Willie Morrow
Willie Lee Morrow | |
|---|---|
| Born | 9 October 1939 Eutaw, Alabama, U.S. |
| Died | 22 June 2022 (aged 82) San Diego, California, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Barber, entrepreneur, innovator |
| Years active | 1959–2022 |
| Known for | Inventing the Afro pick; creating early version of the Jheri curl hairstyle |
Willie Lee Morrow (October 9, 1939 – June 22, 2022) was a pioneering American barber, entrepreneur, and innovator within the African American haircare sector. He is recognized for inventing the Afro pick and creating the early version of the Jheri curl hairstyle.
Early life
Morrow was born in Eutaw, Alabama as one of eight children to sharecroppers Hollie and Olean Morrow. He later relocated to San Diego, California, where he completed his barber training at Independent Barber College, graduating in 1959.
Career
In 1959, Morrow established his initial hair salon in San Diego and ran a barbershop on Market Street from the 1960s through the 1990s. He launched the California Curl Company, which manufactured and marketed the afro pick, also referred to as the Afro Tease or "Eze Teze," operating from a warehouse located in Lemon Grove, California. The company also introduced the California Curl treatment, which served as a precursor to the Jheri curl.
Following the publication of The Principles of Cutting and Styling Negro Hair, Morrow was hired by the United States Department of Defense to instruct military barbers on techniques for styling Black hair, providing services at US military installations and combat zones.
The Market Street barbershop owned by Morrow was immortalized in "Willie's Barbershop," a painting by renowned African-American artist and former San Diego Chargers player Ernie Barnes.
Morrow diversified into media by founding San Diego's Black radio station XHRM 92.5 in 1979 and launching the San Diego Monitor newspaper in 1986. His extensive collection of vintage hairstyling tools was showcased in a 2016 exhibition focused on African American hair culture at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido.
He also promoted business development by creating "Black Business Boot Camps" aimed at supporting African-American entrepreneurs in San Diego.
Personal life
In 1966, Morrow married Gloria Morrow; their marriage lasted 56 years until his passing. They had two daughters, Cheryl and Angela. After his retirement, Cheryl took over management of both the San Diego Monitor and the California Curl Company.
Morrow passed away at age 82 from pneumonia on June 22, 2022, at his residence in San Diego.
Books
- The Principles of Cutting and Styling Negro Hair (1966)
- 400 Years Without a Comb (1973)