In 1909, a Black American entrepreneur named Garrett Morgan was trying to solve a problem with sewing machines when an unexpected discovery changed the direction of his work. Morgan was experimenting with a chemical solution that could reduce the heat and friction created by fast-moving sewing machine needles. During the process, he noticed that the solution could also change the structure of fibres. He tested it further and found that it could straighten tightly curled hair. The discovery led him to develop a hair-refining product and start the G.A. Morgan Hair Refining Company. His work later became part of the history of chemical hair straightening.
