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History

PBA Through the Years

Take a look at the 100+ year history of the only organization to represent the entire beauty industry!

 

1872

Francois Marcel Grateau of Paris, France revolutionized hairdressing with his flame-heated waving iron, which made waved hairstyles last 5-6 weeks!

1904

PBA's predecessor, The Barber Supply Dealers Association of America (BSDA) is founded as the earliest beauty industry association with 47 original distributor members. 23 years later, BSDA changes its name to Beauty and Barber Supply Institute (BBSI).

1904

Madam CJ Walker, a beauty industry legend, begins her first beauty line in Denver, CO. She was the wealthiest self-made American woman at the time of her death in 1919. One of her original styling tools is on display in PBA's archives.

1906

Charles Nessler created the permanent wave machine, which gained popularity twenty years later when Miss America received a permanent wave style.

1920's

beauty snapshot!

Bobs, skinny brows, and finger waves define the glitz and rebellion of the Roaring 20s.

1921

The National Hairdressers and Cosmetologists Association (NHCA) is founded. Annual member dues only cost $1.00!

1930's

beauty snapshot!

The 30s represented the Golden Age of Hollywood glam. Evening shadow, brow brushing, and pink cheeks steal the screen!

1940's

beauty snapshot!

Rouge, red lipstick, and victory rolls take a turn from soft glamour to bold femininity.

1941

War strikes! Beauty production dwindles as resources are allocated to US war efforts.

1950's

beauty snapshot!

The invention of wand mascara and aerosol hairspray take hair to new heights… and lengths!

1955

The Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) is formed to help support beauty professionals affected by natural disasters across the nation. The DRF is still active today. Make a donation to help beauty professionals in need at probeauty.org/drf!

1960's

beauty snapshot!

False eyelashes, five-point bobs, and anti-perspirant inspire sleek, on-the-go styles during the mod movement.

1970's

beauty snapshot!

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder when lip gloss, disposable razors, and hand-held blow dryers become household staples.

1980's

beauty snapshot!

Color rules all during the 80s, thanks to one-coat nail polish, vivid shadows, and bronzing powder.

1984

The Joseph L. Weir Trust was formed to support the beauty industry's charity and education initiatives. Today, the Trust funds the PBA Lifetime Member Scholarship and ISSE education.

1986

NHCA becomes the National Cosmetology Association (NCA) to broaden its membership to include estheticians.

1989

The Look Good Feel Better (LGFB) launched with two groups workshops in NYC and DC. As a Program National Collaborator, NCA encourages participation and trains volunteer licensed professionals who teach beauty techniques to female cancer patients to help them combat the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment.

1989

BBSI collaborates with Redken Labs and Modern Salon Media to produce the first North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA).

1990's

beauty snapshot!

The popularity of cellulite creamer, unisex fragrance, and transfer-proof lipstick makes feeling pretty… practical!

1995

The Salon Association (TSA) is formed as branch of BBSI to offer even greater professional resources for salon owners.

1998

BBSI Foundation is formed as a supporting charitable organization for the industry, to support disaster relief and research projects.

1999

The International Cosmetology Exposition (ICE) debuts in Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and Seattle. Thirty years later, the show continues to run as the International Salon and Spa Expo (ISSE).

2000's

beauty snapshot!

It's a new millennium, and beauty is focused on turning back the clock with wrinkle fillers, anti-aging moisturizers, and light-reflecting foundation.

2003

BBSI and IFI / BolognaFiere USA, Inc. partner for the first Cosmoprof North America Event; the largest international B2B beauty event in the U.S.

2004

CUT IT OUT: Salons Against Domestic Abuse, is formed to provide domestic violence recognition training for beauty professionals.

2005

American Beauty Association, The Salon Association, and BBSI merge to form the Professional Beauty Association (PBA).

2010's

beauty snapshot!

Beachy waves, natural textures, and boy brows embrace a youthful, carefree vibe.

2010

PBA merges with NCA to become the largest trade association representing the ENTIRE beauty industry.

2012

PBA hosts the first ever Distributor Executive Conference (DEC) to support beauty distributors across the nation.

2013

PBA hosts the first Executive Summit in sunny Scottsdale, AZ to help strengthen manufacturer relationships and industry prestige.

2019

The International Salon and Spa Expo celebrates its 20th anniversary in Long Beach, CA.

2019

The North American Hairstyling Awards celebrates its 30th anniversary at its new home in Long Beach, CA.

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