DISCOVER
BLACK
BEAUTY HISTORY
Featured Image: Lady Barbers Universal College (1963). Preserved at Black Beauty Archive.
Gain access to hundreds of digitized primary sources, exploring the history of Black Beauty culture. Objects include rare vintage beauty ads, magazines, books, photographs, cosmetics, wigs, beauty tools and more. Explore interactive historical timelines, artist/brand profiles and educational resources.
Collection Span: 1940’s - 2023
Languages: Collection material in English, Spanish & Hebrew.
UNIQUE Magazine, 1994. Preserved at Black Beauty Archive.
FULL ISSUE MAGAZINES
Explore curated collections of full issue magazines including international publications highlighting Black artists, beauty trends, innovations, techniques and more.
500+ Full Issue Titles
50+ Publications
250+ People Featured
LIBRARY & EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
Browse titles and indexes of 100+ books written by Black beauty professionals, researchers, models, photographers and creatives alike. Subjects include the history of beauty patents, color theory, self-care, identity formation, social justice, artist profiles and more.
Featured: Nicholas, D. The Denise Nicholas beauty book. Cornerstone Library. 1971. Preserved at Black Beauty Archive.
Featured: Big Freedia ‘Ya Besta Believa’ Eyelash (2023), Mariah x OPI ‘Liquid Sand’ (2013), Fashion Fair Lipstick (1970s), Kizuri The Fan Comb (1970s). Preserved at Black Beauty Archive.
Cosmetics & Beauty Tools
Explore vintage beauty styling tools, limited edition makeup collections, hot tools and more….
Photographs
Browse rare photographs of beauty practices, beauty events, beauty entrepreneurs, products, pageants, hairstyles, nail trends and more.
Featured Images: Mrs. Powell gets her hair waved for her 114th Birthday (1958), Barber Horace Green (1963) & Pat Clevand at her vanity (1979), Mary Dolton from the School of Barbering and Cosmetology (1992). Preserved at Black Beauty Archive.
Historical Timelines
Comprehensive historical timelines capturing monumental innovations, patents, trends and advancements in beauty culture.
BBA’s Hip-Hop 50 Beauty Timeline including over 120+ entries, 50+ artists and 25+ brands.