The Economic Times

In 1909, a Black American entrepreneur invented a chemical solution accidentally, which could be used for straightening hair safely well ahead of time while experimenting with liquids to solve a common problem with sewing machines

In 1909, a Black American entrepreneur, Garrett Morgan, was experimenting with a liquid to reduce friction from sewing machine needles when he noticed that it could straighten fibres. He tested the solution on animal fur and his own hair. The discovery led to a hair-refining business and became part of Morgans wider career as an inventor and entrepreneur.