Black Family's Hair Care Empire Celebrates 50 Years

The Luster family's commitment to community and faith has sustained their business through generations

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The story of Fred Luster Sr., the founder of Luster Products, Inc., a Black-owned hair care company based in Chicago. Starting from humble beginnings in Mississippi, Luster built a successful business rooted in serving the Black community, with iconic brands like Luster's Pink and S-Curl. His children and grandchildren now carry on his legacy, highlighting the family's values of faith, discipline, and giving back.

Why it matters

The Luster family's success story showcases the power of Black entrepreneurship, community investment, and intergenerational wealth-building - themes that are especially relevant during Black History Month. Their commitment to authentic representation and meeting the needs of the Black community has allowed their business to thrive for 50 years, even as the retail landscape has shifted dramatically.

The details

Fred Luster Sr. started out working at a barbershop in Chicago called The Strand before opening his own shop, The Whirlwind, in 1957. There, he began creating hair care products tailored to his customers, which grew in demand locally, regionally, and eventually nationally and internationally. Luster Products, Inc. is now run by Luster's children and grandchildren, who have expanded the business while staying true to the family's values of faith, discipline, and community service.

  • Fred Luster Sr. opened The Whirlwind barbershop in Chicago in 1957.
  • Luster Products, Inc. was founded by Fred Luster Sr. in 1957.
  • Fred Luster Sr. passed away in 1991 after battling cancer.
  • Blondell Luster, Fred Luster Sr.'s wife, passed away in 2005.

The players

Fred Luster Sr.

The founder of Luster Products, Inc., a Black-owned hair care company based in Chicago. He started out working at a barbershop before opening his own shop and developing iconic brands like Luster's Pink and S-Curl.

Blondell Luster

The wife of Fred Luster Sr., she played a key role in maintaining order, culture, and discipline within the household as the business grew. She was also a licensed cosmetologist and worked in the family's barbershop.

Jory Luster Sr.

One of Fred and Blondell Luster's sons, who now helps lead the family business alongside his siblings.

Sonja Luster-Munis

One of Fred and Blondell Luster's children, who reflects on her father's impact on the community and the family's commitment to service.

Herb Luster Sr.

The late Fred Luster Sr.'s brother, who is still active in the Chicago company's operations.

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What they’re saying

“He was simple and straightforward. He said what he meant and meant what he said. If he committed to something, he was going to make it happen. That was just who he was, determined.”

— Jory Luster Sr., Son of Fred Luster Sr. (chicagodefender.com)

“He was God-fearing. He didn't always talk about it, but you saw it in how he lived: honesty, integrity, humility, generosity. Both my parents carried that same moral compass. It wasn't something they just preached. We witnessed it every day.”

— Freddie Luster, Son of Fred Luster Sr. (chicagodefender.com)

“It wasn't just about getting a haircut. There was always a pot in the back, beans or something cooking. It was a community. You got groomed, but you also got fed.”

— Sonja Luster-Munis, Daughter of Fred Luster Sr. (chicagodefender.com)

What’s next

The Luster family plans to continue expanding their business and honoring their father's legacy, with the third and fourth generations now taking on leadership roles.

The takeaway

The Luster family's success story is a testament to the power of Black entrepreneurship, community investment, and intergenerational wealth-building. Their commitment to authentic representation, faith, and giving back has allowed their hair care empire to thrive for 50 years, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.