating a legacy that extended beyond beauty into entrepreneurship, education, and civil rights advocacy.
Her influence didn’t just shape haircare—she helped empower Black beauty professionals, create economic opportunities, and elevate Black excellence in the beauty industry.
Early Life & Path to Beauty Innovation
Born on October 24,1896 in Monterey, Virginia, Marjorie Joyner grew up in a time when beauty standards and opportunities for Black women were heavily restricted. Determined to make an impact, she enrolled in the A.B. Molar Beauty School in Chicago, becoming the first Black woman to graduate from the institution.
After entering the beauty industry, Marjorie Joyner became a protégé of Madam C.J. Walker, the legendary beauty entrepreneur who built a self-made empire catering to Black hair. Working closely with Walker, Joyner helped expand beauty education and business opportunities for Black women, cementing herself as a key figure in the evolution of Black beauty entrepreneurship.
Marjorie Joyner poses with her students from Madame Walker Beauty School, 1925
Inventing the Permanent Wave Machine & Transforming Haircare
Marjorie Joyner’s most famous contribution to the beauty industry was her permanent wave machine, which she patented in 1928. Inspired by a pot roast she was cooking (which used metal rods to conduct heat), Marjorie Joyner developed a device that allowed hair to be curled and straightened more efficiently.
This machine was a game-changer, making it easier for women—especially Black women—to achieve long-lasting, elegant curls without the constant use of hot irons. This breakthrough not only saved time and improved styling techniques but also modernized salon services, increasing business efficiency for hair professionals across the world.
Although Marjorie Joyner’s patent was owned by her employer at the time, she continued to pioneer advancements in haircare and business development, advocating for better opportunities for Black beauty professionals.
Beauty, Business, and Advocacy
Beyond her invention, Marjorie Joyner was a powerful force in beauty education and business leadership. She helped establish over 200 beauty schools across the country, ensuring that Black women had access to high-quality training and economic independence in the beauty industry.
She also played a key role in the formation of the United Beauty School Owners and Teachers Association (UBSOTA), an organization dedicated to advancing education and business opportunities for Black cosmetologists. Marjorie Joyner worked closely with the National Council of Negro Women, using her platform to advocate for civil rights, business ownership, and economic empowerment within Black communities.
Her impact stretched far beyond salons—she used beauty as a tool for empowerment and progress! Start a conversation below and let us know how Marjorie Joyner's impact on the hair and beauty industry has inspired you!
References:
https://visit.archives.gov/whats-on/explore-exhibits/national-inventors-day-marjorie-s-joyner
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marjorie_Joyner