  | Fros, Fades, & Braids: A Brief History Of Black Hair In America Author: Qualls, Sean | |
| Price: $23.98 | ||
Summary:
A captivating and hip, brief history of the most well-known Black hairstyles, the people who made those one-of-a-kind styles and look and feel so good, and the Black hair movements that would influence each generation, reminding us that Black hair may change, but it will never cease to leave its mark on the world. (Postponed from Fall 2024)
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (11/01/25)
Full Text Reviews:
Other - 10/13/2025 Qualls (The Idea in You) highlights prominent Black hairstyles as well as Black figures who boosted cultural pride and influenced social change in this brief and stylish authorial debut. Following an introduction that describes hair as "the highest part of your body and closest to heaven," the creator next spotlights Madam C.J. Walker and Annie Turnbo Malone, positioning them as ambitious women whose business ventures helped establish contemporary attitudes surrounding the care and keeping of textured tresses. Editorial illustrations of various hairstyles-including the conk, the Afro, and the Jheri curl-appear throughout, accompanied by passages that call out the ’do’s historical context as well as its cosmetic influences and impact. Passages also showcase the communal spaces, such as barbershops and salons, that play a role in shaping and sustaining beauty spheres, relaying them as a "crucial component in countless communities." Affirming text effectively distills a century’s worth of information, culminating in a cursory guide to the cultural progression of Black hair that may encourage young readers to delve deeper into the subject’s rich history. Ages 8-12. (Jan.) - Copyright 2025
