  | Fros, fades, and 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.
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (11/01/25)
School Library Journal (+) (12/12/25)
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
School Library Journal - 12/12/2025 Gr 5 Up—Coretta Scott King Award-winning illustrator Qualls has crafted a visually stunning book about the histories and cultural meanings of Black hairstyles in the United States. The historical background for each hairstyle adds an important educational layer. However, the information goes beyond history and facts; Qualls also highlights the spirit and energy that propelled hairstyle changes, elevating the book to a higher level. This attention to meaning and motivation helps readers understand how hair has served as a form of identity, resistance, community, and self-expression throughout Black American history. The explanations are clear and age-appropriate, giving readers just enough depth to learn something meaningful without feeling overwhelmed. The book features both well-known celebrities and historical figures, as well as some surprising "hair pioneers" who may be unfamiliar to readers, such as Annie Malone (a mentor to Madame CJ Walker) and Garrett Morgan (who was primarily known as an inventor). An informative and entertaining section showcases the tools and methods used to braid, straighten, and loc hair; here, objects such as the pick and Afro Sheen are given their rightful place in history alongside the hairstyles they helped create. Qualls's art is undoubtedly the star of the book. Each hairstyle is beautifully and thoughtfully depicted in vibrant images that wouldn't be out of place in a museum. VERDICT A beautiful and inspirational book that blends art and informational text to create a visually stunning, accessible history of Black hair.—Margaret Auguste - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
