8 Portraits in Tribute to the Hairstyles of Black Women of the 20th Century

In order to pay homage to Madam CJ Walker, the first American woman to become a millionaire by herself and the legacy she left behind her, the couple of photographers Regis and Kahran Bethencourt unveiled a series of portraits highlighting honor the hairstyles of black women from the end of the 19th century.

The duo called Creative Soul Photography was formed in 2009 while Regis was studying photography. Autodictact at heart, Kahran learned everything by his side. Inspired by their own story and especially that of Madam CJ Walker, they decided to partner with the Madam Walker Legacy Center in Indianapolis to implement their project.

Born in 1867 on a plantation for slaves in Louisiana, Madam CJ Walker began as a farm laborer and laundress. With an extraordinary ambition, she managed to become an entrepreneur at the head of a range of cosmetic and hair products dedicated especially to black women. The Guinness Book of Records qualifies her as the first self-made millionaire woman in America.

Faced with such a journey, the couple from Atlanta wanted to share their heritage and their impact. Thanks to their memories and the study of various archives, they were able to represent several eras and the different modes and evolutions that followed. In just one day, they managed to immortalize 8 historical periods with young model Kendall Xenia Lowe and hair and makeup artist Keondra Renee.

We let you discover below the historical portraits of black women’s hairstyles made by Regis and Kahran Bethencourt, to be found on their Instagram account and on their website. Checkout below 8 Portraits in Tribute to the Hairstyles of Black Women of the 20th Century and make your day cool.

Portrait of Madam CJ Walker

Madam CJ Walker (1867-1919) was an African-American businesswoman. She is the first American woman to become a millionaire on her own thanks to a brand of hair care products.

1890s

1950s

1960s

1970s

1980s

1990s

2000

Future?