Martha Matilda Harper (September 10, 1857 – August 3, 1950) was an American businesswoman, entrepreneur, and inventor who launched modern retail franchising[1] and then built an international network of 500 franchised hair salons that emphasized healthy hair care.

[6][7] She learned to respect scientific principles from the physician which benefitted her while making the hair tonic.

[6] Her floor-length hair also served as an effective marketing tool and appeared in many advertisements for her products.

[2][9] Emphasizing customer service and comfort, Harper invented reclining shampoo chairs, which became a common feature of salons worldwide.

[13] The salons offered scalp massage and child care, and they provided evening hours.

[2] At the height of its success, her company had 500 franchises and produced a full line of hair care and beauty products.

In June 1956, Robert McBain, Harper's husband, sold the enterprise to Earl Freese and Gerald Wunderlich who then made three different attempts to sell the business throughout the 1960s and 70s.

[14] In 1971, Robert Prentices, then manager of the Harper manufacturing centre in St. Catharine's, Ontario, purchased the factory assets along with Harper manufacturing and distribution rights, renaming the company Niagara Mist Marketing Ltd, also known as the Soap Factory.

On March 10, 1972, other Harper Method Inc., assets were bought by PEJ Beauty Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Wilfred Academy.

According to Philip Jakeway, then President of the Wilfred Academy, he hoped to expand his operation by marketing the Harper products and shops.

[13] She is considered remarkable for helping other servants live the American dream by hiring them as staff and allowing them to become franchisees.

[22] Tara Rosling portrays Harper in "In the Company of Women" (February 17, 2020), episode 16 of season 13 of the Canadian television period drama Murdoch Mysteries.