The invention of baby hairs is unknown. While it's unclear exactly who first styled their baby hairs, the iconic black actress Josephine Baker popularized the look in the 1920s.
The style became popular during the flapper era, and slicking down baby hairs became a method of "looking presentable." It's believed that laying baby hairs was a way for Black people to present their afro-textured hair, which was otherwise considered unprofessional or unkempt.
Today, baby hairs are a popular hairstyle, often seen as a symbol of Black beauty and empowerment.
