History

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

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).

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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