Net Miles Of Smiles

1940’s

Singer Billie Holliday becomes a beauty icon with her trademark white gardenia often worn in the right side of her hair.

1954

George E. Johnson launches the Johnson Products Empire with Ultra Wave Hair Culture, a “permanent” hair straightener for men that can be applied at home. A women’s chemical straightener follows. The “conk” hairstyle was very popular among Black men during this time.