Marcel Grateau: Early Contributor

In 1872, Marcel Grateau was one of the first hairdressers to use the hot comb as a way to create new wave styles for his clientele in Paris. However, Madam C.J. Walker, an entrepreneur and the first self-made African-American millionaire, would revolutionize the black hair industry by introducing the "shampoo-press-and-curl" Walker system. The kit, which was given to trained agents who sold Walker's products, included a hot comb. As a result, Walker is often credited with introducing the hot comb to black women.