Saturday, 11 January 2020

Martha Matilda Harper – Woman of Invention




Martha Matilda Harper invented the reclining shampoo chair.  Born in Ontario in 1857.  She emigrated to the US and opening a hair salon – this was at a time when most women had their hair done by servants at home. 

She displayed this photo of her almost floor length hair in the salon window.

She invented the now ubiquitous reclining shampoo chair but didn't patent it.  She built a successful franchise operation and married for the first time at the age of 63 to a 39 year old.  Quite the eccentric!

Thanks to Women of Invention by Charlotte Montague

1 comment:

  1. Wouldn't you have loved to meet this lady and talk to her! A 39 yr old! I mean, wow, she invented the reclining shampoo chair! HA

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