Early Life and the Path to Beauty
Born in Monterey, Virginia, Marjorie Stewart moved to Chicago at a young age. Her passion for beauty and desire for financial independence led her to enroll in the A.B. Molar Beauty School, from which she graduated in 1916. This was a pivotal time, as opportunities for Black women in professional fields were limited. Joyner, however, saw the beauty industry as a promising avenue.
Soon after, she met and began working for the legendary Madame C.J. Walker, a self-made millionaire and pioneer in Black hair care. Walker became Joyner's mentor, and Joyner quickly rose through the ranks of the Madame C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company. She became a national supervisor, overseeing more than 200 beauty schools and thousands of beauty agents across the country. Her role involved not only managing operations but also training stylists in Walker's hair care methods and business practices.
The Invention of the Permanent Wave Machine
One of Joyner's most significant contributions was her invention of the permanent wave machine. While visiting a client, she was inspired by the way soup was cooked with paper rods, leading her to imagine a similar method for curling hair.
In 1928, she patented her "permanent waving machine," a hooded, electric device that could safely and efficiently perm hair for extended periods. This invention revolutionized the hairdressing industry, making it easier and faster to create fashionable hairstyles. Despite the significance of her invention, Joyner never directly profited from it, as the patent was owned by the Madame C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company.
Beyond the Salon: Education and Activism
Joyner's impact extended far beyond her inventions. She was a passionate advocate for education and professional development within the beauty industry. In 1945, she co-founded the United Beauty School Owners and Teachers Association, an organization dedicated to standardizing beauty culture education and promoting professionalism among Black beauty practitioners. She also worked tirelessly to lobby for the licensing of cosmetologists, ensuring that practitioners met high standards of skill and safety.
Her commitment to civil rights and community upliftment was equally strong. Joyner helped establish the Bronzeville Community Center in Chicago, providing vital services and resources to the Black community. She also worked with figures like Mary McLeod Bethune to advance racial equality and economic opportunities for African Americans.
Legacy and Lasting Impact
Marjorie Joyner passed away in 1994 at the age of 98, leaving behind an indelible mark on American history. Her legacy is multifaceted:
Pioneering Inventor: Her permanent wave machine transformed the beauty industry.
Empowering Educator: She trained generations of Black beauty professionals, creating economic opportunities for countless women.
Civil Rights Advocate: She used her influence to fight for equality and community development.
Entrepreneurial Inspiration: Her life story continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly Black women, to pursue their dreams and break barriers.
Today, Marjorie Joyner is remembered as a trailblazer who not only changed how hair was styled but also championed the advancement of Black women in business and society.
Sources:
Marjorie Joyner - Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marjorie_Joyner Marjorie Stewart Joyner - National Inventors Hall of Fame:
https://www.invent.org/inductees/marjorie-stewart-joyner Marjorie Joyner: Inventing the Permanent Wave Machine - Biography.com:
https://www.biography.com/inventor/marjorie-joyner
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Black American History: Marjorie Joyner (born in 1896 - Southside Chicago), a brilliant Black American inventor, flipped the salon world with her 1928 permanent wave machine.
— X 🔴🔱⚫ (@HeavyIsTheHead_) February 15, 2026
For decades, her invention let stylists safely control heat and timing to curl hair efficiently,… pic.twitter.com/GfMpOw4IDW
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