February 2023- Celebrating Black Excellence: Willie Morrow

Dr. Willie Lee Morrow, born in 1939,  grew up in poverty in a small Alabama town but went on to live a full life as a barber, author, and inventor. He invented many Black hair tools such as the hair blow dryer's combed nozzle and hair care products that straightened or softened hair such as Soft Sheen, which later helped inspire Jheri Redding's, Jheri Curl. Morrow was also noted for his invention of the popular "Afro Tease" later named "Afro Pick." 

   Morrow started working young but wanted a way out of poverty and started cutting hair at 13 years old. In 1959, when lots of Black southerners were moving to California for the sunny weather and water, Morrow moved to San Diego and attended barber school.

    Later he invested $5000 into his first barber school and salon which became very popular in Black San Diego with celebrities, pro athletes, and politicians. Morrow created all his products in a warehouse behind his barber shop where he employed 200 people.

    While writing barber manuals and hair-related history books, Morrow later shifted his career into media where he started San Diego's first Black radio station and newspaper. After passing his businesses on to his daughter, Morrow still spent plenty of time cutting hair or in his lab experimenting and creating more hair products. 

Dr. Willie Morrow was a key figure in the Black community. He loved what he did and most of all he loved Black people. Dr. Morrow died in June 2022 but his legacy continues to live on.

 

Dr. Willie Morrow, we remember and appreciate you!

Some Willie Morrow Products found on Amazon!

Interested in more? Read about Ms. Lydia Newman, the inventor of the hairbrush with bristles!