Harris, Ada
1870-unknown · Contribution: 1895
Improved hair straightener — a hinged, heated implement with a toothed comb portion to separate hair and flat faces to press it straight
Portraits are AI-generated interpretations, not photographs.
Impact on the world
One of the earliest U.S. patents for a hair-straightening iron (filed Nov 3, 1893; granted 1895); a forerunner of the modern flat iron, though her contribution was long overlooked.
Life & background
African-American schoolteacher from Indianapolis, Indiana; born in Kentucky c.1870. Displayed her invention at the 1894 California Midwinter International Exposition but never commercialized it.
Sources
- U.S. patent record; Racked; Women Invent
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